First of all, it is good to see a major watchmaking event being held in Paris. It has to be said that for several years, and in particular after the end of the Salon Belles Montres, watch lovers have had the feeling that Paris has been downgraded, as if the brands considered that the City of Light had lost its attractiveness. It is true that boutiques were opening and large-scale projects such as La Samaritaine were taking shape, but there was still the perception that the sector's strategic orientations were aimed more at tourists than at local customers. Recent events (strikes, yellow jackets and other social movements) had not helped the situation either, against the backdrop of a delicate economic situation. It is therefore not insignificant to see a watch brand take possession of a central building in the luxury sector of Paris for two months with an event aimed not only at watch lovers but also at the general public.



This is the second reason why the exhibition is so important. Thanks to the quality of its staging, its organisation around 4 main themes and its didactic dimension, it contributes to communicating in a positive way about the mechanical watch. Bringing visibility and passion back to this theme is a welcome step as the predominant feeling among French customers is that watchmaking has become a purely financial and speculative theme and that only a happy few have access to the well-known pieces that were relatively accessible ten years ago.



The exhibition thus helps to arouse interest and curiosity among the younger generation. Although we are talking about traditional watchmaking and a watch that is celebrating its 90th anniversary this year, this immersion in the world of the Reverso emphasises its very contemporary character. The Reverso has crossed the ages, has served as a support for numerous artistic approaches that have gone far beyond the initial art-deco context and has always been part of a perspective of technical and mechanical innovation, as certain recent models still prove. The renewal of the clientele being a major challenge for the industry, the exhibition can thus germinate small seeds in the minds of young visitors who may become the customers of tomorrow.





I was not going to forget one last very good reason to visit the exhibition: the tour ends with a gourmet break in the 1931 Café where you can taste Nina Métayer's cakes and pastries created for the occasion. The decoration of the 1931 Café is magnificent, with art-deco inspired furniture and accessories that take us back to the atmosphere of the era that saw the birth of the Reverso.



Given the success of the exhibition and the limited number of visitors, it is advisable to prepare your visit by reserving a time slot. All the information about the visit as well as the booking form are available on the website dedicated to the exhibition. The visit is free of charge, but it is also possible to take part in the "Reverso" discovery workshop lasting one and a half hours in the presence of a trainer and a technical expert from the Manufacture. However, there is a charge for taking part in this workshop. Please note that only a few dates are available, so it is advisable to book well in advance.


For my part, after having been able to discover the exhibition during the opening night, I plan to go back to visit it more quietly and appreciate in particular the magnificent sketches of Janek Deleskiewicz which amazed me. So, if you're in Paris before Christmas, I urge you to spend an hour of your time browsing this masterful celebration of the many facets of the Reverso.













































Fr.Xavier