The Collection of a European Nobleman

Geneva, May 11, 2008

LOT 20

Reverso - Tourbillon Number Two Jaeger-LeCoultre, "Reverso - Tourbillon Platinum Number Two", No. 107/500, Ref. 270. 6.48. Made in a limited edition of 500 pieces in 2004. Very fine and rare, rectangular and reversible platinum wristwatch with visible one-minute tourbillon regulator, 40-hour power reserve indication and a platinum Jaeger-LeCoultre deployant clasp.

CHF 30,000 - 40,000

EUR 19,000 - 25,000 / USD 30,000 - 40,000

Sold: CHF 40,800

C. Five-body, solid, polished and brushed, reeded bezel, transparent case back, sapphire crystals. D. Two-tone silver painted Arabic numerals, silver subsidiary seconds dial and sector for the up and down indication. Blued steel épée hands. M. Cal. 848, rhodium-plated, fausses cotes decoration, 25 jewels, lateral lever escapement with one minute tourbillon regulator with 3 equidistant polished steel arms, monometallic balance, shock absorber, self-compensating Breguet balance spring. Dial, case and movement signed. Dim. 26 x 42 mm. Thickness 10 mm


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Grading System
Grade:
Case: 2

Very good
Movement: 2*

Very good

Overhaul recommended, at buyer's expense
Dial: 1-01

As new

HANDS Original

Notes

?Reverso? history began in India in 1930: Swiss traveler Cesar de Trey had an idea for a wristwatch that could be turned over to protect dial and crystal from the dangers timepieces faced on India?s polo fields. Back in Switzerland, de Trey approached the LeCoultre company in Le Sentier and it was decided that the watch case would be developed by the Jaeger firm in France, who asked French designer and engineer Rene-Alfred Chauvet to prepare drawings for its production. Chauvet applied for Patent No. 712868 from the French Ministry of Trade and Industry on March 4th, 1931 and a patent was granted for the novel rectangular watch case design, which could be swiveled around so that the solid back protected the delicate mineral crystal from breakage. The new ?Reverso? wristwatch was destined to be in stores for the 1931 Christmas season and LeCoultre envisioned a production of just 5000 timepieces. This watch became the company?s most famous model and over 70 years later has been carefully optimized, while its character remains unchanged. Art Deco in essence, the clean ?Reverso? lines and high quality have made it Jaeger-LeCoultre?s leading model. The company has extended the line, offering greater variety. A most distinctive and celebrated timepiece, the ?Reverso? combines maximum functionality with optimized space.