The Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso, created in 1931, characterised the art deco period in its streamlined, rectangular silhouette. It was famously designed to withstand the rigours of a polo match. The answer was a dial that flips right over, out of harm’s way, leaving the caseback showing instead.
A pinnacle of technical accomplishment and clean design, the Reverso epitomised the principles of both form and function.
Now, a new book released to coincide with the 90th anniversary of the Reverso looks at the watch’s history, tracing its journey through more than 50 movements and several hundred dial designs. The timepiece’s blank metal reverse side allows for bespoke adornment and, over the years, has been embellished with gemstones, engravings and enamel, for example. This scope for personalisation, one of the Reverso’s key attributes, continues to add to its popularity today. As author Nicholas Foulkes points out: ‘Much has changed since the 1930s, but for owners, now as then, the Reverso caseback remains a place where stories are told, emotions are expressed, and memories are stored.’
INFORMATION
Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso, by Nicholas Foulkes, is published by Assouline
jaeger-lecoultre.com
assouline.com (opens in new tab)
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