The genesis of this story dates back to the winter of 1930-1931 when Swiss businessman and avid watch collector César de Trey found himself in India. During a polo match at a British army officers' club, one of the officers, having just damaged the crystal of his watch, issued a challenge to de Trey: to create a watch sturdy enough to endure a polo match.

César de Trey, intrigued by the proposition, engaged in discussions with Jacques-David LeCoultre, the then owner of the LeCoultre manufacture, to supply the movements for this innovative watch. LeCoultre, in turn, enlisted Jaeger S.A. to craft the reversible case. Jaeger S.A. collaborated with the French designer René-Alfred Chauvot, credited as the inventor of the unique slide and flip mechanism.

The timepiece in question represents a later iteration of the Reverso line, originating from the 1990s.

Things you should know

The watch is honest and original condition. The case has recently undergone repolishing and presents itself at its finest. Notably, on the case back, just above the reference number, traces of a previous attempt to remove a commemorative date are visible. However, the reference number, serial number, brand, and model engraved on the caseback remain in beautiful and perfectly readable conditions.

The dial has acquired a warm cream color over time, while the numerals have retained an almost perfect black hue. Light marks are present throughout, discernible under strong lighting but minimally noticeable to the naked eye.

It's worth noting that the case, dial, movement, and crown are all signed by Jaeger-Lecoultre