What makes this LeCoultre Reverso even more attractive is that it is monogrammed on the back in an art deco typeface, reading "TJ". It was very common for a Reverso to be engraved with initials, a family crest, or coat of arms back then. Remember, those for whom the Reverso was designed were Polo players, which was (and is) a very aristocratic, blue-blooded group of people. One design note about the original Reverso - the winding crown on these tag heuer kirium formula1 watchesare basically flush against the case to retain symmetry, although most of the 70 year old Reverso have had their crowns replaced. This is not the case on this watch, it is 100% original. This watch is being offered for just under 7,000 GBP, which, despite the rarity and quality of this watch, we think is a little on the high side. We would like to see it closer to 5,000 GBP or $10,000. That being said, this is a chance to pickup a truly classic very high-end tag heuer kirium formula1 watches in its more pure form. The value of this Reverso will definitely increase as time moves on, especially when we get closer to its 100 year birthday.
LeCoultre is a brand we don't talk about enough. Honestly, we'd love to feature them as often as we feature Rolleys and Omegas, but the sad truth of the matter is, there just aren't that many LeCoultres (or Jaeger LeCoultres) out there. So when we find a good one, you can guarantee it's going up on Hodinkee as soon as possible.What we have found here is a first generation LeCoultre Reverso. The Reverso is easily LeCoultre's most famous line, followed up by the Memovox. Originally released in 1931 to Polo players who were looking for a smash-resistant watch that could withstand fierce, equine involved competition, the Reverso (for those who don't know) features a hinged face that can be hidden from the outside world to protect the face. The idea for this protective measure stemmed from a man named Cesar de Trey, who in 1931 was approached by a Polo player in British colonial India whose tag heuer kirium formula1 watches face had just been smashed in a match. The Reverso we have found for you here is circa 1935, and is in excellent, original condition. It has a black face with a sub-seconds dial.
