It was in May 2019, as a birthday present to oneself, I finally acquired my first Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso.  Opting to purchase a good condition, used Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Classique – seen as the entry-level Reverso – I took the view that this was a watch to enjoy, have a bit of fun with and engrave to my personal delight.   I do not regret a thing.

 

 Until you own a Reverso, I am not sure you can truly say you have a complete watch collection.  JLC is a brand so steeped in history and quality that (true story!) when you meet a watchmaker who works for Patek Philippe out of hours, he is likely to be wearing a JLC.  When you put this watch on your wrist, you immediately feel engulfed by style, class and the horological history of a grande maison.  My reservation when I purchased this reference was whether I would find the dial to be too plain but in the light it reveals two-tone textures which are quite remarkable.  There is a depth to this watch and in the unlikely event you become bored with it, you can simply reverse the case and admire either your personal engraving or a polished stainless steel back.  

 

The movement in this Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Classique (caliber 846/1) is renowned for its reliability, precision and not surprisingly so, given this was a watch designed to play polo with.  Indeed, some say this was the first ever sports watch.  I say it is just gorgeous.  It is Classique, sure enough, and incredible value for money.  Rectangular watches are of course not for every wrist, so I would not recommend purchasing a Reverso online – do go and try on a few sizes and see how it sits.

 

Assuming the Reverso works on your wrist,  then go and pick up a good condition, full-set Classique pre-owned (particularly if the steel back remains at your disposal) and you simply cannot go wrong.   Once you become a JLC owner, something changes….