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Lot Essay
According to the Archives of Manufacture Jaeger-LeCoultre, the present watch was made in 1937.
The "Reverso" wristwatch, the world's longest-running watch model, was launched in 1931 and designed upon special request by polo players who wished to have a timepiece able to endure their sport. The ingenious system allows a 180 degree rotation of the case, hence protecting the crystal and consequently the dial from damages.
The case back, its second "face", provides a background for elaborate engravings such as initials, coats of arms and others, as well as for miniature enamel paintings. It appears that in the early 1930s, India's Maharajah of Karputala was so impressed with the Reverso that he ordered 50 examples, each decorated with his enamelled portrait.
Essentially unchanged for more than 70 years, the Reverso continues to flourish both as a modern timepiece and as one of the few original Art Deco objects still in use.
The "Reverso" wristwatch, the world's longest-running watch model, was launched in 1931 and designed upon special request by polo players who wished to have a timepiece able to endure their sport. The ingenious system allows a 180 degree rotation of the case, hence protecting the crystal and consequently the dial from damages.
The case back, its second "face", provides a background for elaborate engravings such as initials, coats of arms and others, as well as for miniature enamel paintings. It appears that in the early 1930s, India's Maharajah of Karputala was so impressed with the Reverso that he ordered 50 examples, each decorated with his enamelled portrait.
Essentially unchanged for more than 70 years, the Reverso continues to flourish both as a modern timepiece and as one of the few original Art Deco objects still in use.