Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso; The original ‘Time-Turner’

One of the most engaging props used in the Harry Potter film series is Hermione Granger’s Time Turner. This magical pendant housing a tiny rotating hourglass appears as a key plot device in ‘The Prisoner of Azkaban’ allowing Harry, Ron and Hermione to travel back in time and effect the escape of Sirius Black and the hippogriff Buckbeak.

While not bestowing any magical powers, since 1931 Jaeger-LeCoultre has produced a similarly engaging time piece with rotating ability in the Reverso watch. This perfectly weighted ‘glide and click’ motion provides an irresistible tactile involvement that few watches offer. A delightful ‘fiddle factor’ that turns the watch into a set of horological worry beads.

Fellows’ August Watch Sale, offers three different Reverso models, a steel Grande Duoface as Lot 82, a rose gold Tourbillon as Lot 86 and a very early example from the first two years of manufacture as Lot 87

The Reverso Tourbillon is significant, not only because of its complication – a tourbillon alone is no mean feat after all, but that it was the first tourbillon wrist watch that Jaeger-LeCoultre made and that they chose the Reverso case to house it. The dial of the watch follows the lead of brands such as Patek Philippe in its modesty; no visible tourbillon carriage, just the name of the complication above the seconds hand. Unlike a Patek, the revolving case allows the owner the opportunity to enjoy the impressive case-back view whenever they like without removing the watch.

Lot 87 may not be a first but it is very early. When the Reverso was first launched in 1931, the company did not have a calibre that would fit the case, so they approached Tavannes, one of the world’s largest manufacturers at the time for a movement. The name Lisica, found on the movement was a name dreamt up by Tavannes to avoid confusion as to the correct maker of the watch, especially as the dial only bears the word Reverso. These movements were only used for the first two years of manufacture which dates the watch to within a very short time period.

While the original purpose of the revolving case was to protect the glass, it has now evolved to offer sight of multiple dials and displays or decorative touches. It is this requirement to both look and touch the watches that make it so appealing.

If you would like more details of any of the lots in our Watch Sale on Tuesday 29^th August, which starts at 11am, please contact us directly and we will be happy to help.

The catalogue is available to view on our website now, and the viewing times in both our London and Birmingham office can be seen below:

22^nd August 2017 12pm – 7pm (London)

25^th August 2017 10am – 4pm (Birmingham)

26^th August 2017 11am – 4pm (Birmingham)

29^th August 2017 8.30am – 11.00am (Birmingham)