The present watch is an exceptionally rare and early example – representative of the Reverso in its most pure aesthetic format. The stainless steel case can be reversed to a back side with personalized engravings “HRW”. The dial has aged nicely over the years, retaining its vintage appeal. Most notably is the retailer signature signed “Golay Fils & Stahl Genève”. Founded in Geneva in 1837, the firm specialising in watches and jewellery has remained a family business for nearly two centuries. By the belle époque, Golay Fils & Stahl captivated an international clientele from its salons in Geneva and Paris. A similar example of a Reverso ref. 201 retailed by Golay Fils & Stahl sold at Antiquorum in 2015 was owned by General Douglas Mac Arthur, with his initials engraved on the caseback.

In addition to the initials engraved on the present watch, the caseback is also engraved “Conférence Désarmement Genève 1932”. The World Disarmament Conference was an international conference of states held in Geneva between February 1932 and November 1934 to accomplish disarmament in accordance with the Covenant of the League of Nations. It was attended by 61 states, most of which were members of the League of Nations, but the USSR and the United States also attended. It is speculated that the present example could have been specially commissioned and made for an important attendee of the Conference.

This highly collectible and early Reverso with a rich history is further accompanied by an Extract from the Archives confirming the production of the present timepiece circa 1931.