Photography: courtesy of Jaeger-LeCoultre

THERE’S A REASON Jaeger-LeCoultre is known as the watchmaker’s watchmaker, and it’s not due to repeatedly making safe bets and pumping out simplistic designs that don’t make anyone look twice. The ordinary just doesn’t compute for Jaeger-LeCoultre, which is synonymous with cutting edge, outside the box thinking and refined, singular timepieces.

One of those aforementioned singular timepieces is the Reverso – which, in Latin, translates to ‘I turn around’, but we’re sure you guessed something along those lines already. First released in 1931, the Reverso was originally crafted to withstand the rigours of a polo match. As the story goes, Jacques-David LeCoultre was commissioned to design a ultra-durable watch for a group of polo players, and his solution was to create a watch with a reversible case that could be swivelled to protect its fragile glass and dial.

The watch proved to be an enduring favourite and birthed one of the brand’s most popular lines. While the reversible case is still a hallmark feature, Reverso watches are – thankfully – not only suitable for polo players, evolving to become something with a far more utilitarian purpose and universal appeal. But while the Reverso has changed form, the innovative thinking responsible for creating it still informs all that Jaeger-LeCoultre does.

Inside the Reverso Stories experience. Photography: courtesy of Jaeger-LeCoultre

To celebrate the rich history of the Reverso, Jaeger-LeCoultre is bringing something special to the heart of Sydney’s CBD. From the 10th to 19th of May, Martin Place will be transformed into a hub of horology for the ‘Reverso Stories’ exhibition. Through four immersive chapters – ‘Story of an Icon’, ‘Story of Style & Design’, ‘Story of Innovation’, and ‘Story of Craftsmanship’ – visitors will get to explore the evolution of the beloved Reverso across nine decades of technological and cultural change.

The exhibition boasts a collection of mesmerising Reverso models, ranging from archival treasures to modern-day marvels, including the groundbreaking Reverso Hybris Mechanica Calibre 185 Quadriptyque – the world’s first watch with four functioning faces. Whether you prefer the classics or the newcomers, Jaeger-LeCoultre’s artistry will be on full display.

Inside the Reverso Stories experience. Photography: courtesy of Jaeger-LeCoultre

The experience doesn’t end with the exhibits either. Visitors will be treated to a live demonstration of the decorative art of perlage, offering a rare glimpse into the intricate watchmaking process.

Now, we know what you’re thinking: that all sounds great, but what if I’m not a total watch nerd? For the more artistically inclined, a multimedia installation created by noted Korean artist Yiyun Kang will also form part of the exhibition. The installation is titled ‘Origin’ and is an homage to the Golden Ratio – the math formula that is central to the Reverso’s design.

Once you’re done taking in the sights on Martin Place, there’s more to be beheld at Jaeger-LeCoultre’s Sydney boutique, located just a stone’s throw away at 84 King Street.

Reverso Stories will run from May 10th to 19th 2024 in Martin Place, Sydney. Opening daily from 9am to 7pm (5pm on Sundays), access to the exhibition is free to the public. Guided 20-minute tours, are available. Visitors can book online here or register upon arrival.

Inside the Reverso Stories experience. Photography: courtesy of Jaeger-LeCoultre

Related:

Jaeger-LeCoultre unveils four new duomètre watches

This is what it’s like to stay at the Ferrari Museum