Why This Watch Matters This very early and original Reverso is the perfect dress watch – chic, understated, and with a perfectly aged dial, everyone will be asking “what’s on your wrist?” And you’ll have one of the best answers possible: a striking, original Reverso born during the decade in which it was first conceived – the 1930s. The Full Story This watch is a very early example of a very fascinating Reverso, which was first released in 1931. While we can’t say with absolute certainty that this is from the very first year of production, it’s definitely possible, thanks to the early numbers, style of the dial, and the use of the Lisica S.A. manual-winding movement (which was a subsidiary of Tavannes; Lisica movements were used in the first production series of Reverso watches). The Reverso was an innovative solution to a first-world problem: the risk to Polo players that their might be damaged during game-time. This functional solution – reversing your watch so that the crystal is protected – changed the horological landscape forever, and the cases became an easel for the crest of Europe’s great families – and has been an invitation to an amazing range of personlizations ever since. This particular Reverso’s an excellent example – turn over the case, and you’ll see an equestrian themed engraving that’s a perfect finishing touch for an early Reverso, and makes us wonder if this one might not have seen actual use in Polo matches. Thanks to the number of years that have passed since the Reverso first launched, really well-preserved early examples have become very hard to find; we think this one is in exceptional shape, and thanks to the pitch-perfect engraving and beautifully patinated dial, it’s got exceptional charm as well. The Fine Print Maker: LeCoultreModel: ReversoReference: NAYear: circa 1931Case No: 5740Material: Stainless SteelDimensions: 36mm length x 22mm wide; 8mm thickSapphire Crystal: NoCaliber: Lisica S.A. manual-winding movementBracelet/Strap: Leather Strap with suede finishLug Width: 17mmBox/Papers: No What we Love and What You Should Know This Reverso looks good for its age. The case has maintained its shape, with not many signs of wear and the watch “reverses” smoothly and snaps right into place. The power reserve is a little shorter than it probably was back in the day – but we are talking about 1931 after all. The one place where the watch has aged (gracefully) is the dial with patina throughout, but the signature and indexes are as crisp as can be. In our opinion this watch is a true gem, and these will only become harder to find as time goes by.
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