Cabriolet watches: the others Reverso models!
Joshua Grillet1. The Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso
When we talk about convertible or reversible watches, we immediately think of a certain Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso, the star of this category!
It was created in 1931 for polo players to protect the glass and mechanism from various blows from mallets and falls, a true sports watch when it was released!
That same year, “unbreakable crystal” made of synthetic sapphire made its debut in watchmaking. The reversible function of a watch is therefore more a matter of watchmaking artistry than a purely functional requirement.
Its name, Reverso, means “I turn around” in Latin. But we will see that it is far from being the only one and that it is not the first.
Credit : Chrono24.fr
Credit : gazette-drouot.com
2. Universal Genève, the first convertible watch
Four years before the Reverso, Universal Genève, which specialized in chronograph watches at the time, released what appears to be the first convertible watch. A rare watch, little known, and one that must not have been a great success in 1927. It should be noted that its rocker system is quite different from that of the Reverso.
Credit : Universal Geneve
In 1994, under reference number 042.400, we also find the Golden Janus model, of which only 150 were manufactured to celebrate the brand's 100th anniversary, 1894-1994.
Credit : lacotedesmontres.com
3. The Cartier Basculante
Created in 1932 by Cartier, the “Tank Réversibles” family was designed to meet the demands of a niche clientele. In 1992, this family was renamed “Basculante.”
In 1926, Société Anonyme Cartier registered a patent that only provided for the watch to be held in its closed position, rotated 180° on one of the short sides, and flipped over on the bracelet to read the time and close immediately.
So does Cartier deserve all the credit for the convertible watch?
Credit : The Cartier Tank Basculante by Walt Odets
This article is part of an ongoing exploration of vintage watches.
I offer independent analysis and private inspections for collectors.
Have a great time on the website!
Joshua Grillet