In 1931, Jaeger-LeCoultre Replicas launched the famous Reverso model to meet the English polo players’ demand for an unbreakable watch. The reversible case design made it possible for the elegant timepiece to survive the harsh trials of the competition. Besides, the owner of this watch could personalize it by engraving his initials, family crest, or a few inspiring words on the dial-protecting shield. In 2010, almost 80 years later, Jaeger-LeCoultre Replicas is extremely delighted to supplement the Reverso line with two limited editions, christened Grande Reverso Ultra Thin Tribute to 1931.

The watch’s name suggests that it is a tribute to the original Reverso born in 1931. Moreover, to my mind, it is intended to be a bridge by Jaeger-LeCoultre between past and present. Embodying the spirit of 1931, the new Reverso timepiece demonstrates all the Art Deco allure of the original model interpreted in today’s language.

The square-shape case in steel or pink gold measures 46mm in height, 27.5mm in width, and 7.2mm in thickness to demonstrate its Ultra Thin feature. It comes with a black or white dial with dagger-shaped hands and baton-type hour-markers, directly inspired by the original Reverso. While the case with its generous proportions asserts a strong presence on the wrist, its slenderness and subtly curved shape make it both light and comfortable to wear.

Inside is a just 2.94 mm thick manufactory-made mechanical hand-wound movement – Calibre 822, enabling the manufacture’s design engineers to create a Reverso slimmer than ever before. The movement is crafted, assembled and embellished by hand, composed of 134 parts and 21 jewels. It beats at the rate of 21,600 vibrations per hour and supplies a 45-hour power reserve.

Finally, mounted on a black alligator leather strap with a pin buckle, the Grande Reverso Ultra Thin Tribute to 1931 Limited Edition expresses the essence of the Reverso personality: strength, beauty, elegance, and functional simplicity. Not sure about how many pieces will be released for each variation, and the official debut will be in SIHH 2011.