This Jaeger-LeCoultre Grand Reverso 1931 Ultra-Thin, one of 500 pieces produced in a limited series, represents the purest distillation of almost nine decades of heritage. With the familiar ultra-thin case in rose gold, a clean silver-white dial, rose gold hands as well as hour markers and minimal dial text, this example offers an entirely historically accurate yet distinctly contemporary take on the Reverso aesthetic. Its one of the rarer executions of the brands best-known watch.

The first Ultra-Thin Tribute to 1931 was unveiled in 2011, in celebration of the lines 80th year, with the Grand Reverso 1931 Ultra-Thin coming a year later. They closely resembled the original from 1931 in dial design, wearing just the Reverso mark and simple, applied markers. While belonging to this era, this particular example of the Grande Reverso Ultra-Thin is in near original condition.

The Reverso, as the well-worn story goes, was born out of a demand from British officers stationed in India who often damaged their watch glass during polo matches. Jacques-David LeCoultre tasked French industrial designer Ren-Alfred Chauvot with the challenge, and he devised a wristwatch with a swivelling case, allowing the watch face to be reversed into an outer carriage, thereby protecting the glass and dial. Initially, Chauvot held the patent for the design and since LeCoultre was sourcing movements from Tavannes to put inside the Reverso, the brand refrained from putting its mark on the dial.

This Grand Reverso 1931 Ultra-Thin follows replicates the basic formula of the original, albeit in a distinctly modern package. The clean silver-white dial wears the Reverso mark in black in the top half with the Swiss mark under 6 oclock. The Art Deco inspired Arabic numerals at 6 and 12 oclock are in gold as are the simple transferred indices hour markers. Around them runs a printed chemin de fer-style chapter of minute, also in black. The sword-style hands are also in rose gold, for a harmonious appearance.

The 46.8mm x 27.4mm case has a reassuring weight to it, owing to it being forged from 18k rose gold. The watch face slides right smoothly as you reverse it, revealing the inside face of the outer shell, decorated with engine-turning. This part of the watch also wears the hallmarks of the brand and the precious metal the case is made from. Reversing the watch face reveals a blank canvas where the new owner can etch something meaningful to them.

The caseback of the outer carriage features satin-finishing with markings including the brand and Reverso engravings along with the reference number, water resistance and seals of the 1,000-hour test the movement undergoes and country of origin all etched in. In addition, this example bears engravings alluding to its Srie Limite status, as its serial number out of 500 produced.

The 20mm wide lugs wear a black alligator leather strap on a rose gold tang buckle from the brand. The crown is large and easy to operate, winding the manual in-house Jaeger LeCoultre calibre 822, which offers a power reserve of 45 hours from a single barrel. The movement, which comprises of 134 parts, is rhodium-plated and features 21 working jewels.

If sold within the United Kingdom, this Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso will be subject to 20% VAT

Closer look

Condition

This Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso is in very good condition throughout. Light superficial marks are found on the case and lugs, and likely worn on only a handful of occasions. The hallmarks found on the case are crisp and well defined.

Warranty

The watch comes with a lifetime guarantee of authenticity from A Collected Man as well as the remaining duration of the manufacturer warranty from Jaeger-LeCoultre.