We all look for something special in our watches. We want either a dial capable of stealing glances, a modern bracelet, or an attractive shape. Speaking of shapes, Jaeger LeCoultre knows better than anyone how fabulous the rectangular silhouette of a watch is. Its Reverso collection is one of the most admirable collections in the brand’s portfolio. The positive side of the Reverso watches is that they don’t have much competition. Among the few brands that offer rectangular cases, I can only mention Cartier with its Tank, and Patek Philippe with its Gondolo. But, unlike these, the Reverso watch series has that special appeal that is not found in its competitors.
If until now you hesitated to consider a replica Reverso, I want to tell you that these watches deserve all your attention. They offer a rare combination of practical functionality and a distinctive aesthetic. On top of that, the replica manufacturers have offered us a series of amazingly well-executed imitations. Stay with me to discover the historical echo of the Reverso collection and the reasons to add a replica model to your watch collection.
Short historical overview of Reverso watches
To better perceive the essence of a watch, I strongly believe that it is necessary to know some history about it. The story behind adds value to a watch. Many times I have come to love a particular watch because of its history, not necessarily its design or technical features. So, we will quickly go through the path that the Reverso took until it became available on the horological market.
Many of you probably know that the Reverso collection is closely related to the polo sport. More precisely, the Reverso watches appeared to solve the problems of watches that were easily damaged due to exposure to this game’s dangers. The British army, which fell in love with this sport while in India, submitted a request to Cesar de Trey, who was a watch importer at the time. In this petition, the officers requested that alternatives and solutions be found for the watches that were easily damaged during polo matches.
Cesar de Trey came up with a solution as unconventional as it was ingenious. He offered a watch that could turn its dial. This flip-over hid the dial and crystal of the watch, providing the necessary protection that the officers needed.
Sounds fascinating, but how did Tray’s invention end up in JLC’s hands?
De Trey was nothing more than a watch importer. He knew a thing or two about watches, but he couldn’t transform them from ideas to reality. Accordingly, he turned to David LeCoultre, whom he had known for a long time, having been in the industry for a long time. To integrate de Trey’s concept into an appealing design, LeCoultre turned to the French designer Rene-Alfred Chauvet.
As a result of this close collaboration, the first iteration of the Reverso appeared in 1931. Le Coultre and de Trey continued to collaborate, even initiating partnership relations. All the assembly of the Reverso watches was done at the Jaeger LeCoultre headquarters in Le Santier. Thus, the appearance of the Reverso watches is also a symbol of the friendly relations between France and Switzerland.
Appreciation didn’t take long to come
It didn’t take long from the launch of the first models on the market to the admiring reactions of the public. The captivating design, the distinct shape, as well as the flip-over feature immediately won the audience’s attention. The style of the watch was part of the sports category. At the same time, the model was delicate and refined enough to be worn with pride by high-ranking officers and officials. The delicacy of the watch aspect consists in the 3 gadroons that elegantly lie down on the horizontal sides of the dial. With its Art Deco appeal, the Reverso became an instant attraction.
Things didn’t stop there
The JLC brand also included the possibility for the public to customize the watch, according to their preferences. The public could opt for any color for the dial, or for symbolic family engravings. A worthy example of a personalized Reverso watch was the Amelia Earhart model. Her watch illustrated the miniature map of the air route between Mexico and New York. Pretty symbolic, huh?
Along the way, the brand ended up upgrading the model, fitting its first in-house movement in it in 1933. Moreover, the iterations continued to impress with added functionality such as sub-seconds and a central-seconds hand. In the beginning, the watches only illustrated the inscriptions Reverso on them. But following the success, the watchmaking house decided to include the name of the brand on the dial, as a symbol of its horological achievement.
The impact of World War II
The Reverso models were so successful that even the Great Depression didn’t dampen public interest in them. However, interest waned dramatically with the outbreak of World War II. The aesthetics of the watches was not a priority anymore, the priority became the practical form. Consequently, interest in round watches took over the watch industry. The brand did not get demoralized but oriented itself to meet the demands of the market at that time. To stay in demand, JLC began working hard on the Memovox and Geophysic watches, which seemed to fit the times.
The Reverso collection remained in an obscure shadow. As fate would have it, a loyal lover of Reverso watches, as well as a watch dealer, visited the JLC watch house. It is about Giorgio Corbo who decided to buy all the unassembled parts of the Reverso watches. He coupled them with mechanical mechanisms and sold them all.
Being deeply passionate about these watches, Corbo supported the JLC brand and convinced it to look at the Reverso collection from other perspectives.
The second wind of Reverso
The brand agreed with Corbo to make some changes to the collection. The first step was to transfer the production of cases from Wagner to its own headquarters. Along with this, the designers of the watchmaking house adapted the look of the watch, introducing small modern details that we still see today, but at the same time keeping the original elements. The 1985 launch of Reverso watches came with a modernized and innovative flip-over mechanism. The architecture of the watch has become slightly more complex, already including 55 components, in contrast to 23 of the previous versions.
