Reverso, the story of a watch with two faces crafted by Jaeger-LeCoultre

Through its iconic design, the Reverso Jaeger-LeCoultre has a very special story behind it... Discover it in this article!

Reverso: a watch born from a sporting challenge

If it appears today as a chic and dressy watch, you should know that originally the Reverso is a sports watch : that of the polo shirt for which it was specially designed.

The supreme discipline of the British aristocracy between the two wars, polo players complained to damage their watches (especially glasses) during their matches and training sessions, through stick blows and falls.

In 1931, Jacques-David LeCoultre stepped in: he was tasked with creating a watch capable of withstanding the rigors of the game of polo. Thus, the Reverso was born: a watch whose the case rotates 180° revealing a solid, shock-resistant base. This unique feature will give it the name “Reverso”, which in Latin means “I turn around”. 

The Reverso: a historic watch

In the early 1930s, the first prototypes were tested and validated by polo players in British India. From then on, it was a success, both commercially and socially. The Reverso even became “the engagement watch“the most offered of all time! 

However, the emergence of the Second World War would lead to a lull - the trend returned to round watches with the birth of new iconic models such as the Rolex Daytona and theOmega Speedmaster. Production of the Reverso was then suspended, the equipment was destroyed and orders were filled from available stock.

It was resumed in 1972 thanks to the audacity of Georgio Corvo, a distributor of the Maison in Italy, which chose to buy back all stocks (approximately 200 pieces) and restart production of the Reverso. 

40 years after its creation, the Reverso has regained its initial success. From the 1990s onwards, Jaeger-LeCoultre will never cease to renew its flagship model to make it more technical with new complications appearing (GMT, chime, calendar, moon phases, etc.), new mechanisms (quartz, automatic and even tourbillon), new calibers, new versions called two dials called “Duoface”, but also more jewelry with new sizes, models for women…

The Reverso: a watch with a unique and versatile design

Today, the Reverso remains a flagship model of Jaeger-LeCoultre, a must-have whose popularity continues to grow over the years, which will please both the vintage watch lover to the fine watchmaking enthusiast Everyone will be able to find the Reverso that suits them. 

But although the Reverso has undergone many variations over the years, it remains faithful to the original 1931 model and its codes. Art Deco : the rectangular case and minimalist gadroons of its reversible case make it one of the most recognizable watches in the world. 

The model offers numerous possibilities for customizing its solid back: enamel, engraving, setting of precise stones, mottoes, sweet words or safe codes... it represents all the know-how of the Maison. Discover its different variations: 

Reverso Classic 

Launched in 1931, the Reverso Classic is the original model, famous for its sleek design and reversible case. Originally designed for polo players, it protected the dial from impacts while offering a timeless aesthetic. This model remains a watchmaking icon for its simplicity and elegance.

Reverso Tribute 

There Reverso Tribute, introduced in the 2010s, pays homage to the original Reverso with a vintage design. This model retains the classic lines of the first version, while adding refined details such as guilloché or sunray dials and slimmer cases. It embodies Jaeger-LeCoultre's heritage while offering a touch of modernity.

Reverso Duoface 

There Reverso Duoface, launched in 1994, is a revolutionary version with two different dials on a single reversible case. This model allows two time zones to be read, making the watch particularly useful for travelers. The front dial is traditional, while the back can be personalized with a different design, or even a guilloché.

Reverso Duetto 

There Reverso Duetto is the feminine version of the Duoface model, launched in 1997. With its two reversible dials, it offers a more ornate design on the back, often embellished with diamonds. The watch is perfect for those looking for a piece that is both elegant and functional, with a classic side and a more ornate and precious side.

Reverso Squadra 

Introduced in 2006, the Reverso Squadra represents a departure from the traditional rectangular design, offering a square case. This sportier and bolder model is equipped with watch complications such as a chronograph or a seconds indicator. The solid case and modern lines bring a more contemporary feel to the Reverso collection.

Reverso Gyrotourbillon

The model Reverso Gyrotourbillon, launched in 2008, is a masterpiece of fine watchmaking. This complex model is equipped with a spherical vortex, an extremely technical and rare complication. With its ultra-detailed dial and exceptional finishes, this model represents the pinnacle of Jaeger-LeCoultre's innovation and expertise.

Reverso Quadriptych

There Reverso Quadriptych, presented in 2021, is a true horological feat. It incorporates four different dials, each displaying astronomical complications such as a perpetual calendar, moon phases, and a tourbillon. This ultra-technical model offers unprecedented complexity in a reversible case, highlighting the excellence of the Jaeger-LeCoultre manufacture.

Reverso Tribute Chronograph

Launched in 2023, the Reverso Tribute Chronograph combines the classic elegance of the Reverso with the functionality of a chronograph. It features two reversible dials, one dedicated to displaying time and the other to the chronograph. This model combines the aesthetics of traditional design with modern, technical elements, while maintaining the iconic identity of the Reverso.

The Reverso: an unrivaled and unparalleled watch, by Jaeger-LeCoultre 

Today, there is no other watch that compares to the technical genius of the Reverso, except perhaps a rival model from Cartier, Although the brand is known for its iconic watches in watchmaking, it has tried to compete with the Reverso with a variation of there Tank, the “Basculante”, which appeared in 1932, just one year after the Reverso. The difference between the two lies in the fact that the Tank only pivots lengthwise, vertically, and thus does not steal the success of the Reverso.

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