Hamilton "Otis" Reverso History and Details

Alkiro1 · 2016-10-13T14:25:50Z

Discover Alkiro1's Hamilton "Otis" Reverso, an almost 80-year-old watch made under license from LeCoultre for the American market (1938-1941).

Alkiro1

WPS member · Horological Meandering forum

24 replies8443 views10 photos

Alkiro1 unveils his Hamilton "Otis" Reverso, a fascinating vintage piece from the late 1930s that reveals a unique chapter in watchmaking history. His detailed post highlights how Hamilton, with LeCoultre's agreement, produced a true Reverso for the American market, adhering to the original patent and offering a compelling alternative to its Swiss counterpart.

24 collectors discussing this on the WatchProSite forumJoin the Conversation →

When I discovered this Hamilton "Otis" few years ago, it was a true surprise, for me, for that...

This Hamilton is a true "Reverso" as they made (with the LeCoultre agreement), between 1938 and 1941, only for the American market (they were not allowed to export outside the US this model), a watch which exactly followed (measures...) the patent of the Reverso.

The "Reverso system" was initially designed and patented by René Alfred Chauvet (and not Chauvot as written at the top of the patent). First granted in France in 1931, second granted in Switzerland in February 1933 and, finally, the US the 10th October 1933 with the patent number 1.930.416 (below a picture that Jaeger used for its Reverso user guides some years ago and I used for my pics above. And another pic of the US patent number engraved on my Hamilton).

Few models (I don't know how many exactly) were made over four years (from 1938 to 1941) with two different movements, a 14 k gold-filled case and two different dial colours (black and white). The grade 980 (17 jewels from 1938 to 1939. The one I have in my Hamilton so my watch is almost 80 years old!) and the grade 982 (19 jewels from 1940 to 1941). Here a side by side picture of these both movements.

Below two Hamilton ads with their Otis model.

Finally, a wrist and macro shot.

Please note that I mainly used the pictures from corsair75 on Forumamontres.

Best wishes

Alkiro

Key Points from the Discussion

The Hamilton "Otis" Reverso was produced under license from LeCoultre between 1938 and 1941 exclusively for the American market, adhering to the original Reverso patent.
The "Reverso system" patent was initially granted in France in 1931, then Switzerland in 1933, and finally the US in October 1933 (patent number 1.930.416).
The Hamilton "Otis" was made in limited numbers with two movements (Grade 980 and 982) and two dial colors (black and white), encased in 14k gold-filled cases.
Finding a Hamilton "Otis" Reverso without an engraving on its reversible back is a significant challenge for collectors.
The existence of such license agreements, like the one for the Hamilton "Otis," adds variety and intrigue for collectors of Reverso-style watches.
The Hamilton "Otis" is often mistaken for a Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso, providing an opportunity to share its unique historical story.

The Discussion

jml_watches

Oct 13, 2016

Do you manage to wear it much? Thanks for sharing JML

Dr No

Oct 13, 2016

. . . during my periodic pawn shop forays. An identical example would be irresistible. Art

KMII

Oct 13, 2016

Those license agreements are a fascinating feature of any business and the result is certainly charming - adding variety and spice - for the Reverso collector who has it all!

zabreg1 Mr White

Oct 13, 2016

And thank you for a great write up, my friend.

watch-guy.com

Oct 13, 2016

Fwiw patek also made 12 examples of the reverso model One is in the museum J

Alkiro1

Oct 13, 2016

They are not so rare but that\'s not so easy to find one in good condition and, more importantly, without any engraving on the back side. Best wishes Alkiro

Continue the conversation

This thread is active on the Horological Meandering forum with 24 replies. Share your knowledge with fellow collectors.

Join the Discussion →

Hamilton "Otis" Reverso History and Details

Key Points from the Discussion

Continue the conversation

More from this Forum