Pre SIHH 2014: Introducing the Jaeger-LeCoultre Grande Reverso Ultra Thin 1931 Pink Gold Case and Chocolate-toned Dial

Three years after introducing the first Grande Reverso Ultra-Thin Tribute to 1931, Jaeger-LeCoultre created a second pink gold version, now featuring a lovely chocolate brown dial. The full name of this watch – Jaeger-LeCoultre Grande Reverso Ultra Thin 1931 Pink Gold Case and Chocolate-toned Dial – is quite a mouthful. The name might be a tongue-twister, but with these looks it can easily become a heart-breaker as well.

The Reverso finds its roots in the polo game, back in the 1930’s, and has appear in many different variations over the years. On the occasion of the 80th anniversary, Jaeger-LeCoultre chose to return to the very origins by presenting the Grande Reverso Ultra Thin Tribute to 1931, which was directly inspired by the aesthetic codes of the historical model. The ultra-thin case, and just on the early models the dial lacks the brand name and only has the model name – Reverso – printed on it.

Reverso models for 2012 and 2013

JLC heard the enthusiastic responses from their clientele and in 2012 introduced another version of the Grande Reverso Ultra-Thin: the Grande Reverso Rouge (see here for photos of the original red version from the 1930’s and here for our photos of the Grande Reverso Rouge). That one captures our hearts here at Monochrome, and we just love its gorgeous deep red dial. For those interested, it is not for sale at your local dealership, but only at the official JLC boutiques. This Boutique Edition was tested for 1,000 hours, like the Master Control collection, and it is not limited. Last year JLC introduced another variation: the Grande Reverso Ultra Thin Duoface Blue.

Grande Reverso Ultra-Thin 1931 with Chocolate Brown Dial

So here we are, again a year later, and Jaeger-LeCoultre unveils another version: the Grande Reverso Ultra Thin 1931 with a chocolate-toned dial. Its beautiful chocolate brown dial is not something that the design department made up, no, some vintage Reverso models feature a similar brown dial like the one we found at an auction in Paris (see here).

Another similarity between the old and the new, is the small rectangular seconds sub dial at the dial’s lower half. The minuterie around the dial and the baton-shaped hour-markers also resemble those on the 1934 vintage piece, just like the dagger-type hour and minute hand.

The Ultra-Thin in the name refers to the very thin case, which was difficult to design and manufacture. Creating a very slim case, with all the moving elements is rather difficult. JLC managed to keep the overall height of the Reverso Ultra-Thin at just 7.3 mm and this reversing case incorporates Jaeger-LeCoultre’s in-house movement caliber 822/2 that measures just 2.95mm in height.

The strap is is made by Casa Fagliano, established since 1892 in the worldwide polo capital, Buenos Aires. For well over a century, the Fagliano family has been THE place fine leatherwork like the boots for polo players.

• Some specifications:
• Movement: manually-wound movement, Jaeger-LeCoultre caliber 822/2, crafted, assembled and decorated by hand, 21,600 vph, 19 jewels, 2.95 mm in height, 45-hour power reserve
• Case: 18-carat pink gold, 46.8 mm by 27.4 mm, 7.3mm in height, polished finish, sapphire crystals, “1000 Hours Control” indication appearing on the case-back, water-resistant to 3 bars (30m)
• Straps and buckle: matte brown alligator leather 20/18, 2nd strap in cordovan leather, crafted by “Casa Fagliano” of Buenos Aires, pin buckle in 18 carat pink gold

More info: www.jaeger-lecoultre.com