JLC Reverso 270.8.62JLC Reverso 270.8.62
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Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Ref. 270.8.62

The Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso was born in 1931, during the height of the Art Deco movement, a time when modernity was celebrated in design, architecture, and fashion. The watch was originally conceived to meet the needs of polo players, whose timepieces couldn’t withstand the sport’s rough conditions. César de Trey, a Swiss businessman, collaborated with Jacques-David LeCoultre to create a watch with a unique flipping case, allowing the delicate dial to be protected during play.

The Reverso quickly became a symbol of elegance and innovation, with its rectangular case, clean lines, and geometric design, perfectly reflecting the Art Deco era. The Reverso Grande Taille, a slightly larger variation of the original, continues this legacy, offering a bold presence on the wrist while maintaining the timeless appeal that has made the Reverso an icon.
This particular Reverso Grande Taille, from the 1990s, retains all the hallmarks of the classic design, including its crisp dial and reversible case. service papers from 2020.

€ 6.400

Availability: In stock

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Details
Brand Jaeger-LeCoultre
Diameter 26 x 41 mm
Model Reverso
Bracelet/strap: Original Leather
Reference 270.8.62
Buckle/clasp Original steel folding clasp
Year of production (circa) 1990
Lug Width 19 mm
Material Steel
Set Content JLC service papers 2020
Crystal Sapphire
Warranty 2 year (AWCo)
Dial color Silver
Movement Hand-wound
Backstory

To understand the odd design of the Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso, we have to travel to India, 1930. Watch collector and business man Oscar de Trey was watching British army officers play a game of polo. One of them broke his watch’s crystal during the match and challenged Oscar to come up with a design that would survive the rough sport.

De Trey dreamed up a watch that would be reversible and met up with Jacques-David LeCoultre to get it done. He would supply the movements for these watches. Edmond Jaeger (who would later merge with LeCoultre in 1937) was contracted to build the cases. A designer by the name of René-Alfred Chauvot was hired to develop the basic idea into a working design. His unique reversible watch case was patented in 1931. The case could slide out of its cradle and be turned over, exposing a metal backplate, rather than the delicate crystal and dial. The Reverso was born.

If you have a look at this 1931 art deco design, you will instantly recognize the modern Reverso. The case shape has hardly changed and the original was already rather substantial; the same size as the modern Reverso classique. Of course many variations were introduced, among which a 1935 update with a square sub-dial for the seconds.

The backplate of the Reverso was often used for personal engravings or enamel decorations. It took until 1994 before JLC would house two dials and sets of hands within a single Reverso, creating the duo-face. A technical challenge, since both faces are powered by the same movement in between. Most would feature a light and a dark dial, to match different outfits, moods or times of the day (Reverso Day & Night).

Several versions with different complications were produced from 1991 onwards. Multiple sizes, materials and movement types are also available. Most are fitted with manually wound or quartz calibers, although automatic versions do exist.

The Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso is arguably the world’s first specially designed sports watch. By today’s standards its looks are classically formal, but its roots are clearly in equestrian sports. Much like the Cartier Tank, its rectangular design has survived the test of time with flying colors. If it is a true design classic you are after, no need to look any further.

Shipping

At AWCo we put the safety of our shipments upfront at all times. Therefore, we ship all our packages insured.

We strive to promptly handle packages to minimize delays. Delivery times begin from the day of dispatch. While we make every effort to ensure smooth delivery, we cannot be held responsible for delays caused by destination customs, local duties, taxes, or lost items during transit.

Certainly, we understand that overloaded mail-order companies can also contribute to potential delays in the delivery process. Despite our best efforts, external factors beyond our control may affect shipping times. Rest assured, we remain committed to providing timely service and will work diligently to ensure your order reaches you as promptly as possible. For any inquiries or updates, feel free to reach out to us at info@awco.nl. Your satisfaction is our priority.

Brand

Jaeger-LeCoultre

Model

Reference

270.8.62

Year of production (circa)

1990

Material

Steel

Crystal

Sapphire

Dial color

Silver

Movement

Hand-wound

Diameter

26 x 41 mm

Bracelet/strap:

Original Leather

Buckle/clasp

Original steel folding clasp

Lug Width

19 mm

Set Content

JLC service papers 2020