Pre-SIHH 2011 Release: Jaeger-LeCoultre Grande Reverso Ultra Thin Tribute to 1931
Undoubtedly at some stage during your travails through the internet over the past few days you would have come across, and we suggest probably lingered, on this gorgeous new piece from Jaeger-LeCoultre, a stunning remake of their original 1931 Reverso. Officially announced last week in the lead up to SIHH 2011, the brand has decided to celebrate the 80th anniversary of one of its most iconic collections in classic style.
Birth Of An Icon
The rather remarkable origins of the Reverso can be traced back to India, with its inception coming about in response to repeated requests by English polo players who desired an unbreakable watch that could survive the rigours of their intense sport. And so, in a moment of inspiration the idea was born to create a reversible watch with a case that would revolve in order to protect the dial and expose only the metal back to shocks.
What a revolutionary idea this would become!
Whilst the Reverso no doubt performed, and still does perform, its primary function of protecting the timepiece exceptionally well, there is no way its makers could have foreseen the incredible popularity this design would garner, but for a very different reason. You see, the steel or gold back also provided the perfect canvas for owners to personalize their favorite timepiece. These few square centimeters allowed for the engraving of something as simple as their initials or lucky number, to more complex designs like their family crest, club emblem or even perhaps an enamel portrait of their beloved wife.
And so the Reverso soon became a symbol of elegance identifiable at a single glance.
A Modern Day Tribute
Following on in this spirit of innovation and revolutionary design the focus of the new Grande Reverso Ultra Thin is on extreme simplicity. Thanks to the stunningly diminutive height of the Jaeger-LeCoultre Calibre 822 (at just 2.94 mm), the design engineers have been able to build a Reverso slimmer than ever before, allowing for a case with generous proportions that is in no way bulky or uncomfortable on the wrist.
The overtly simplistic design cues are taken straight from the original models, the pure dial with its vertical guilloché pattern, the restrained design of the Arabic numerals, the slim blued hands, all hallmarks of a classic beauty from another time.
The brand will present two Grande Reverso Ultra Thin Tribute to 1931, one a limited series in pink gold and the other in steel, with both featuring a black or white dial with dagger-shaped hands and baton-type hour-markers directly inspired by the original Reverso.
These timepieces are the epitome of classic cool itself.
The Final Word
Jaeger-LeCoultre is a brand with a very rich history spanning more than a century and it is truly a pleasure to see them celebrating it in such style, paying respect to the original creations which have formed the foundations of the brand’s present day success. Indeed we predict this latest offering will be a huge success and undoubtedly the limited edition pink gold series will sell out in a very short period of time, so do not hesitate if you want one for your collection!
To find out more please visit Jaeger-LeCoultre’s official website: www.jaeger-lecoultre.com
Category: Basel World
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I am looking to buy a Jaeger Le Coultre grande reverso ultra slim watch.
I am happy to consider new or pre owned.
Can you help?