162

Jaeger-LeCoultre

Ref. Q397846J

Reverso Tribute Monoface Small Seconds

An attractive stainless steel reversible dual-time wristwatch with small seconds, burgundy dial, international warranty, and presentation box

Estimate
$5,000 - 10,000
$8,890

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 beyond.

This time taking inspiration from the burgundy enamel dial fitted to the desirable Grande Reverso Ultra-Thin 1931 “Édition Spéciale Rouge", the present Reverso Tribute Monoface Small Seconds with a stunning lacquer burgundy dial and matching Casa Fagliano leather strap is preserved in excellent condition and accompanied by all of its original accessories.

PROPERTY OF THE ORIGINAL OWNER

Jaeger-LeCoultre

Swiss | 1833

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.

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