The Reverso, most distinctive watch, certainly has an impressive pedigree. 

Essentially one of the first sports watches, the Reverso combined utility with a sleek and elegant Art Deco exterior that has become an icon of horological design. But in the case of the Reverso, looks deceive.

Though the model appears at first glance a dress watch, it owes its conception to the gentlemanly sport of polo. While touring India in the 1920s, Swiss businessman César de Trey met a British polo player who'd just cracked the crystal of his watch on the field. De Trey returned to Switzerland with an idea that had taken root in his head, which he then discussed with Jacques-David LeCoultre: What if a watch could be made with a case that could reverse?

The reversible case, masterminded by designer Alfred Chauvot, was Jaeger-LeCoultre's solution to the impact problem polo players could face on the field. Once reversed, the delicate components of the dial were protected from the shocks sustained while on horseback. No more would polo players risk cracking crystals or receiving damage to the dials of their watches. Chauvot took out a patent for the Reverso in March 1931. Produced chiefly in steel, Jaeger-LeCoultre also released the Reverso in gold, and decorated the case back with engravings or even miniature portraits.

But with changing tastes in the 1970s — for round watches as well as quartz movements — Jaeger-LeCoultre ceased production of the Reverso. The model lay dormant for years until its triumphant re-issue in 1982. While those watches contained quartz movements, their success represented a future for the Reverso — which has since returned to its previous tentpole status within the greater JLC lineup. 

The particular example, a Reference 260.2.86, features a svelte 18k rose gold 19mm x 33mm reversible case, sapphire crystal, signed crown, and a glossy black dial with applied gold indices with a gilt printed central minutes track, and a matching ‘dauphine’ handset. Powered by the hand-wound Jaeger-LeCoultre Calibre 846, it comes paired to a black alligator leather strap and is fitted with a signed 18k rose gold pin buckle.

In terms of elegant design and horological prowess, this watch punches way above its weight class - offering tremendous looks and street cred in a diminutive solid gold package - the way only a Reverso can!