About Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Watch

Post date: Mar 09, 2016 7:40:36 AM

Jaeger-LeCoultre introduced the Reverso in 1931 after numerous British officers stationed in India allegedly complained that their watches broke too frequently during their heated polo matches. Jaeger-LeCoultre devised a design in which the case with the movement is housed in a separate, outer “frame.” This case could be pulled to the side and flipped over so the crystal could be faced towards the wrist, thus protecting it from impacts. Swiss watchmaking met British Colonial high society with these reversible Jaeger-LeCoultre watches - Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso replica.

The Reverso is probably reversible watch that is best known by a wider audience. However, Jaeger-LeCoultre was not the only company to produce these types of timepieces. In fact, according to history, another brand’s model was introduced even before the Reverso — namely, the Universal Genève Cabriolet. Universal Genève presented its model in 1929.

The Cabriolet also has a square case that sits in an outer frame, but in this case the crown is at the 6 o’clock position. Above 12 o’clock there is a little screw that allows the wearer to snap the case out, turn it 180 degrees, than snap it back into the outer frame, securing it with the crown. Whether the brand was also planning to launch a watch for polo players, or whether it was only a coincidence is unknown to me, but it is very interesting nonetheless that two of the major brands of that era came up with such similar designs so close together.