Wristwatch · Reversible chronograph wristwatch

Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Chronographe Retrograde Ref. 270.2.69

Partially verified

This Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Chronographe Retrograde, reference 270.2.69, is a rectangular, reversible wristwatch produced in a limited edition of 500 examples in 1996. The case is crafted from 18K pink gold, featuring a polished and brushed five-body construction with a reeded bezel and sapphire crystals on both the front and back. The watch is powered by the copper-colored Caliber 829 manual-winding movement, decorated with fausses cotes and featuring 37 jewels, a straight-line lever escapement, and a shock absorber system. It includes an 18K pink gold Jaeger-LeCoultre deployant clasp. The watch displays time, a chronograph start/stop function, a date aperture, and on the reverse side, a seconds indicator and a retrograde 30-minute register. The front dial is guilloché silver with Arabic numerals, complemented by blued steel épée hands. The case, movement, and dials are signed by the maker.

View of the Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Chronographe Retrograde, showing the chronograph display side on the left and the time-telling side on the right, with the leather strap. — Antiquorum. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source: catalog.antiquorum.swiss
Category: Wristwatch · Reversible chronograph wristwatch
Maker / attribution: Jaeger-LeCoultre
Reference: 270.2.69
Catalogue / lot identifier: 76
Source-reported date: 1996
Source-reported place: Switzerland
Source-reported serial: 255/500

Source-reported attribution and specifications are not independent authentication. A listing does not establish present ownership, current display, availability or permission to reproduce.

Object description

Case and Dial Construction

The watch features a five-body, solid 18K pink gold case measuring 26 x 36 mm with a thickness of 10 mm. The exterior design incorporates a brushed and polished finish and the characteristic reeded bezel. Sapphire crystals are utilized on both the front and inner case back, allowing for the reversible functionality of the case.

The primary dial is guilloché silver with painted Arabic numerals set upon a plain outer reserve. It features blued steel épée hands and an aperture for the date display at 5 o'clock. The secondary, or reverse, dial exhibits silver ring dials specifically for the seconds and the retrograde 30-minute chronograph register.

Evidence for this section

“Five-body, solid, polished and brushed, reeded bezel, transparent inner case back, sapphire crystals.”
“Guilloché silver with painted Arabic numerals on a plain outer reserve, chronograph start/stop display at 5, aperture for the date, on the back, the seconds and the retrograde 30-minute register silver ring dials.”

Movement Specifications

The movement is the Jaeger-LeCoultre Caliber 829, a manual-winding mechanism featuring a copper-colored finish and fausses cotes decoration. It is built with 37 jewels and utilizes a straight-line lever escapement. The technical assembly includes a monometallic balance, a self-compensating flat balance spring, and a shock absorber system.

The movement controls the chronograph functions via square buttons. The mechanism supports both the primary time display and the retrograde functions located on the watch's reverse side.

Evidence for this section

“Cal. 829, copper colored, fausses cotes decoration, 37 jewels, straight-line lever escapement, monometallic balance, self-compensating flat balance spring, shock absorber.”
“Overhaul recommended, at buyer's expense”

Signatures and Grading

The case, dials, and movement are signed by Jaeger-LeCoultre. The watch is part of a limited production run of 500 pieces, and this specific example is identified as number 255/500. It is accompanied by an 18K pink gold deployant clasp produced by the manufacturer.

The auction house has provided a condition report under their grading system, assigning the watch a grade of AA. Specifically, the dial is described as being in 'As new' condition, while the case and movement are assigned numerical grades based on their current state at the time of inspection.

Evidence for this section

“No. 255/500”
“Dials, case and movement signed.”
“Grading System Grade: AA Very good”

Open research questions

What is the specific mechanical mechanism employed to enable the retrograde function on the reverse dial?
Are there variations in the finishing of the Caliber 829 movement across the 500-unit limited edition?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Chronographe Retrograde Ref. 270.2.69
Field	Source-reported value	Source quotation
Maker	Jaeger-LeCoultre	“Jaeger-LeCoultre”
Model	Reverso Chronographe Retrograde	“Reverso Chronographe Retrograde”
Reference	270.2.69	“Ref. 270.2.69”
Limited edition	500 examples	“limited edition of 500 examples”
Movement caliber	829	“Cal. 829”
Case material	18K pink gold	“18K pink gold”
Case dimensions	26 x 36 mm	“26 x 36 mm”
Jewel count	37	“37 jewels”

Visible details

The reverse dial displays a retrograde 30-minute chronograph register and seconds indicator.
The watch includes a square chronograph button on the side of the case.
The front dial includes an aperture for the date display.

Research qualifications

The movement is noted as needing an overhaul, which is recommended at the buyer's expense.
The auction house assigns the movement a grading of 2* and the case a grading of 3.

Photograph identity and source facts were screened before import; rights clearance remains pending.

Consulted source

Reverso Chronographe Retrograde Jaeger-LeCoultre, "Reverso Chronographe Retrograde", No. 255/500, Ref. 270.2.69.Made in a limited edition of 500 examples in 1996. Very fine and rare, rectangular, double dial, 18K pink gold reversible wristwatch with square button chronograph, retrograde 30-minute register, date, stop/start indication and an 18K pink gold Jaeger-LeCoultre deployant clasp.

Reviewed 2026-10-26 · Record 401992d5ed

Terms in this record

Glossary explanations for terms named in this object’s record.