Wristwatches · Wristwatch
Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Classique in 18k Yellow Gold Ref. 250.1.86, early 2000s
- Maker / attribution
- Jaeger le Coultre (maker)
- Date
- early 2000s
- Historical period
- Mechanical Renaissance (1990 – 2010)
- Country of origin
- Unrecorded in source
- Object type
- Wristwatch
- Materials / technique
- 18k yellow gold
- Dimensions
- Case 38.5 mm
- Stock no.
- W-3055
- Credit line
- Dealer listing, Bulang & Sons (W-3055)
- Catalogue title (original)
- Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Classique in 18k Yellow Gold Ref. 250.1.86 (English)
View the source record (dealer listing) ↗ (opens another website in a new tab)Suggest a correction
Record summary
Catalogued by Bulang & Sons (dealer), Copenhagen (stock number W-3055), this is a wristwatch by Jaeger le Coultre, dated early 2000s. The Atlas places it in the Mechanical Renaissance period (1990 – 2010) of its Wristwatches collection. Materials and techniques recorded by the source: 18k yellow gold. Recorded dimensions: Case 38.5 mm. The record is illustrated with 6 photographs.
Assembled from the source record's structured fields. Dates and attributions are given as the source states them; where a field is missing the Atlas leaves it blank rather than estimating.
Catalogue description
Dealer description — Bulang & Sons
The Reverso was originally designed to withstand the rigors of polo matches. Its elegant Art Deco lines and innovative, reversible case have since made it one of the most recognizable watches in the world—arguably the iconic timepiece in Jaeger-LeCoultre’s collection. Introduced in 1931, the Reverso was conceived as a sports watch, distinguished by its innovative case design. During the 1930s, watches needed to be more resilient than what was commonly available, which led to the creation of its ingenious reversible case. What we have here is a beautiful 18K yellow gold version from the "Classic" line, with dimensions (38.5mm x 23mm) and proportions that closely resemble the original 1930s design. The dial is a charming two-tone silver with enamel Arabic numerals and a classy train-track minute track. There’s no lume, and the hands are blued, simple yet elegant. The case is in excellent condition, and the reversible "flip side" features a hand-engraved "JC" in a lovely font. We always appreciate these engravings—there’s something mysterious about them, and often they come with fascinating stories. Of course, sometimes, the meaning behind the engraving remains a mystery. The watch is fitted with a gently used JLC leather strap and an original 18K gold pin buckle, also from Jaeger-LeCoultre. If desired, we can also fit this timepiece with a strap from our own collection. The hand-wound movement has been fully serviced by our watchmaker. We truly believe these watches are iconic—and they’ve already proven to never go out of style. Please get back to us to get you this one ! Specifications: - Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso “classique “ reference 250.1.86 - 38.5 x 23 mm 18 k yellow gold case - Two tone silver dial Arabic numerals - Hand engraved “JC” on backside - Serial number 187xxxx dating to the early 2000s - Jaeger Lecoultre manual wound movement - JLC strap with JLC18k gold pin buckle - Fully serviced by our watchmaker
Historical context
Mechanical Renaissance (1990 – 2010)
Mechanical watches return as cultural objects; independent watchmaking flourishes.
Mechanical watches returned as cultural and luxury objects. Complications, tourbillons and new materials proliferated; independent watchmakers such as George Daniels, F.P. Journe and Philippe Dufour revived artisanal watchmaking; collecting vintage watches became a major field.
Read the period in the timelineMore wristwatches from this periodEarlier: Quartz Revolution
Atlas type guide
Wristwatches
Bracelet watches were worn by women from the early nineteenth century — Breguet made one for Caroline Murat, Queen of Naples, in 1810–12 — but the wristwatch only became a man's instrument with military use and aviation in the early twentieth century. Between the World Wars it overtook the pocket watch; the 1920s and 1930s brought rectangular Art Deco cases, water-resistant cases and the first automatic winding systems.
After 1945 the wristwatch became a carrier of identity — dress watches, sports and dive watches, chronographs, calendars — produced by Swiss, American, Japanese, German, Soviet and Chinese industries. The quartz revolution after 1969 and the mechanical renaissance since the 1990s, including the rise of independent watchmakers, complete the story.
What to look for
- The reference number (between the lugs or inside the case back) and serial number, the starting point for dating.
- The calibre: its maker and number are often stamped under the dial or on the bridge.
- Originality of dial, hands and crown — refinished ('redial') dials are common.
- Case material marks: 18K/750, 14K/585, stainless steel, gold-filled, plated.
Dating clues
- Wire-lug cases: before c. 1925.
- Water-resistant screw-down cases: from 1926.
- Quartz movements: from 1969; sapphire crystals widespread after c. 1980.
General guidance written by the Atlas editors about this kind of object. It is not a statement about this particular piece; for that, rely on the source record above and on physical examination.
Related records
Wristwatches · early 1960s
Jaeger le Coultre Deepsea Alarm Ref E857, early 1960s
Bulang & Sons (dealer), Copenhagen
Wristwatches · 1990s
Jaeger LeCoultre Reverso “Grande Taille” Two-Tone Silver Dial ref. 270.8.62 Set, 1990s
Bulang & Sons (dealer), Copenhagen
Wristwatches · 1995
Jaeger le Coultre Master Control Memovox Silver Dial Ref 141.8.97, 1995
Bulang & Sons (dealer), Copenhagen
Wristwatches · early 1970s
Rare Jaeger le Coultre Memovox Silver Dial 875.42, early 1970s
Bulang & Sons (dealer), Copenhagen
Wristwatches · 1999
'Millennium' co-axial wristwatch by George Daniels and Omega, England, 1999
Science Museum Group, London
Wristwatches · 2008
Wristwatch by Breitling?, 2008
Museum Rotterdam
Wristwatches · 2008
Wristwatch by Celsior Quartz, 2008
Museum Rotterdam
Wristwatches · 2008
Wristwatch possibly by Emporio Armani, 2008
Museum Rotterdam