This is one of the iconic watches of the 20th century: the Le Coultre Reverso, which is still produced today nearly 100 years after it was first released. This watch has an unusual feature that allows the face of the watch to be turned inwards to protect it. The inspiration for the Reverso came to Caesar De Trey while watching a polo match in India. De Trey observed the damage done to watches in the course of the rough and tumble of the sport and conceived of a reversible watch that could be turned inwards in order to protect the dial and crystal. De Trey contacted Jacques-David LeCoultre, with whom he already had business dealings - indeed De Trey had introduced the inventor of the Atmos clock to LeCoultre. LeCoultre was taken with the idea and committed to the development (all of the above and a wealth of further information about Jaeger LeCoultre can be found in the excellent "Jaeger LeCoultre a Guide for the Collector" by Zaf Basha)

This particular watch is part of the very first edition of the Reverso: LeCoultre in the 1931 didn't produce a suitable size rectangular movement to power their new watch. So up until early 1933 they used a movement from a rival firm: the Tavannes cal 64. These early Reversos are easily identifiable due to the lack of the seconds hand. 

The case and dial very clearly reflect the time they were made in - the watch has an elegant Art Deco design, which was at the height of fashion when it was made. The watch is in fair condition for it's age: it's clearly had a life and the dial has developed a nicely aged patina. The watch head rotates smoothly and the movement has been serviced and runs very well. Many people used the large blank area of the case back to have dedications or monograms engraved, although not something that has happened to this watch. 

The watch has been fully serviced and is performing well. I feel proud to have got this watch back into working order, it's rather an historic piece and I'm sure it's new owner will cherish and keep it for future generations to enjoy. 


Case size: 23mm x 38mm
Case material: Stainless steel
Strap width: 17mm
time keeping: grade A