1994 Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Classique Mechanical
£4,250.00
includes our 24 month warranty
The Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso reference 250.8.86 belongs to one of the most enduring designs in 20th-century watchmaking — a model originally conceived in 1931 for British Army officers stationed in India who needed a wristwatch robust enough to survive a polo match. The ingenious reversible case, patented by René-Alfred Chauvot, allowed the delicate crystal and dial to be flipped and protected by a solid metal back, a concept that became both practical and stylistically iconic. By the 1990s, when this 250.8.86 example was produced, the Reverso had evolved from a sporting instrument into a refined expression of Art Deco elegance, maintaining its distinctive rectangular case, stepped flanks, and minimalist proportions.
This particular example, a full set with papers stamped 1994, represents Jaeger-LeCoultre’s dedication to continuity and craftsmanship during the brand’s revival years. The stainless-steel case measures approximately 38 × 23 mm and houses the signature silvered guilloché dial with Arabic numerals and blued sword hands. It is fitted to its original factory bracelet, a rare and desirable configuration that complements the geometric architecture of the case and enhances its mid-century aesthetic. Inside, the watch is powered by Jaeger-LeCoultre’s hand-wound calibre 846/1, an in-house movement operating at 21,600 vph with a 40-hour power reserve — thin, precise, and engineered specifically to suit the reversible case format.
In the broader history of the Reverso, this reference marks the era when Jaeger-LeCoultre reaffirmed its mastery of mechanical watchmaking after the quartz crisis, producing all movements in-house and restoring the Reverso as the brand’s signature piece. The 250.8.86 stands as a pure interpretation of the original single-face design before later dual-time and complicated variants appeared. In full-set condition with its original bracelet and documentation, this 1994 example embodies both historical continuity and collector appeal — a timeless representation of the Reverso’s transformation from utilitarian innovation to horological icon.
