Jaeger-LeCoultre Grande Reverso Duoface 1931 - Blue Boutique edition
JAEGER-LECOULTRE GRANDE REVERSO DUOFACE 1931- BLUE BOUTIQUE EDITION
Steel | Blue and white 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 and being considered as the first ever sport watch.
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, here at hand) and the Grande Reverso Ultra Thin 1931 London Edition with a green dial (2015).
The Watch
The Grande Reverso Duoface 1931 Blue is a contemporary interpretation of the blue enamel dial Reverso from the 1930s, a collectible with a capital C. The blue re-edition was a boutique-only edition originally revealed in 2013. After a short production, the blue dial version was discontinued – despite its praise around the world.
Characterized by its slender 9 mm thick case and traditional polished gadroons framing the rectangular dial, the watch stands out with its glossy blue lacquer face. The seemingly simplicity of the dial, following its vintage design ethos of ‘less is more’, is further enhanced by applied rhodium-plated, mirror polished, struck hour-markers and sword-shaped hands.
The watch features an entirely different dial on the reverse side, with a second timezone. The opaline white dial is finished with a guilloché "Clous de Paris". The luminous-filled sword-shaped hands indicates the hours and minutes. At 6 o'clock, a 24-hour sub-dial with a "Day" and "Night" indicators printed on both sides.
The steel case measures up to the size of the Reverso 1931, being bold on the wrist despite its slenderness with dimensions of 46.8 mm by 27.4mm. The ‘REVERSO’ signature, printed at 12, is a reproduction of the early logo as depicted on the vintage model. It has also been inscripted on the brushed case back, below the manufacture’s signature and above the inscription of ‘Special Edition’.
The Movement
The in-house caliber 854/1 beating at a rate of 21,600 A/h and has a 45-hour power reserve. The shock-protected movement has 21 jewels and is manually wound.
Condition
The watch is in mint condition and has perfect mechanical functionality. It comes with the original warranty papers, manual, tag, leaflets, inner and outer boxes. The original black Fagliano strap is included (worn) and a new original black alligator leather strap (unworn) with JLC-stamped tang buckle is included as well. The watch is fitted with a Mr Watchley Saffiano Taupe strap (as seen on the pictures).
If you desire to take a closer look at this precious timepiece, don't hesitate to contact us and make an appointment.
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| Reference | Q378858J |
|---|---|
| Movement | Manual |
| Caliber | Jaeger-LeCoultre 854/1 |
| Dial | Blue lacquered and white on the verso |
| Size (Case) | 46.8 x 27.4 mm |
| Material (Case) | Steel |
| Bracelet | Our Saffiano Taupe and 2 JLC black straps |
| Glass | Sapphire |
| Condition | Superbe condition |
| Year | 2015 |
| Papers | Yes |
| Box | Yes |
| Warranty | 2 years |