Manufacturer: Jaeger-LeCoultre Year: 2015 Reference No: 277.8.62 Case No: 3'127'792 and 14/26 Model Name: Grand Reverso Tribute 1931 The London Flagship Edition Material: Stainless steel Calibre: Manual, cal. 822, 21 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Alligator Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel Jaeger-LeCoultre buckle Dimensions: 46.8mm Length and 27.4mm Width Signed: Case, dial, movement and buckle signed Accessories: Accompanied by Jaeger-LeCoultre Guarantee Certificate, Certificate of Origin, product literature, presentation box and outer packaging.
Catalogue Essay
Introduced in 1931, the Reverso has a most fascinating history, as the creation of the model absolutely ties functionality with aesthetics. During his travels in India, Swiss businessman and watch collector César de Trey attended a polo match at a club for British army officers. At that moment, one of these officers had broken the glass of his timepiece, and challenged de Trey to create a watch robust enough to resist a polo match, yet elegant enough to be worn in a formal setting. As such, the Reverso timepiece was born. With a dial that could be flipped, the outside case was also a perfect canvas for artistry and decoration. The possibilities were endless, from enamel, to engraving, and so on.
In 2015, the Grande Reverso 1931 London Edition was launched at the new Jaeger-LeCoultre boutique in Old Bond Street, London. To celebrate this momentous occasion, the manufacture released a limited run of 26 pieces with a rich and beautiful British racing green lacquer dial and the Big Ben decorated on the outside of the case.
Today, the London Edition with green dial is one of the most sought-after and exclusive series the brand has ever created. With such low production numbers, the model is very elusive and hardly ever comes on the market. To offer one on the auction market is a momentous occasion indeed.
Not all companies in the watchmaking field have been able to stand the test of time quite like Jaeger LeCoultre, also known as the "watchmaker's watchmaker." Founded in 1833 by Antoine LeCoultre and originally named LeCoutre, the firm provided watchmaking's top brands, such as Patek Philippe, Vacheron Constantin and Audemars Piguet, the high-grade, unfinished mechanical movements with which they completed their watches.
In the early 1900s, Cartier's watch supplier Edmond Jaeger sought out LeCoultre's help in creating the world's thinnest watches. The collaboration resulted in the creation of Cartier's earliest Tank and Santos watches, all housed with LeCoultre movements. The duo decided to merge in 1937, and the firm officially became the Jaeger-LeCoultre brand by which collectors know and adore it today. Some of the firm's most significant and important timepieces include the Reverso, the Memovox, the Atmos clock and, among modern watches, their Master Complications.
Ref. 277.8.62 An extremely attractive limited edition stainless steel wristwatch with green lacquer dial, guarantee and presentation box, made in a limited edition of 26 pieces for the London Market
2015 46.8mm Length and 27.4mm Width Case, dial, movement and buckle signed