Vintage
Niklas3025 seeks community expertise on a Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso from the early 1970s, a period shrouded in mystery for the iconic model. The author's piece is believed to be one of the rare Reversos produced after an Italian AD reportedly discovered vintage cases at the factory, a story that eventually led to the Reverso's grand relaunch. This post invites collectors to shed light on the historical narrative and the specifics of these transitional models.
I have a Reverso that comes from the first owner who bought it some 40 years ago.
I have read on several places on the internet a story about the Italian AD finding a set of vintage Reverso cases on a visit to the factory in 1972 or so. Cases were fitted with movements and sold, quickly... prompting JLC to eventually relaunch the Reverso.
I think this is one of those early 70ies Reversos. Old style case, 23x39. But I have not managed to find pictures of other examples?
Does anyone know how many there were? And what is the original source to the great story of how the cases were found and then the Reverso rising again?
Dial is in poor condition, water resistance was not too good on those old cases.
β¦and I think there may actually be barnacles growing on it... ;-)
...but all original I believe?
[URL=http://s271.photobucket.com/user/niklas3025/media/0B2D9146-CDBB-432B-929C-9CEF7EC0BA3A-3179-0000021AC4032102_zps9170bcd1.jpg.html]
[/URL]
[URL=http://s271.photobucket.com/user/niklas3025/media/IMGP0360_zpsa1c7550a.jpg.html]
[/URL]
[URL=http://s271.photobucket.com/user/niklas3025/media/IMGP0361_zps94d5dfed.jpg.html]
[/URL]
[URL=http://s271.photobucket.com/user/niklas3025/media/IMGP0357_zps8bfa64c6.jpg.html]
[/URL]
[URL=http://s271.photobucket.com/user/niklas3025/media/IMGP0358_zps71fadc4a.jpg.html]
[/URL]
[URL=http://s271.photobucket.com/user/niklas3025/media/IMGP0366_zps95e25f7b.jpg.html]
[/URL]
[URL=http://s271.photobucket.com/user/niklas3025/media/IMGP0365_zps266e9612.jpg.html]
[/URL]
Here is something which may interest you, about the Italian AD who was involved in the re birth of The Reverso: What happened during these years where the Reverso disappeared from the Catalog is still a bit mysterious. I never saw a Reverso like yours, with such a dial, but i am far from claiming that I saw all of them. Let's see what the experts have to say about this one! Best, Nicolas
I'm not saying it is fake, but I HAVE seen some. The back of the case being curved at the horns isn't something I recall. As for the story on the resurrection of the Reverso, see page 40 in "Reverso - the Living Legend," pretty much the definitive work on watch, produced in 1991, at the 60th anniversary. -Dean
I thought that a slight curve at the lugs was one of the features that do distinguish the 30ies-40ies-cases from the completely flat backed 80ies-and going forward cases? the grooves where top and bottom cases join at the lugs is another feature not present in the new cases some beautiful vintage pieces with "curved" back (and stamping on back very similar to my case): [URL=] [/URL] [URL=] [/URL] [URL=] [/URL]
It would be interesting to see a pic with the wacth "loose" so the inside of the case back is shown. I have see several different "lug" styles on the early Reverso. Do you have any movement pics to share? Best Blomman
Hej Blomman! some additional (crappy cellphone) pics inside of case [URL=] [/URL] [URL=] [/URL] I think it will only swivel at the end point? side views [URL=] [/URL] back again [URL=] [/URL] and movement, at first, it may raise doubts, but I think it actually strengthens the story (i.e. JLC plonking in newer movements in a batch of leftover cases), if someone had just wanted to create a franken from a parts bin, -why would they go through the trouble to manufacture a movement adapter for a more
Thank you for the extra pics. From what I can see the case looks OK to me, but to be honest - I am no expert here... As for the movement, it looks to be Cal 840. The FAB. SUISSE on it - indicates that the movement is not from the 70's (earlier). This caliber is often seen in smaller ladies watches. Hope some of the experts can give us more light on this one! Best Blomman
This thread is active on the Jaeger-LeCoultre forum with 6 replies. Share your knowledge with fellow collectors.
Join the Discussion →
