Wristwatch · Reverso wristwatch

LeCoultre Reverso circa 1935

Partially verified

This LeCoultre Reverso wristwatch, dating to circa 1935, is a rectangular timepiece featuring a swiveling case mechanism. The watch displays a silvered dial with applied baton indexes, slender hands, and a geometric minute track, complemented by a dedicated rectangular small-seconds display positioned at 6 o'clock. The dial is signed simply with the LeCoultre name. The case incorporates signature horizontal gadroons above and below the dial area. The reverse side of the casing bears the engraved initials "AK". The watch is presented with a leather strap. This timepiece is associated with British provenance, including a bill of sale from the Goldsmiths & Silversmiths Company and historical details identifying the original owner as Archibald Kelso, who reportedly received the watch as a wedding gift. The design was conceived to allow the case to rotate within its cradle to protect the crystal during athletic activities.

Front view of the LeCoultre Reverso, showing the silvered dial, applied baton indexes, and the small-seconds sub-dial. — Analog:Shift. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source: analogshift.com
Category: Wristwatch · Reverso wristwatch
Maker / attribution: LeCoultre
Reference: Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier: Source URL identifies the listing
Source-reported date: circa 1935
Source-reported place: Switzerland

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 Mechanism

The watch features a rectangular case designed with a pivoting mechanism that allows the wearer to rotate the watch body within its frame. This construction was intended to protect the crystal during use in sports. The case exterior is finished with horizontal gadroons, located immediately above and below the dial opening on the stationary frame.

The reverse side of the swiveling case is flat and serves as an area for personalization, evidenced here by the engraved initials "AK". The case dimensions and rotating mount define the watch's functional profile as an early iteration of the Reverso design.

Evidence for this section

“rectangular case that could slide from its cradle, rotate, and turn its metal back outward to protect the crystal.”
“The reverse is engraved with the initials “AK”
“Its rectangular case features the signature horizontal gadroons above and below the dial”

Dial and Signing

The silvered dial displays a warm, aged patina consistent with its age. It features applied baton-style hour markers and slender hands, paired with a geometric minute track that frames the perimeter. A sub-dial for small seconds is situated at the bottom of the dial, contained within its own rectangular frame.

The dial is signed "LeCoultre" in a minimal style. The absence of the "Jaeger" prefix on the dial indicates the watch was manufactured during the period before the formal unification of the Jaeger and LeCoultre names in 1937.

Evidence for this section

“the wonderfully aged silvered dial has developed a warm patina”
“The dial is signed simply LeCoultre, appropriate for a watch produced before the Jaeger and LeCoultre names were formally united as Jaeger-LeCoultre in 1937.”

Provenance and History

The watch is documented with a series of items confirming its history. These include an original British bill of sale from the Goldsmiths & Silversmiths Company, a period photograph of the original owner, and a written family history.

According to the provided documentation, the watch was a wedding gift to Archibald Kelso from his future wife, Lilian Simpson. Kelso was a master confectioner based in Glasgow, and the association between the owners and their history is maintained through these accompanying documents.

Evidence for this section

“Accompanying the watch are its original British bill of sale from the Goldsmiths & Silversmiths Company, a period photograph of the original owner, and a written family provenance tracing the watch back to Archibald Kelso.”
“the watch was a wedding gift from Lilian Simpson, his future wife.”

Open research questions

What is the specific movement caliber used in this reference?
Are there hallmarking details present on the case back or interior that confirm the Swiss origin?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for LeCoultre Reverso circa 1935
Field	Source-reported value	Source quotation
Maker	LeCoultre	“The dial is signed simply LeCoultre”
Date	circa 1935	“dating to circa 1935”
Case type	Reversible rectangular case	“rectangular case that could slide from its cradle, rotate, and turn its metal back outward to protect the crystal.”
Case engraving	AK	“The reverse is engraved with the initials “AK”
Provenance	Archibald Kelso	“written family provenance tracing the watch back to Archibald Kelso.”

Visible details

Rectangular case with horizontal gadroon detailing
Silvered dial with aged patina
Engraved initials 'AK' on the case reverse
Small-seconds display at the 6 o'clock position

Research qualifications

The exact production date is approximate
The provenance depends on accompanying family records

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

Consulted source

ساعت Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso 1935

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record f9c0f43cba

Terms in this record

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