Before we get to my review of the Jaeger LeCoultre Reverso Tribute To 1931 we need to cover the history. Over 40 years before the now iconic Royal Oak, another legend was born out of necessity. The Reverso by JLC. Legend has it to fulfil the wishes of polo players who didn’t want to damage the crystal of their watch during play, a reversible watch was created specifically for this purpose which could then be worn with formal attire in the gentlemen’s club after play. Therefore it can perhaps lay claim to be the worlds first sportswatch.

In 2011 JLC released the ‘Tribute to 1931’, an exact recreation of the very first reverso watch from that year, albeit in a slightly larger case to satisfy modern tastes. What a success it was, and to date it remains one of the very best reissue watches ever made. Ultra slim at 7.2mm, with a striking black dial only the words ‘Reverso’ on the dial make it stand out as something rather special for those in the know.

The Jaeger LeCoultre Reverso Tribute To 1931 as you know can be ‘flipped’ over to engrave the back as you wish. I had mine engraved with the words ‘playtime’ as when I turn the watch over it’s time to play with the kids or have some fun!

The manual wind calibre 822 is in perfect keeping with the vintage theme and it really does feel as if you are living In the Art Deco period when you wear the watch. The reverso is these days known primarily as a dress watch, but having put mine recently on a nato strap, I find it can be worn casually also.

For anyone contemplating this watch ( or any reverso for that matter) I would strongly advise to try several on. They wear different depending on wrist size, and you really need to get used to the shape of it. However, for those who want an iconic watch that’s just a bit different but want to fly under the radar, they should seriously take a look at the Jaeger LeCoultre Reverso Tribute To 1931.