Created by Jacques-David LeCoultre in 1931, the Reverso was initially conceived to withstand the harsh beating a watch would endure during a game of polo. Today, it has evolved into a dress watch thanks to its now-classical aesthetic and graceful design. Unique in that its case can be opened, slid along a rail, flipped around on its vertical axis, and snapped back into place so that its caseback faces out with its dial against the wrist, the Reverso's eponymous function gave Jaeger-LeCoultre a powerful medium to experiment and develop.
Offered here today is one of, I think, the brand’s most handsome modern interpretations: the Grande Reverso Ultra Thin Tribute to 1931, 277.8.62. Introduced to mark the Reverso’s 80th anniversary in 2011, Jaeger-LeCoultre released three commemorative variants—a rose-gold model with a white dial and two stainless-steel versions with black dials. This example is the US Edition of one of the stainless-steel offerings, limited to 200 pieces (100 pieces delivered in 2011, another 100 in 2012), created for the American market with a distinct dial and hand configuration, which we will get into shortly. Our example here hails from the 2011 batch, as indicated via the embossed text on the underside of its Casa Fagliano shell cordovan leather strap.
Starting with its iconic case, the 277.8.62 captures the quintessential Grande Reverso profile. The 46.8mm x 27.4mm case is flanked by squared, slightly conical lugs and rounded, barrel-like sides that give the watch its familiar presence. The glossy black dial pairs perfectly with the understated stainless-steel case. For this US Edition, the dial features thirteen luminous baton hour markers (with two placed as a pair at 12:00) and a set of distinctive syringe hands. A railroad minute track is aligned along its periphery, and the crisp “REVERSO” signature at 12:00 completes the layout, echoing the spirit of the original in a way that feels both faithful and subtly elevated.
Powering this watch from within is Jaeger-LeCoultre’s in-house, manual-winding Cal. 822. Featuring 21 jewels, this ultra-thin movement, at just 2.95mm thick, is widely regarded as one of the brand’s most reliable calibres. Beating at a frequency of 21,600 vph, the Cal. 822 also offers a power reserve of 45 hours when fully wound.
Remarkably, the 277.8.62 demonstrates how a dial with such minimal design can evoke a strong emotional impact when executed well. Every detail lands exactly where it should: from the period-correct ‘REVERSO’ script that has been matched as closely as possible to the font on the original, its distinctive syringe hands and clean hour markers, all treated with a well-controlled amount of faux patina. While I am usually wary of artificial patina on contemporary dials, here it is applied with purpose and restraint, serving both as a respectful nod and as an anchor to the 1931 inspiration that shaped this edition’s identity. Adding to this, Jaeger-LeCoultre’s decision to omit its logo entirely only reinforces the Reverso’s stature—the blueprint is so distinctive that it requires no branding to assert itself. Despite being a modern release, the watch certainly carries a certain quiet old-world charm.
have always believed that Jaeger-LeCoultre Reversos occupy a unique category of their own. Interestingly, although they were initially designed for polo matches and considered sports watches, they are now widely regarded as dress watches. This blend of characteristics gives them a distinctive hybrid quality that sets them apart in terms of wearability. The Reverso’s true versatility shines through in its effortless transition from the polo field to the boardroom. Ultimately, it stands as a prime example of a design that solved a practical challenge of its time and has since become an enduring icon in high-end watchmaking.
