The Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso One Cordonnet is based on a 1936 watch, from which its leather cord strap has been derived. The Reverso case provides the playful touch that for 85 years has made the Reverso a favourite piece world-wide. The swivel mechanism is fun to operate and gets progressively smoother and easier as you get used to it. A few other brands have incorporated something playful into their watches, such as Jaquet Droz with their Lady 8, but nothing beats the Reverso for a fun form of interaction. The Reverso One Cordonnet combines the 1930s Art Deco style of the case with the modern style of informal bracelets. The swivelling case adds the feature of transformability that is another powerful trend in contemporary jewellery.
The watch has a case in steel and pink gold, 33.8 mm by 16.3 mm, 7 mm thick, water resistance 3 bars. The leather cord strap has a steel folding clasp. The quartz movement, Calibre Jaeger-LeCoultre 657, provides hours and minutes. Even the movement, which remains hidden to the user, is nicely finished with Côtes de Genève. I am convinced that sooner or later, watch brands will start revealing quartz movements through sapphire casebacks. How long until we see batteries with circular or sunray finish?
Price and reference
The Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso One Cordonnet, reference 3264520,, costs €7,750 inclusive of tax, US$7,600 plus sales tax. Available in boutiques from April 2016.
