Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Classique Wempe Limited Edition 250.8.86

$13,500

Introduced to celebrate retailer Wempe's 120th anniversary, this limited edition Reverso features deep red Gothic-style numerals that sets it apart from its peers.

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This is the Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso. A manufacturer synonymous with its flagship model, the Reverso, JLC is a storied brand with a long and rich history in watchmaking. Colloquially known as “the watchmaker’s watchmaker” for its watchmaking prowess, the brand has almost two centuries of watchmaking history with its most important and recognizable creation being the first reversible wristwatch.

The story of the Reverso began in 1931, where Rene-Alfred Chauvot patented the creation of what would eventually become the brand’s most iconic and associated model. Dating back pre-JLC, the creation of the Reverso was originally meant for British officers based in India to wear during the sport of polo with the reversible case acting as protection for the front.

A reference produced during the neo-vintage period during the 1990s and 2000s, the Reverso Classique reference 250.8.86 harks back to the origins of the Reverso with its compact and timeless proportions. While commonly fitted with two-toned silver dials, the 250.8.86 was almost like a canvas of expression for the brand that featured several dial variations including art-deco style dials reminiscent of early Reversos. In addition, several limited edition Reversos were created with this reference, showcasing the popularity of this monoface Reverso during its time.

Introduced to mark the 120th anniversary of storied retailer Wempe, the 120-piece limited edition retains the classic proportions of the Reverso with a highly modern typeface unlike any of its peers. Adorned with red Gothic-style Arabic numerals to match the corporate colours of Wempe, the use of the bespoke numeral typeface sets it apart from other Reversos of the time. The caseback is engraved with "WEMPE" and the anniversary year.

Powered by the manual-winding JLC Cal. 846, the classically proportioned case measures 23.5 x 38mm with a remarkable thinness of only 7.2mm. Despite the evolution of the Reversos over the years, the Reversos of the 90s remain sought after due to the sheer variety of its dials and the perfectly sized case. While there have been several limited editions associated with the reference, the Wempe Edition is one that almost never comes to market. A perfect blend of tradition and modernity, this is a must-have for serious Reverso collectors.