The difference between the previous models and the new ones involved a water-resistant case, a clearly superior quality of materials, and more refined design features.
Today, the Reverso collection is synonymous with horological perfection. Being available with different complications, they are a real treat for collectors.
The collection’s history sounds amazing. It successfully overcame historical challenges and today is a leading collection of JLC. Now that you know fragments of Reverso’s history, allow me to add the 5 reasons why you should not hesitate to get a replica version.
The uniqueness of Reverso replica watches
Be honest! How many rectangular watches do you have in your collection? I am more than sure that most, if not all of your accessories have a round silhouette. If I’m wrong, beg your pardon. In any case, the elegant silhouette of the Reverso replica watches makes your wrist look extremely refined. The proportions of the Reverso replica watches are simply delightful. They are neither big nor small, just perfect for capturing attention. At the same time, the watch is unique due to its property of flipping over the dial. Give me a single watch that has such properties as the Reverso replica watch! It is unlikely that you will find a similar one.
You may think that these replica models are not very practical. And I won’t even try to contradict you. The replica watch is not even intended to be utilitarian. Its purpose is to stand out on your wrist with its classic contours and fine elegance.
Reverso Functionality of replica watches
As you already know, the purpose of rotating the dial was to protect the watch from the dangers associated with Polo sports. And I assume that you are unlikely to practice this type of sport. However, this does not mean that the function has become pointless. The brand took care to transform this functionality into one that combines utility with pleasure.
The rotating dial of replica watches is, above all, a very curious element for a potential owner. Its rotation generates a special pleasure, admiring such an unconventional construction. Look, for example, at the Reverso Tribute Duoface Moon replica watch. It is a real satisfaction to contemplate it from all angles. Moreover, this replica model illustrates the basic indicators of time, i.e. the hour, minutes, and seconds, as well as the Moon phase. At the same time, you will find a second-time zone and day-night indicators on the reverse side, in pretty generous proportions.
The brand decided to split the functions of the watch for each face of the dial, even if it could have incorporated them on a single dial. But, such an approach would have been boring, wouldn’t it? Respectively, the brand managed to include a multitude of functionalities in a case of only 28mm. At the same time, these functionalities look clean and refined just because they are placed on different faces of the dial.
The replica watch has a leather strap and a 904l stainless steel case. The finish is very smooth, complimenting the piece with a sophisticated appeal.
The always stylish design of Reverso replica watches
No one would dare to say that a watch enthusiast wearing a Reverso replica watch would lack taste. The modern aesthetics of the Reverso timepieces do not differ much from the aesthetic of the ’85 models. And this has an explanation behind it. The modern watch remained faithful to the initial concept. It retains the same iconic horizontal gadroons as well as the combined (polish and brushing )finish on the case.
Today, replica Reverso watches remain extremely stylish thanks to their sophisticated and elegant contours. And such features never go out of fashion. A replica Reverso watch emphasizes your refined personality whenever you pair it with a tie or decide to go with your second half to the theater. To give you an example worthy of your attention, I suggest you consider the Classic Duetto replica watch. It is available in a steel version, as well as in a rose gold-plated version. The second option seems too flashy for my taste, so I would prefer the stainless steel one.
Matter-of-factly…
What I admire about this replica watch is its “business-y” face. The dial of the watch is even more discerning due to the Guilloche pattern and the satin texture. The functions of the dial are limited to time only. And once the evening falls, just flip the dial over to enjoy a modern and captivating watch with its intense black.
The more I analyze these knockoffs, the more I come to understand that they are not for everyone. At the same time, I love the refined elements hidden in it. If you think you are capable of discovering them, be sure that you will be amazed.
Reverso replica watches are affordable
I don’t understand the reason, but Jaeger LeCoultre’s replica watches are not exactly the most sought-after in the replica industry. I mean, they don’t lack attention, but they still don’t compare to the attention given to, say, Rolex imitations.
Supposedly, the reason would be the formal styling of the JLC knockoffs. The public, however, is looking for models with a strong sporty touch for their versatility.
Either way, the good side of things is that Reverso replica watches are very affordable in terms of price. At the same time, the advantageous price in no way compromises their quality. If a Rolex replica watch with approximately the same specifications is around $600, Reverso imitations are available at the price of approximately $250. For this price, the imitations include Swiss clone mechanisms, sapphire crystal protected by an anti-reflective coating, 316/904l stainless steel, and natural leather for the bracelet. I would say that it is a very affordable “composition” for the included quality.
Reverso imitations come with an impressive history
As I mentioned before, I think that the history behind the watches leaves a strong mark on the decision to buy them or not. In this context, I cannot fail to note that the history of Reverso timepieces is downright iconic. The watches have stood the test of time, facing all possible challenges and coming back stronger than ever. I won’t deny, the Reverso is nowhere near as famous as a Nautilus or a Seamaster. But the collection did not even have the goal of becoming recognizable to everyone. These watches are to be appreciated by those who love refinement and elegance. Do you think you are one of them? If so, then the Reverso replica watches are all you need.