Jaeger-LeCoultre Grande Reverso Ultra Thin 1931 Chocolate

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JAEGER-LECOULTRE GRANDE REVERSO ULTRA THIN 1931 CHOCOLATE
Pink gold | Chocolate dial 

Origin

Jaeger-LeCoultre is one of the oldest – and as some say truest – watchmaking maisons in the Vallée de Joux, in the Swiss Jura mountains, producing in-house movements since 1833. Since its beginning, the brand has filed more than 400 patents and produced over 1200 calibers, also highly valued and used by other fine watchmaking brands such as Patek Philippe, Audemars Piguet and Vacheron Constantin.

The brand was founded by self-taught watchmaker Antoine LeCoultre. His original workshop where he embarked on his journey over 180 years ago, is still to be visited as part of the manufacture in Le Sentier. By 1888, the manufacture Jaeger-LeCoultre already employed 500 people and was referred to as the ‘Grande Maison of the Vallée de Joux.

Some years later, in 1903, a rumour in the Swiss watch industry began circulating: the Paris-based watchmaker to the French Navy, Edmond Jaeger, was challenging Swiss manufacturers to develop and produce the ultra-thin movements that he had invented. Jacques-David LeCoultre, the founder’s grandson, accepted his challenge after having walked for hours to the nearest telephone booth in the Jura mountains to make his call to Paris. It turned out to be a right call: the collaboration led to the thinnest watch collection in the world (equipped with LeCoultre caliber 145 that was only 1.38mm thick) and the birth of Jaeger-LeCoultre.

A key date in the brand’s history, 1931 marked the birth of the iconic Reverso watch, in response to a request from British colonial officers in India who were tired of damaging their timepieces during polo matches. A simple gesture swivels the case in its carrier to protect the watch glass. Featuring a blend of elegance and sportiness, the Reverso became a cult object, classic of the Art Deco movement.

On the occasion of the 80th anniversary of this timepiece, in 2011, Jaeger-LeCoultre created the Grande Reverso Ultra Thin Tribute to 1931-collection, inspired by the aesthetic codes of the historical model, yet with contemporary dimensions. In this collection, some of the most sought after Reverso editions have been made: the Edition Speciale Rouge with a deep red dial (2012), the Grande Reverso Duoface Blue (2013) and the Grande Reverso Ultra Thin 1931 London Edition with a green dial (2015).

The Watch

The Grande Reverso Ultra Thin 1931 Chocolate is characterised by its slender 7.3mm thick case and traditional gadroons framing the dial in pink gold, harmoniously contrasting with the glowing chocolate shade of the watch face. The soft pink gold case measures up to the size of the Grande Reverso, being bold on the wrist despite its slenderness with dimensions of 46.8mm by 27.4mm.

Apart from the 12 o’clock numeral, the hours are shown by baton-shaped hour-markers (both luminous), while the hour and minute hands feature a dagger-type profile, plated with pink gold. The small seconds at 6 o’clock perform a once a minute rotation on the dedicated rectangular subdial. The ‘REVERSO’ inscription above it is a reproduction of the early inscriptions on the vintage model.

The Movement

The in-house caliber 822/2 measures just 2.95mm thin, is beating at 3 Hz and has a 45-hour power reserve. The movement has 19 jewels and is manually wound.

Condition

The watch is in mint condition and has perfect mechanical functionality. It has never been personalised on its case-back and it comes with its warranty papers including Jaeger-LeCoultre box and a JLC booklet. The watch is fitted with a custom made Grained sand calf strap. The set includes an original and an unworn Jaeger-LeCoultre crocodile strap.

If you desire to take a closer look at this precious timepiece, don't hesitate to contact us and make an appointment. 

We are based in Ghent, Belgium

VIEWINGS BY APPOINTMENT ONLY

Free parking available on site. 
No stock kept on site

Reference Q2782560
Movement Manual 
Caliber
Calibre JLC 822/2
Dial Brown, Chocolate
Size (Case) 47 mm x 27 mm
Material (Case) Pink gold
Bracelet Grained sand
Glass Sapphire
Condition very good
Year 2015
Papers Yes
Box Yes
Warranty 2 years

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