Can't Afford a Reverso? If You Have $300, We Got You Covered

In 1931, Jaeger-LeCoultre created the Reverso, a watch with a reversible face that could hide the crystal from the hazards of polo playing. Rectangular, shock resistant, and extremely distinctive, the very art deco watch has long secured its place in the horological pantheon. The JLC is no doubt a sound investment, but you've got to have quite the tidy sum available to outfit your wrist accordingly — around $6,150, to be as precise as the in-house movement. If your portfolio can't quite afford that sizable hit, fear not; there are other options for that reversible design full of 90-degree angles, like the Rotary Revelation.

Like the gorgeous original pictured above, the Rotary Revelation can pull an about face, withdrawing into itself for protection. At its relatively modest price point, there's only a Swiss quartz movement, but it keeps the bulk low at 12 millimeters — including the base — just like the Reverso's slim manual-wind movement.

A common thread between the Revelation and the Reverso is its varied aesthetics. Both the original Jaeger-LeCoultre and the Rotary are available in various colors, dials, and sub-dial combinations, giving the user ample chance to match the proper timepiece to the wrist. Though this Swiss-made quartz piece probably won't satisfy your Reverso craving indefinitely, it'll get you the look you need while you save up.


Ethan Wolff-Mann is an editor at Supercompressor. He has never not had a watch tan. Follow him on Twitter @ewolffmann.