Jaeger LeCoultre  Reverso  Watches

Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso: An Iconic Dress Watch

In 1931, Swiss watchmaking giant Jaeger-LeCoultre introduced the Reverso watch, an Art Deco-inspired rectangular watch with a reversible case. But behind its unique design is a fascinating story involving a game of polo and broken watch dials.

The Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso came about as a result of British Army officers in India wanting a watch that holds out during a polo game. The case, developed by René-Alfred Chauvot, boasts a swiveling mechanism allowing the back of the case to protect the fragile front dial. Just like the Jaeger-LeCoultre Duomètre and the Jaeger-LeCoultre Geophysic, the Reverso became one of the brand’s most iconic watches to date. Further improvements to the Jaeger-LeCoultre watch would include a “two-faced” dial, a day-night indicator, small seconds, and a tourbillon.

Prices at a Glance: Most Popular Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Watches

How much is a Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso watch? What makes it different from other Jaeger-LeCoultre watches? Here’s a handy list of the Reverso models, their prices, and unique features.

How much does a Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso watch cost?

The Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso price varies depending on the model and its features. One of the simpler models, the Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Classic Small 2618540, has a stainless steel case with a plain silvered gray dial. The price for this Jaeger-LeCoultre watch is around $4,129 USD, and this is perhaps the most basic Reverso watch one can get. On the other hand, the Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Classic Medium Thin 2518140 is a ladies’ watch with stainless steel link bracelet and the same plain back dial. It’s slightly more expensive at $4,599 USD, but it is a perfect option for those who prefer bracelets instead of leather straps.

Prices for the ladies and men’s Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso are more expensive depending on the materials used and complications included. For example, the Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Tribute Small Seconds 3978480 costs $6,979 USD due to its small seconds and Casa Fagliano leather strap. Additionally, the Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Tribute Moon 3958420, with a front dial that has a moon phase indicator and a back dial with a second time zone and day-night indicator, is on the more expensive side at $11,479 USD. A Jaeger-LeCoultre watch decked with diamonds and gems can also cost between $4,989 USD as seen in the Reverso One 3288420 and a whopping $67,000 USD for the pink gold Reverso One Duetto Jewellery 3362201 watch.

Overall, the Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso offers an impressive catalog of timepieces with different price points. Depending on what you’re looking for, you can find a vintage Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso watch or a brand new one for as low as $4,000 USD. Meanwhile, watches with additional complications and features can cost up to a hundred thousand dollars or more.

The Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso 90th Anniversary Edition

For the 90th anniversary of the iconic Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso,  the brand released a special limited edition Tribute watch. But before its launch, Jaeger-LeCoultre released a limited-edition Reverso Tribute Duoface Fagliano. The Jaeger-LeCoultre watch boasts a pink gold case with a burgundy red front dial and a back dial that features a 24-hour display and a second time zone.

In April 2021, Jaeger-LeCoultre unveiled its 90th-anniversary watch for the Reverso. Aptly named the Nonantième (French for 90th), the watch features a pink gold case with a silvered gray front dial that has a large date display and a moon phase indicator alongside its hour and minute display. On the other hand, the back dial has a unique display with a round hour and minute display. The day-night indicator completes its look along with polished gold stars that shine against the blue lacquer. Along with a 42-hour power reserve, the Nonantième is powered by a Calibre 826 movement, created specifically for this limited edition watch.

With only 190 pieces in production and priced at $40,500 USD, the Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Tribute Nonantième has the core elements of the classic Reverso Jaeger-LeCoultre watch, but with a modern and expected twist.

Vintage Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso — Is it a good investment?

As the watch has been around for almost a century, you can find plenty of vintage Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso watches in the market. But the question is: is a vintage Jaeger-LeCoultre watch good for investment? The answer is a definite yes. The Reverso never goes out of style and its simple look is versatile and more elegant.

For a vintage Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso, it can cost up to $40,000 USD for gold watches with a tourbillon, while basic models start at a more affordable price of $5,000 USD. 

Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso's History and Design Details

The origin of the Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso dates back to the 1930s when the Swiss watchmaking giant created an innovative timepiece that could withstand the intensity of a polo game. Back then, the mallet strokes would either scratch or damage the dial of a player's watch. René-Alfred Chauvot, an engineer working for Jaeger-LeCoultre would then create the famous “slide-and-flip” reversible case that can protect the dial and glass of the watch. 

The original model had a plain black dial with hour and minute hands. In 1934, Jaeger-LeCoultre introduced a Reverso watch with a small seconds counter at six o’clock. Older designs also had a plain back dial which was used for personalized engravings. After the Second World War, the uncommon rectangular case became unpopular as traditional round watches became more in favor. It wasn’t until 1982 when the Reverso was revived and would have further improvements to its design.

In 1985, the first water-resistant Reverso case was released. They also introduced the tourbillon to its Reverso watches in 1993, a minute repeater in 1994, and a chronograph in 1996. It was also in 1994 when they introduced the “Duoface” concept, with the back of the watch being another dial. Additionally, they incorporated a dual time zone in the Reverso Jaeger-LeCoultre watch in 1998 and a perpetual calendar in 2000. As for the back dial, they would develop the watch and add another dial, world clock, perpetual calendar, or other complications on its back.

5 Reasons to Buy a Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Watch

Still on the fence about buying a Reverso Jaeger-LeCoultre watch? If so, here are some reasons why you should push through and buy a Reverso watch.

1. Iconic Case

The creative Art Deco-inspired rectangular case gives the watch an elegant look, and has been one of the more popular models from Jaeger-LeCoultre. Although other luxury watch brands have created their own interpretation of the rectangular case, the Reverso is still the most easily recognizable one in the industry.

2. Various Designs and Materials

From pink gold, stainless steel, and platinum cases to leather or gem-set bracelets, there are different design options for the Reverso watch. Other, more expensive watches also come in diamond-set cases and bracelets.

3. Functionality 

True to its purpose, the Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso is a watch that can survive intense sports like polo. By turning its case, the back protects the front dial from possible scratches and other damages.

4. Additional Complications 

Aside from the usual hour-minute functions of the Reverso watch, other models come with additional complications. Some Reverso models come with a moon phase indicator, small seconds, and a day-night indicator. On the other hand, other models come with a tourbillon and a spherical tourbillon.

5. Wide Range of Prices 

The Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso price can suit different budgets, with the most affordable watch at $4,400 USD and the most expensive watches costing more than $100,000 USD.

Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso: A Horology Legend 

The Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso watch is without a doubt one of the most innovative timepieces in horology history. It combines both functionality and aesthetic with its protective case that protects the front dial and an iconic rectangular case. Although there have been several additions in the newer models like the tourbillon and other complications, it remains faithful to the original design, honoring its heritage.