Lot 115
£1,700
Auction: 30 November 2010 at 11:00 GMT
the reversible rounded rectangular watch head with engine turned silvered dial with Arabic numerals to one side, and similarly decorated champagne coloured dial, with central mother of pearl circular panel, and borders of round brilliant cut diamonds to the bezel, to the other side, fitted to a dark green leather strap, with fold-over clasp fastening, case numbered to reverse 1966743 266. 1. 44
The Reverso, a wristwatch that could be turned 180 degrees within the case to protect the crystal and dial was introduced in 1931. World War II prevented it from achieving its full potential. It was ediscovered in the 1960s when an Italian dealer found a number of unused Reverso cases; he bought the cases, fitted them with movements, and the resulting watches were an instant sell-out and today is Jaeger-LeCoultre's most popular model.