Andrew H (219) provides the first live photos and a detailed background on the Jaeger-LeCoultre Grande Reverso Ultra Thin 1931 London Boutique Edition. His post not only showcases the watch's distinctive British racing green dial and Big Ben engraving but also delves into the historical origins of the iconic color, enriching the context for collectors.
Have to say I like this one a lot! Not only is it London - very cool; I like the colour of the dial. Well researched and well chosen. Something different.
This is latest in the Jaeger LeCoultre Grande Reverso Ultra Thin 1931 collection. British racing green dial with an engraving of London's most famous clock on the reverse side: Big Ben. To commemorate the opening of the London flagship boutique. Steel case; only 26 to be produced. It might seem strange that green became the racing colour for Britain, but as is often the case with such subject matter, there is good reason. When the pinnacle of motor racing was the Gordon Bennett Cup, Count Eliot Zborowski suggested that each national entrant be allotted a different colour. When Britain first competed in 1902, the colours red, white, and blue were already taken. Green was already used as livery colour on locomotives and machinery, and the entrant car: a Napier had green as corporate livery. Selwyn Edge won in the Napier and in keeping with Cup rules the victorious nation should host the next year's race.
Motor racing was illegal in Great Britain at that time, but not in Ireland (which was part of the United Kingdom). As a mark of respect for the hosts, the British cars were painted green. The colour stuck!! Throughout the 1920's when the Bentley Boys were the scourge of all other racing marques and the toast of the Circuit de Sarthe (usually at the Savoy), the British racing green Bentley's implanted the colour in the national consciousness. By the 1950's British racing green was codified by the FIA for use in international motor racing events. The national racing colours were dismantled with the onset of sponsorship coloured cars that owed allegiance to the paymaster and not the nation. But the British racing green Reverso would have been a perfect watch for those Bentley Boys in 1931!
The drawing on the back was, unconfirmed rumour, by Janek. We know he is a man of many talents, but we can add draughtman to that!
I already know a handful have sold. If you are interested: act quickly!
Andrew H
This message has been edited by 219 on 2015-06-16 13:03:54 
