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Reverso

Introduced: 1931

Purpose / Inspiration: The Reverso was designed for British Army officers playing polo in colonial India, who needed a watch that could survive the blows of the sport. The result? A rectangular watch with a unique flip-over case—protecting the crystal and dial by reversing to reveal a solid steel back. Over the years, that flipping case became a canvas for personalization, dual time zones, and high complications. It’s JLC’s most iconic design—and one of the most distinctive watches ever made.

Designer: Designed by French engineer René-Alfred Chauvot, patented in 1931; produced by Jaeger-LeCoultre with help from LeCoultre & Cie and case manufacturer Wenger

Case size:

  • Varies widely by model:
    • Reverso Classic / Tribute Small: ~20mm–24mm wide
    • Medium / Large / Duoface: 25mm–30mm wide, 42mm–47mm long
    • Grande / Complication models: up to 50mm+ in length
  • Ultra Thin versions: 7mm thick or less

Case options:

  • Stainless steel
  • 18k rose or white gold
  • Platinum (rare or limited)
  • Signature slide-and-flip rectangular case with Art Deco lugs
  • Some models feature sapphire display backs or engraved reverse sides

Powered by:

  • Manual-wind and automatic JLC calibers:
    • Caliber 822 / 854 (manual)
    • Caliber 967 / 968 (auto Tribute series)
    • Dual-time and Day/Night on DuoFace and Duetto models
    • Tourbillon, calendar, minute repeater on Grand Complication Reversos
  • Many movements are shaped specifically to fit the rectangular case

Bezel:

  • Part of the case body—polished or stepped design depending on model

Dial options:

  • Silver, black, blue, burgundy, white lacquer, mother-of-pearl
  • Classic Reversos: Art Deco numerals and small seconds
  • Tribute line: baton markers, dauphine hands
  • Reverse dial (on Duo and Duetto): second time zone, moonphase, or decorative guilloché

Water resistance: 30m (not a sports watch—it’s dress-meets-art)

Bracelet:

  • Alligator leather straps standard
  • Casa Fagliano editions include hand-stitched calfskin straps
  • Some models available on bracelets or quick-change systems

Still in production, with dozens of variants: Reverso Classic, Tribute, Duetto, DuoFace, Ultra Thin, and Grand Complication

Why it matters: The Reverso is one of the most iconic watch designs ever made. It’s not just about flipping the case—it’s about owning a piece of watch history that combines engineering, elegance, and personalization. Nothing else wears like a Reverso. Nothing else flips like one either.

Born on the Polo Field. Raised to Icon Status.

Two Faces, One Soul: Dual time zone, dual personality

Art Deco on the Outside. Haute Horlogerie Inside.

More Than a Watch—It’s a Canvas for History

References for Reverso