Vintage
The article discusses the history and development of the Reverso watch, created by René-Alfred Chauvot in 1931. Initially designed to protect the glass during polo matches, it later became popular for its Art Deco style and customization options. The watch was marketed by Spécialités HorlogÚres and
During the early years of the Reversoâs production, a small number of Reverso cases were sold to other companies, including Cartier, Patek Philippe and Vacheron Constantin. However, in 1934, SpĂ©cialitĂ©s HorlogĂšres was renamed the SociĂ©tĂ© de Vente des Produits Jaeger-LeCoultre, and it was this firm that acquired the Reverso patent. The Reversoâs primary aim was to protect the glass of the watch, and from the outset the model was aimed at the sportsman. It is said that CĂ©sar de Trey had originally approached Chauvot to design a watch that could withstand the rough and tumble of a game of polo â de Trey had apparently seen a gap in the market when challenged to produce a shock-proof watch by a polo player whose watch glass had just been broken during a match. With its elegant, clean lines and rectangular shape, the watchâs design was perfectly suited to the Art Deco period. Reversing to a plain back, the watch also offered the tempting possibility for the buyer to personalise their watch with their own initials, their family crest or a unique decorative motif. Early advertisements for the model already showed examples with monochrome, enamel-decorated initials and monograms.
At the time this watch was produced, Cartier London was at the height of its most experimental era, creating distinctive and unconventional wristwatches. Yet, the firm also continued to offer a variety of classic models from its past. This particular model, typical of Cartierâs reversible wristwatch production, is an especially slender interpretation of the original LeCoultre Reverso concept, but in keeping with Cartierâs signature style of slim, elegant dress watches
Monaco Legends have a VC version on auction right now, which will no doubt fetch a pretty penny. Anyway, back to the Reverso story, there's always been a logical falacy I wondered with its origin story - if polo players were so worried about damaging their watch, why couldnt they just take it off? It's not like as if they needed to tell the time, and even if they did, the reversing mechism would have ironically stopped this. Can anyone who plays polo explain why it is/was necessary to wear a wat
I never researched that myself but if true then there's another reason to doubt this rationale. Maybe the story is kinda like the Pasha story. Dubious.
It's a very nice alternative to the Reverso. Best, Emmanuel
the 1970's Cabriolet and Basculante from 1932 photos from Hodinkee
You hold the reins of the horse with the left hand. And you play with the mallet with your right hand. Left-handed people are generally strictly required to still play as a right-handed person. While the left wrist is relatively safe from impacts, impacts nonetheless do happen.
So, the main reason why a lot of people have the habit of wearing a watch while playing - is simply this, taking off the watch, there is a high risk of loss. I can tell you, a lot of watches disappear in locker rooms at country clubs. Who knows, maybe the steward boys have keys to all the lockers? This isn't a very satisfying answer. The military mentality is also to carry as much as you can on you - and the watch was seen as a very personal tool. In the 1930s, this was the dawning of wristwatch
This thread is active on the Horological Meandering forum with 14 replies. Share your knowledge with fellow collectors.
Join the Discussion →
