Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Lady hand-wound 20 x 33 mm 2010

The story

Born in 1931, the Reverso is one of the most recognisable and iconic watches in the history of watchmaking. Its origins are closely linked to the world of sport and engineering: at the time, Jaeger-LeCoultre was approached by British officers stationed in India who played polo and were looking for a watch capable of withstanding the violent shocks of the game. The Manufacture’s response came in the form of a revolutionary case that could swivel on itself to protect the dial — an invention as ingenious as it was elegant.

Very quickly, the Reverso moved beyond its purely utilitarian purpose to become a true style icon. Its rectangular case, geometric lines, distinctive gadroons and perfectly balanced proportions make it one of the purest expressions of Art Deco aesthetics. From the 1930s onwards, the Reverso appealed to both men and women, establishing itself as a watch that was at once sporty, elegant and resolutely modern for its time.

Over the decades, Jaeger-LeCoultre has continually reinterpreted the Reverso without ever betraying its original design. Horological complications, jewellery versions, ultra-thin editions and traditional mechanical models have all enriched the collection while preserving its unique identity. The Reverso Lady is part of this continuity, offering a feminine interpretation that remains faithful to the spirit of 1931, where the slender case and understated dial enhance the elegance of the wrist.

In an ever-changing watchmaking landscape, the Reverso remains an exception: instantly recognisable, timeless, and deeply rooted in the savoir-faire of the Grande Maison of the Vallée de Joux. More than a timepiece, it has become a symbol of style, horological culture and enduring elegance.

The model

This Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Lady mechanical watch, reference 260.8.86, represents the most horologically faithful expression of the feminine Reverso. With its 20 x 33 mm dimensions, it echoes vintage proportions while offering an elegant and perfectly balanced presence on the wrist. Here, the Reverso does not seek a jewellery effect, but clearly asserts its status as a true mechanical watch, conceived with the same level of rigor as the men’s models in the collection.

The dial features a refined and subtle two-tone aesthetic. The lightly satin-finished silver surface is structured by a contrasting inner minute track, while the painted Arabic numerals preserve the original Art Deco spirit. The blued hands add a classic horological touch and enhance legibility, while harmonising beautifully with the overall sobriety of the design. The graphic balance of the dial, characteristic of the Reverso, relies on a clear hierarchy of information, free from excess or decorative compromise.

The rectangular steel case retains the emblematic gadroons at the top and bottom, true signatures of the collection. Its perfectly integrated reversible system allows the watch to pivot on itself, revealing a solid caseback that can be personalised with an engraving. Originally conceived to protect the dial, this feature has become one of the strongest identity markers of the Reverso, adding a personal and patrimonial dimension to the watch.

Mechanically, this Reverso Lady is powered by the Jaeger-LeCoultre calibre 846/1, a fully in-house hand-wound movement. Introduced in 1975 and still in production today, this calibre demonstrates the remarkable longevity of the mechanical architectures developed by the Grande Maison. A direct descendant of the historic Reverso calibres JLC 460 (1942) and JLC 490 (1960), the 846/1 represents a modern evolution optimised for reliability and slimness.

Beating at a frequency of 21,600 vibrations per hour, it offers a power reserve of approximately 40 hours. Its manual winding reinforces the daily connection between the watch and its wearer, in a deeply horological approach that remains faithful to the spirit of traditional mechanical Reverso models.

Finally, this Reverso Lady is fitted with a new ostrich leather strap, paired with a Jaeger-LeCoultre folding clasp, ensuring comfort, security and aesthetic coherence with the watch.

At the crossroads of design icon and traditional mechanical timepiece, this Reverso Lady ref. 260.8.86 is intended for those seeking a watch of character — timeless, refined, and powered by a true manufacture calibre, where elegance is never separated from horological legitimacy.

The package

This Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Lady mechanical watch is offered with its original paper warranty dated 2010.

Prior to sale, the watch underwent a complete inspection in our workshops, including a thorough movement check, verification of all functions, and a carefully executed case polish, carried out with full respect for the Art Deco lines and iconic proportions of the Reverso.

Presented in excellent overall condition, it is accompanied by a one-year Lepage Vintage warranty, offering its future owner complete peace of mind when acquiring an iconic horological piece, meticulously selected and prepared according to our quality standards.