Reverso — The Living Legend

Some watches survive decades. A few survive a century. The Reverso is one of those rare designs that never stopped evolving.

In this episode of Watches and Politics — Series 3: Watch Books, I explore Reverso — The Living Legend, a book by Manfred Fritz that documents how one of the most distinctive watch designs in history continued to reinvent itself across generations.

Originally introduced in 1931, the Reverso was created to solve a practical problem for polo players: a watch that could flip over to protect its dial during the game. But what began as a functional solution became something far more interesting — an enduring design platform that allowed Jaeger‑LeCoultre to experiment with complications, aesthetics, and artistic expression.

In this episode, we discuss:

• the origins of the Reverso and its connection to polo culture• why the reversible case became one of watchmaking’s most recognizable designs• how the Reverso evolved from a sports watch into a platform for haute horlogerie• the role of complications, engraving, and artistic dials in the Reverso story• what this book reveals about the longevity of great design• who should read this book — and who might prefer a more technical history

This episode connects directly to:

▶ Series 1 — watches as cultural symbols and design icons▶ Series 2 — voices inside the watch industry▶ Series 3 — the books that form the intellectual library of horology

Series 3 is the library of Watches and Politics — where watches are explored as historical ideas and cultural artifacts, not just mechanical devices.

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