On until the 19th of May, Jaeger-LeCoultre is hosting their Reverso Stories exhibition in Martin Place Sydney, and we’ve got a first-hand look for you!
Photo Credits: Haoming Wang – Check out his Instagram @H.M.Urhren
One of the great things I love about the watch industry and watch-making is the storytelling. The ability to connect moments in time, and origin stories has always fascinated me, and admittedly, sucked me into the world a whole lot more. It is this storytelling that watch brands do well at, and no more so than Jaeger-LeCoultre, which, if you’re in Sydney, then you’ll be able to experience this first hand at their new pop-up exhibition – The Reverso Stories which is on until the 19th May in Martin Place. And if you can’t, then we’ve got your very own personal tour, from the comfort of your lounge (or wherever you’re reading this) below!
Inside the exhibition booth
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As you get to the Reverso Stories exhibit you can see all the outside rotunda displays, which gives you a quick guide to the Golden Ratio, and how it links into Jaeger-LeCoultre and their watches. The fact that it dates all the way back to 2560 BC is incredible, and quickly taking this in you get a sense of what it’s all about.
However, one of the first things you will notice, and definitely not miss is the digital display that shows 3D images of geometric shapes that use the golden ratio, as well as sights from the Vallèe de Joux, which is home to Jaeger-LeCoultre. It runs across two screens set at right angles to each other giving a great 3D effect, which you can see from the image below.
On the flip side of this is a geometric Golden Ratio sculpture, all of which is part of the digital art installation from Korean Digital Artist Yiyun Kang and his interpretation of the Golden Ratio, commissioned by Jaeger-LeCoultre as part of their Made Of Makers program.
Turning to the left of this, a metal pictorial installation describes what the Golden Ratio is, and how it’s been used throughout time, all the way from being found in nature, to Leonardo DaVinci’s Vitruvian Man and through to modern design which a lot of architects, designers and artists use – including Jaeger-LeCoultre.
Once you’ve taken all this in, it’s time for the exhibit and more importantly, the watches and watchmaking. This is where you get to see all about the Reverso themselves and how Jaeger-LeCoultre makes all their pieces and what makes them unique.
You learn about the Manufacture and how it dates back to the 16th Century when the LeCoultre Family settled in the Vallèe de Joux and Jacques-David LeCoultre became a blacksmith specialising in small objects and then all the way through to 1833 when Antoine LeCoultre made his name via inventions such as keyless winding mechanisms and machines to produce standardised watch components.
As you walk around the display, you also get to see some historical pieces, such as the first Reverso from 1931 which is what started the icon, all the way through to their latest incarnations which were released just last week – The Reverso Precious Flowers Collection which are stunning in person with the Pave set diamonds and hand painted lacquered enamel on the cases.
The OG 1931 Reverso 
A Vintage Ladies Piece
Turning to the middle section, you see some of their current collection of Reverso’s, such as the Reverso Chronograph which has been a hit since it’s release last year and for many people there, attracted a lot of their interest!
You also get to see some of Jaeger-LeCoultre’s high-complication pieces like their Reverso Gyrotourbillon 4 from 2016 which was limited to 75 pieces, the Reverso Hybris Mechanica Calibre 185 from 2021 which was limited to just 10 pieces, and from just last year, the Reverso Tribute Duoface Tourbillon. These are sensational and stunning pieces which you won’t really see out in the wild, or in boutiques normally, so make sure you get lots of pics of these!
Getting hands-on with some of the more technical aspects of watchmaking, you can try your hand at doing some Pearlage (or circular graining if you like) and see how good you are at getting that pressure right on the metal, and if good enough, try doing your initials or your own patterns. Something you won’t get to do every day and something quite cool.
Pearlage Machine 
In Action 
Reverso and Pearlage
After you’re hands on experience with some of the watches, head back outside and over to the 1931 café which you may have seen last year pop up in both Circular Quay as well as Martin Place. It has some great treats such as Swiss hot chocolate, coffee and tea etc so make sure you take your time to drink it all in.
Along with the coffee and Swiss Hot Chocolate, you’re able to see some of the pieces that Jaeger-LeCoultre uses to engrave the backs of the Reverso – something that should you own a Monoface you can take full advantage of. It is one of the many great aspects of the Maison that lets you personalise your watch and make it even more special and meaningful to you. Maybe a family crest of a place that is special to you – like the back of the Reverso below with the Sydney Harbour Bridge…
Engraved Harbour Bridge 
Engraving Tools 
Reverso R on a caseback
There is also a beautiful spot outside under the umbrellas you can sit and enjoy, read the Reverso newspaper, and just take in the whole Jaeger-LeCoultre experience.
If you’re able to make it to Sydney, or if you’re in Sydney, then we’d highly recommend making your way to Martin Place from now until May 19th to experience for yourself, and if not, we hope this allowed you to step into the world of Jaeger-LeCoultre a little and be on the lookout for the next pop up exhibition.
If you are interested in attending, there are still spots left to book a personal tour, just register your time here – Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Stories Sydney. ‘Reverso Stories’ will run from 10–19 May 2024 in Martin Place, Sydney CBD. It will be open daily from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. (5.00 p.m. on Sundays) and free to the public.
