How the Reverso Captured the Vertical Rhythm of the Empire State Building
The Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso was born in 1931, the same year the Empire State Building was completed in New York. Coincidence? The three gadroons (grooved decorations) engraved on the Reverso's case sides bear an uncanny resemblance to the vertical ribbing patterns on the Empire State Building's exterior walls.
The Reverso Tribute Duo Fasmático (Q3988482) represents the purest expression of these architectural elements. Its 39.7mm x 24.4mm golden ratio case displays geometric proportions as precise as a skyscraper's cross-section. Currently trading around $13,800, its value remains as enduring as the timelessness of Art Deco architecture itself. Here in Seoul's Cheongdam luxury district, I've noticed Korean collectors particularly appreciate this model's dual-time function for tracking New York business hours.
Rotating the case 180 degrees reveals a second dial, like discovering another face of the Chrysler Building's stainless steel spire. The front features a silver sunray dial with Arabic numerals, while the back displays a black dial with small seconds – reminiscent of New York's skyline transitioning from day to night.
The Traces Left by the 1925 Paris Decorative Arts Exhibition on Reverso Dials
Look closely at the rosette guilloché pattern on the Reverso Classic Large Small Seconds (Q3858522), and you'll recall René Lalique's glasswork from the 1925 Paris International Exhibition of Decorative Arts. The radial pattern emanating from the center reflects light differently from every angle, embodying the Art Deco concept of "moving decoration."
This model currently trades around $7,100, and despite being pure stainless steel, it sometimes commands higher premiums than limited edition enamel dial versions. The 45.6mm x 27.4mm large size sits comfortably on modern wrists while recreating the grandeur of Art Deco architecture. Korean watch enthusiasts often compare this to wearing a piece of the Dongdaemun Design Plaza on their wrist – both share that seamless blend of curves and angles.
The dial's chemin de fer (minute track) mirrors the tile patterns of Paris Metro stations from that era. These details transform the watch from a mere timekeeping tool into wearable architecture.
Reverso One Precious Colours Showcasing the Delicacy of Art Deco Feminine Architecture
Released in 2024, the Reverso One Precious Colours series (Q3292430, Q3292530) evokes 1930s Chanel boutique interiors or Elsa Schiaparelli's salon. The extreme 20mm x 40mm vertical ratio perfectly translates the proportions of Art Deco cigarette cases designed for women.
Green, burgundy, and blue lacquer dials display colors as bold yet sophisticated as Radio City Music Hall's wall decorations. Trading between $6,000-6,700, these base models without diamond settings command premiums due to the rarity of their lacquer technique. I've observed at Seoul's Galleria Department Store that Korean customers particularly gravitate toward the green variant, associating it with jade's cultural significance while appreciating its Art Deco heritage.
Modern Architecture's Dialogue with Reverso - The Hybris Mechanica Calibre 185
The 2021 Reverso 90th anniversary Hybris Mechanica Calibre 185 exhibits minimalism that maximizes function, like architect Norman Foster's works. This watch with four dial faces measures an imposing 51.2mm x 31mm, boldly revealing its internal mechanisms like the Pompidou Center.
Containing 11 complications, this model commands around $1.5 million, with only 10 pieces produced and already sold out. Yet its significance lies not in price but in how the Art Deco spirit from 90 years ago has met 21st-century technology to create new architectural marvels. The Seoul boutique received just one allocation, which sold to a prominent Korean tech entrepreneur within hours of arrival.
Living with Art Deco on Your Wrist
Wearing a Reverso feels like carrying a piece of 1930s Manhattan skyline daily. Among watch enthusiasts, there's a saying: "The Reverso isn't a watch, it's architecture." Once you wear one, you deeply understand this meaning.
When purchasing from official Jaeger-LeCoultre boutiques, they offer complimentary engraving services on the Reverso's case back – continuing the Art Deco tradition of personalized luxury. Grey market pieces typically cost 15-20% less, though service center access may be limited depending on your location. In Korea's sophisticated watch market, I've noticed authorized dealers now offer competitive pricing during seasonal promotions, sometimes matching grey market rates while maintaining full warranty coverage.
The Reverso remains one of the few watches where flipping the case still surprises people at business meetings. It's a conversation starter that transcends mere horology, connecting wearers to an era when design meant permanence, not planned obsolescence.
Disclaimer: This content was written without compensation from any brand or retailer. Watch prices, values, and features may vary based on market conditions, release timing, and individual usage. Information provided is for reference only; all purchase, usage, and storage decisions remain the reader's responsibility.