Antiquorum to Present a Special 80th Anniversary “Reverso Chapter” at the Geneva May 15 Auction
April 19, 2011
Antiquorum celebrates the 80th anniversary of the iconic Reverso watch with a selection of 33 exceptional Reversos, including original pieces from 1931, emblematic and ultra-rare versions with colored dials, limited series with complications, and watches with enamel-decorated case backs. The Jaeger-LeCoultre Manufacture is partnering this special "Reverso Chapter", and will provide an Extract from the Archives, free of charge, for each lot made prior to 1950.
Created in 1931 in response to a challenge set by British colonial army officers stationed in India, who requested a watch that could survive a polo match, it was clear from the start that the Reverso was more than just a sports watch. Its swiveling case not only protected the dial, it also offered a surface that, as of the 1930s, could be personalized by means of engraving or enamel. The Reverso embodies the quintessence of Art Deco styling: pure lines, form following function, exceptional craftsmanship and absolute elegance.
"It is with great pride that we present this outstanding selection of Reverso timepieces. The partnership of the Jaeger-LeCoultre Manufacture, which has examined all the vintage pieces and furnished a certificate for each one, allows collectors to bid confidently on the many variations of this historic watch that remains as modern and relevant today as in 1931, the year of its creation", comments Julien Schaerer, Managing Director and Watch Expert at Antiquorum Geneva.
In the vintage category, the highlights of this "Anniversary Collection" include a very rare, early, and desirable Steel Reverso with red lacquered dial (lot 225). Made in 1931, it is one of the most sought-after models. Estimate: CHF 5'000 - 8'000
One of the very first models to bear the LeCoultre signature is a classic Staybrite Reverso watch with small seconds and chocolate-colored dial (lot 226), made in 1933. Six others are featured in the sale, including a rare example made for the French market and bearing the Jaeger signature, and another watch from among the few that were destined exclusively for the American market.
Estimate: CHF 6'000 - 9'000
Collectors of vintage Reversos will also appreciate the Staybrite Reverso with center seconds and black dial (lot 237), made in 1939 and signed Jaeger-LeCoultre. Estimate: CHF 4'000 - 6'000
Among the modern Reverso wristwatches, the highlight is "Mucha's Four Seasons" No. 1/25, Ref. 276.1.62 (lot 255), a set of four enameled pieces introduced in the 1990's and made in a limited edition of 25 sets. On the back of each case, an exquisite painted on enamel portrait of a woman symbolizes each of the four seasons. Miklos Merczel, the manufacture's remarkable enamel artist, devoted dozens of hours to the creation of each piece.
Estimate: CHF 60'000 - 80'000
Antiquorum experts are also pleased to present a selection of complicated Reverso, with the "Reverso Géographique" (lot 248), No. 237/500, Ref. 270.2.58. This exceptional 18K pink gold double-face timepiece, made in 1998 in a limited series of 500 pieces, features world time, two time zones and moon phases, as well as day & night and GMT indications. Estimate: CHF 14'000 - 18'000.
Also noteworthy is the "Reverso Répétition Minutes" (lot 252), No. 402/500, Ref. 270.2.73, made in 1994 in a limited edition of 500 pieces. Estimate: CHF 25'000 - 35'000.
Finally, the Reverso "Tourbillon Platinum Number Two" (lot 253), No. 195/500, Ref. 270.6.48, made in 2003 in a limited edition of 500 pieces. This exceptional platinum Reverso features a visible one-minute tourbillon regulator as well as a 40-hour power reserve indication. Estimate: CHF 25'000 - 35'000.
High-resolution images available by request to press@antiquorum.com.
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