Created by Jacques-David LeCoultre in 1931, the Reverso was initially conceived to withstand the harsh beating a watch would endure during a game of polo. With the need for the watch to be more durable, the Reverso's genius reveals itself through its eponymous design – a reversible case. With its case able to be turned around on itself, the Reverso's dial can be protected while playing sports and returned to its natural position with a quick flick and slide. Thanks to its iconic heritage, the Reverso has evolved into one of Jaeger LeCoultre's most important design vehicles to date, with a healthy number of contemporary variations to suit the palate of modern enthusiasts and connoisseurs alike.
What we have here today is a Jaeger LeCoultre Reverso Grand Taille ‘Art Deco’ Ref. 270.2.62, featuring a two-tone silver dial housed within an 18-carat rose gold case. While black dial versions of this model are available in various precious metal cases, I find that there's a distinctiveness to this particular pairing of a rose gold case and a silver dial, which is also relatively rarer compared to its black dial counterparts.
Just like the regular base variant Ref. 270.2.62, this example sports Jaeger LeCoultre’s signature ‘Grand Taille’ style case. It measures 46mm (including lugs) x 26mm and is based on the golden ratio, which is a ratio between two dimensions that equals 1.618. Also known mathematically as the divine proportion, it is, in general terms, a ratio that is known to be pleasing to the human eye. Accentuating this, the case features highly polished surfaces coupled with engraved lines running horizontally across the top and bottom of the case.
The dial of this reference is undoubtedly its most distinctive and appealing design element. Building on the layout we typically see on the regular Ref. 270.2.62, this example here showcases a silver satin vertical-grain outer section, which encompasses elegantly printed art deco black Floral Arabic numerals with a matching luminous ‘kite’ handset and a running small-seconds at the 6 o ‘clock position.
Powering this stunning work of art from within is the ultra-thin, in-house, manual-wind Jaeger LeCoultre Cal. 822 at just 2.94mm in thickness, which features 21 jewels, beats at 21,600 vph and holds a power reserve of 45 hours on a full wind.
I always tell people that there is nothing quite like a nice dressy Reverso, especially in this configuration with an elegant dial and intriguing numerals, it is truly unparalleled. Nonetheless, this reference is a remarkable embodiment of the Maison's commitment to displaying true artistry and versatility with the Reverso lineage.
