This summer Jaeger-LeCoultre brings The Reverso Stories exhibition to the Vallée de Joux–the place where the Reverso was born and the home of La Grande Maison since 1833.

Une sélection de Shaniah Asha Gibson / @TRP, Public Relations Cabinet
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An immersive exhibition travelling around the world, Reverso Stories explores the creative and cultural universe of this remarkable timepiece through four themes, leading visitors on a journey through more than 90 years of timeless modernity. The exhibition is open to the public from July 1st to September 3rd, at the Espace Horloger in Le Sentier, a few steps away from the Manufacture Jaeger-LeCoultre.

“We are delighted to welcome our Reverso exhibition to the heart of the Vallée de Joux, bringing back to life this unforgettable journey of watchmaking and Art Deco design. Over the years, the Reverso has become an iconic object, a symbol of style and elegance. I hope this passage through time will become an unforgettable experience for all who visit it.” says Catherine Rénier, CEO of Jaeger-LeCoultre.

Created in 1931, the Reverso is a design of rare longevity–a legend born from the challenge to create a wristwatch that could withstand the rough and tumble of the polo field. Ingenious in conception and perfect in execution, the Reverso quickly transcended its original purpose and was adopted by tastemakers from all walks of life. Deftly synthesising form and function with its unique reversible case and pure Art Deco lines, it has become one of the world’s most recognisable wristwatches.

Reverso Stories explores the creative and cultural universe of this exceptional design through four themes, leading visitors on a journey through 90 years of timeless modernity. These four ‘Stories’ are supplemented by an in-depth exploration of how La Grande Maison has epitomized the spirit of the Vallée de Joux for 190 years, fueled by boundless creativity and a relentless pursuit of innovation married to deep respect for the traditional values of high watchmaking.

The Reverso: A Timeless Story in Four Chapters

The Story of an Icon retells the tale of the Reverso’s origins through rarely seen archive materials and heritage documents from the Jaeger-LeCoultre collection, and a selection of milestone Reverso watches. A specially commissioned film transports the viewer inside the Manufacture Jaeger-LeCoultre, tracing the creation of a Reverso through the words of the artisans and watchmakers themselves.

The Story of Style & Design examines the Art Deco roots of the Reverso. Visitors will discover how, following the principles of Art Deco design, the distinctive rectangular form of the watch was dictated by the original concept – that the case should flip over. An artfully curated selection of timepieces traces the stylistic changes through which the Reverso has gained the status of a design icon.

The Story of Innovation explores how the Reverso embodies Jaeger-LeCoultre’s eternally inventive quest for technical advancement. Beginning with the revolutionary idea of a case that could be flipped over, to the ingenious design by Rene-Alfred Chauvot, patented in 1931, the story traces the introduction of high-watchmaking complications, ground-breaking mechanical inventions and the use of new materials.

The Story of Craftsmanship, the exhibition’s finale, celebrates the skills of Jaeger-LeCoultre’s enamellers, gem-setters, engravers and guillochage masters, revealing how they have unleashed the full potential of the Reverso as a canvas for artistic expression and personalized messages. A special selection of timepieces spanning nine decades provides special insight into how the Reverso has itself been telling the stories of its owners–and will continue to do so for many years to come.

Enriching the Experience with Atelier d’Antoine

To deepen their experience of the exhibition, visitors are welcome to enroll in Atelier d’Antoine, the program of educational workshops, hands-on watchmaking experience and Manufacture visits – an unparalleled opportunity to immerse themselves in the world of fine watchmaking. Presented by Jaeger LeCoultre in the heart of its Manufacture, the Discovery Workshops, Masterclasses and guided visits will focus on the Reverso, presenting a unique opportunity to discover the inside story of a true icon of watchmaking. Participation in the Atelier d’Antoine is by reservation only

‘Reverso: Timeless Stories Since 1931’ Exhibition
Espace Horloger, Grande-Rue 2, CH-1347 Le Sentier
Open to the public from July 1 to September 3, from 10am to 5pm Tuesday to Sunday
(closed on Mondays). Free of charge.