The Reverso has always provided a canvas for personalisation and artistic expression due to prominent part the rear cover plays when flipped.
Jacquie Aiche offers her take on Jaeger-LeCoultre’s iconic Reverso. This is an 18ct gold variation dating from circa 1980-1982. The black dial is customised with the static design eye motif to the centre, with the ‘JA’ logo at 6 O’clock. It is fitted with 10 round-cut diamond hour markers which are set in 18ct yellow gold mounts. It opens to reveal the engraved Eye Burst motif to the cover, a nod to the fine-jewellery makers spiritual influences and native American heritage.
The reference marking to the rear has been polished, but it would appear to be a reference 140.007.1. It is marked internally with the reference 382 and is powered by a Jaeger-LeCoultre calibre 602 Quartz movement.
A limited variety of pre-owned customs were part of an exclusive collection available via matches fashion, in October 2023. This is the first example to become available since the original retail sale.
An intriguing aspect is that the watches serial number ends with ‘VCA’ which indicates that it was originally retailed by Van Cleef & Arpels, adding another layer of exclusivity.
The watch comes in a Jaeger-LeCoultre leather pouch, with cushion and outer box. It has the Jacquie Aiche product label attached with the product number. It also comes with a Jacquie Aiche JA Timepiece Collection card.
This is the ‘Classique’ model with the proportions matching that of the original Reverso models from the 1930s. It has a 23mm case width, a 33mm length and a 38.5mm lug-to-lug length. This gives it the bonus of being a perfect, classic fit or a Gents or ladies wrist.
Original Matches Fashion product details:
Jacquie Aiche
Vintage Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso 18kt gold watch
£25,960 retail
18ct gold Reverso case, Eye Burst engraving
Black dial, sapphire glass crystal
Ten round-cut diamonds
This is a vintage timepiece in its original box, restored and customised by experts at Jacquie Aiche’s Studio. Any imperfections or markings are the product of its previous ownership and reflect its one-of-a-kind nature.
Jacquie Aiche Timepieces are not associated, affiliated, approved, sponsored, or authorised by Jaeger-LeCoultre.
Product number: 1554261
Refreshed by Jacquie Aiche’s team of skilled artisans, this vintage Jaeger-LeCoultre timepiece is fitted with an 18k gold Reverso case that opens to reveal and engraved Eye Burst motif – a nod to the designer’s spiritual influences. It’s restored in Los Angeles with a customised black dial and a scattering of 10 round-cut diamonds.
Full condition report below. Please see the images as these compliment and aid the description provided below.
Dial:
The dial has been customised by Jacquie Aiche. It has the printed eye motif to the centre, with the ‘JA’ logo at 6 O’clock. The Jaeger-LeCoultre signing is in a gold tone at 12 O’clock. There are 10 round cut diamond hour markers, set in 18ct gold mounts. There are no obvious marks or signs of ageing.
Hands:
The hands are original in a gold tone. They are in good condition and have no marking or corrosion. There are some minor signs of bending in the past.
Glass:
The sapphire crystal is original and is in very good condition with no marking.
Crown:
The crown is signed with the ‘JL’ initials and is original. It is in good condition.
Main case section:
The reversable case section has the polished finish to the front, sides and rear. It has the brushed finish to either end, with the hallmarking visible to the top end. The steel screws to either end of the case are in good condition with the polished finish. The retractable pins and click to hold it in place are good and original. The rear is decorated with the Jacquie Aiche Eye burst motif which has been laser engraved. Overall there is light scratching associated with age.
Outer case:
The outer case frame is formed of 18ct yellow gold. It has been polished to the inside with the brushed finish. It has the partially rubbed hallmarking visible inside. The rear has had the brushed finish re-done. The Van Cleef & Arpels serial number remained, with traces of the reference number below. The outer bevel has the polished finish, as does the lugs.
Strap:
The watch comes on a new genuine leather strap which is non-Jaeger, with an unsigned buckle.
Movement:
The movement is a Jaeger-LeCoultre calibre 602. It is a Quartz movement with a jewel count of 7.
The movement service history is unknown but is in good condition with a new battery fitted. It is keeping reliable time.
Case dimensions:
Case width: 23mm
Case width with crown: 24.5mm
Case length: 33mm
Case length lug to lug: 38.5mm
Case Depth: 7.25mm
Lug width: 17mm