Jaeger-LeCoultre’s Reverso is an icon that transcends time and place. Originally conceived as a sports watch for British polo players in 1930s India, the versatile Reverso has never been more relevant than during its 2016 85th anniversary. Philippe Bonay, Jaeger-LeCoultre’s North American President, sat down with iW to discuss the three guiding tenants of the new Reverso collections and opening up Jaeger-LeCoultre to an even larger audience.
Reverso Classic
The Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Classic comes in three sizes, and all are in stainless steel – the Reverso purist’s choice. These models premiered on the eve of SIHH 2016 in January. This collection emphasizes the history of the watch by retaining the approximate proportions of the original with special emphasis placed on the famed “golden ratio” of the 1931 original. While the aesthetic doesn’t change much from the 1930s, the Classic collection offers new automatic options.
Reverso One
This ladies collection consists of One Réédition, Cordonnet, and Duetto Moon. According to Bonay, the entire “One” collection is inspired by a 1930s reference that was a notable exception from the Reverso’s usual “golden ratio” proportions. Additionally, the Reverso One High Jewelry features hours and minutes on the front and back.
Reverso Tribute
Bonay explained that the Tribute collection was created for Jaeger-LeCoultre’s most loyal and traditional collectors. This family of Reversos houses the most complicated anniversary novelties including the awesome Reverso Tribute Gyrotourbillon.
The Reverso Tribute is the first Gyrotourbillon with two independent dials. A stunning sight, the new Gyrotourbillon rotates on two axes at rates of 12.6 and 60 seconds per circuit. On the back of this grand complication, the wearer will find an “85th Anniversary” case engraving and individual numbering up to 75 pieces. The hand-engraved reverse dial also features a day/night indicator and a small seconds hand driven by the tourbillon.
Learn more about the Jaeger-LeCoultre manufacture here.