217.64.40, Reverso Tourbillon, Platinum

The Reverso Tourbillon Number Two is the second Reverso Tourbillon model from Jaeger-LeCoultre, limited to only 500 examples. Its over 50 component platinum case houses the calibre 848, an in-house 18k white gold movement with beautiful finishing and design references to the brand's first pocketwatch tourbillon calibre from 1946. While traditionally a time-only model the 90s brought complication to the range, combining the brands most enduring model with its heritage in high complication movement manufacture. 

Complicated Reverso movements were not created until about 60 years after its inception in 1931. With the help of newly hired Gunter Blümlein, later of A. Lange & Söhne, JLC produced a series of 6 limited edition releases to celebrate the model's 60th anniversary; complicated Reversos all in pink gold. The movements of these were purpose built for the model’s squared case. The effort produced JLC’s first Reverso Tourbillon ref. 270.2.68, housing the calibre 828, likely the first square cased tourbillon movement. This series changed the identity of the Reverso from a classic time-only model to a showcase of the brand’s capability for in-house complication design and manufacturing. 

In 2003, JLC released their second Reverso Tourbillon with a greater but still limited production of just 500. Housed in a platinum case, its calibre 848 provided finer materials and finishing techniques to the architecture of the 828 including 18k white gold plates, hand chamfering, mirror polished bridges, and Côtes du Soleil striping pattern. This radial pattern is incredibly engaging to observe, reflecting light beautifully and drawing the eye to the free sprung tourbillon with Breguet overcoil. The bridge design in both the 828 and 848 reference those of JLC’s first tourbillon calibre 170 from the award winning 464254 made in 1946. 

Its bi-color dial is restrained but beautiful and well executed, featuring silver painted Arabic numerals and polished JLC ‘anchor’ logo. The only hint of complication dial-side is the Tourbillon text housed within the small seconds subdial. Its platinum ‘Grand Taille’ case measures 42 x 26mm, slightly larger than vintage models. The case and its sliding mechanism are fabricated from over 50 components. 

The Reverso Tourbillon Number Two blends one of the brand’s most archetypal time-only models with their history of movement manufacturing and complication. While the watch may appear to have two identities, the Reverso is arguably the perfect model in which to combine them seamlessly, both symbolically and physically. The culmination of over 70 years of design, its significance is well beyond its limited production.

This Reverso Tourbillon Number Two presents in great overall condition. The dial features no signs of patina or damage. Case geometry is original and the watch is very likely unpolished. Hallmarks are deep and sharp. The case body features some light surface wear that shows only in harsh light. Its calibre 848 is running well within spec. on our timing equipment.

This example is modelled on an average-sized 7-inch wrist.