Jaeger LeCoultre

The Reverso

The Reverso was designed in 1931 so that polo players could flip the case and protect the crystal, and that swivelling case is still the point. Reverso Classic is the plain version; Duoface puts a second time zone on the reverse; Duetto gives the second face a different, often diamond-set dial for a two-in-one watch; Grande Reverso stretches the case for those who find the classic too small. The flat caseback is the traditional place for engraving.

Master and Polaris

Master Ultra Thin is the dress line, and the Master Ultra Thin Moon, with its moonphase at six, is the single most common JLC in our inventory. Master Grande Ultra Thin enlarges it. Polaris is the modern interpretation of the 1968 Memovox diver, offered as a three-hander, chronograph and, on some references, with the internal alarm bezel that made the original.

Sizing the Reverso

Reverso sizing confuses people because the case is rectangular and the published measurement is usually the length. Reverso Classic Small is genuinely small and traditionally worn by women; Medium and Large move up in both directions; Grande Reverso Ultra Thin is the long, elegant proportion most collectors picture. Duetto adds thickness because there are two dials. Send us your wrist measurement and tell us whether you want it to read dressy or substantial.

Condition and case work

Reverso cases have a sliding cradle that wears over time, so we check the action and the play in the carriage on every piece before listing. Engraving on a caseback is common and we photograph it rather than describing it away. Box and papers are noted where present, pieces listed as price on request are quoted on enquiry, and we buy and trade Jaeger-LeCoultre.