I thoroughly enjoyed this piece Tony. I’ve been thinking of a reverso for my next watch for quite sometime. Glad to see you give the nod for moderns pieces - if just for the stability of the flipping mechanism. I mean, I see myself using the “feature” quite a bit - how could one resist?!?
I know Japan is no longer a place to find watch “bargains” any longer - certainly not for Rolex…but I’m hoping for some luck on an upcoming trip. The “curation” at resellers and secondary market shops is unrivaled IMO. Any advice on JLC or brands to check out in Tokyo?
So many of the best Bubblebacks, Patek 96s, and other classic (often smaller) watches I've ever seen are in Japan. Reversos included. Look out for other "traditional" but under-the-radar brands like Movado, Eberhard, Mido, IWC cal 89s, stuff like that. Of course vintage GS. I've never been to Japan, but just this week, two different friends were sending me photos from their trip there and visits to Private Eyes, Shellman, all kinds of shops in Nakano Broadway, etc.
Tony: you’re very wrong, sorry :) First is clearly Minute Repeater as the utlimate sleeper reverso and one of the best of any neo-vintage watches, the long nothing, then chrono (because it made today’s chrono possible in smaller case), then 60th because it started them all, then the rest. There is great watchfinder video on youtube on all of them.
I really enjoyed this deep dive. Thank you. Perhaps for a post for another day, but I’d be curious to hear you elaborate on why “timelessness” is a nonsensical notion in watches to you.
Great article! I agree that vintage Reversos should be equally collectible to Cartiers, especially in good condition. But then finding one in good condition is tricky and once @theydid said that there are many fakes / frankens / put together pieces. Like someone said, great to see that you gave nod to modern and 90s Reversos. I think they have great appreciation still ahead of them. Art deco is on the rise. They’re so playful and there are so many variations made since the 90s that were made in so limited series that they remain unknown
yep, this is the trouble (as it is with pre-70s Cartier too). The original Reverso case is quite delicate, which means the watches were prone to damage. So many reprinted dials or put together pieces. Gotta study these things before you make the leap and buy one. I'd bet I see 10 Reversos in bad condition for every 1 good one, at least.
Re 90s, I gave just a couple examples, but there are so many great LEs, often for specific markets to be discovered!
I wasn't crazy about Reversos until I saw the Reverso Chronograph. The skeleton side looks great. So does the default side. You have a nice photo of that great watch.
The white Corvo with baton indexes has my heart. Thanks for a great Sunday read!
cheers nabil! let's get you one!
I’m in love with that new Reverso Tribute Monoface released last year. Finally a modern Reverso I could see myself wearing
Same. I’ve been recommending it a ton since release, and mostly to non-watch people.
There is something oddly soothing about reading Tony geeking out over vintage reversos. Like white noise to a baby.
not sure if compliment or not! 😅
I thoroughly enjoyed this piece Tony. I’ve been thinking of a reverso for my next watch for quite sometime. Glad to see you give the nod for moderns pieces - if just for the stability of the flipping mechanism. I mean, I see myself using the “feature” quite a bit - how could one resist?!?
I know Japan is no longer a place to find watch “bargains” any longer - certainly not for Rolex…but I’m hoping for some luck on an upcoming trip. The “curation” at resellers and secondary market shops is unrivaled IMO. Any advice on JLC or brands to check out in Tokyo?
So many of the best Bubblebacks, Patek 96s, and other classic (often smaller) watches I've ever seen are in Japan. Reversos included. Look out for other "traditional" but under-the-radar brands like Movado, Eberhard, Mido, IWC cal 89s, stuff like that. Of course vintage GS. I've never been to Japan, but just this week, two different friends were sending me photos from their trip there and visits to Private Eyes, Shellman, all kinds of shops in Nakano Broadway, etc.
that 1993 tourbillon has been in my thoughts a lot lately.
no one asked but my 90s masterpiece rankings start: 60th anniversary, chrono, then tourbillon. Just gorgeous watches.
Tony: you’re very wrong, sorry :) First is clearly Minute Repeater as the utlimate sleeper reverso and one of the best of any neo-vintage watches, the long nothing, then chrono (because it made today’s chrono possible in smaller case), then 60th because it started them all, then the rest. There is great watchfinder video on youtube on all of them.
I really enjoyed this deep dive. Thank you. Perhaps for a post for another day, but I’d be curious to hear you elaborate on why “timelessness” is a nonsensical notion in watches to you.
100p!
Wait Hamilton?!!
google hamilton otis -- cool story, they got a license to make Reversos for a few years, I think legend is they paid a royalty of $.60/watch.
Well now I know what I'll do on lunch break!!! Thanks Tony!
Fun fact I hadn’t appreciated was that Corvo used the exit funds to start GMT. Inspired moves !
A family that really seems to *get* watchmaking, across multiple generations
Great article! I agree that vintage Reversos should be equally collectible to Cartiers, especially in good condition. But then finding one in good condition is tricky and once @theydid said that there are many fakes / frankens / put together pieces. Like someone said, great to see that you gave nod to modern and 90s Reversos. I think they have great appreciation still ahead of them. Art deco is on the rise. They’re so playful and there are so many variations made since the 90s that were made in so limited series that they remain unknown
yep, this is the trouble (as it is with pre-70s Cartier too). The original Reverso case is quite delicate, which means the watches were prone to damage. So many reprinted dials or put together pieces. Gotta study these things before you make the leap and buy one. I'd bet I see 10 Reversos in bad condition for every 1 good one, at least.
Re 90s, I gave just a couple examples, but there are so many great LEs, often for specific markets to be discovered!
I wasn't crazy about Reversos until I saw the Reverso Chronograph. The skeleton side looks great. So does the default side. You have a nice photo of that great watch.
thank you. yep, that's the watch that made me pay more attention to modern Reversos in particular.
Also what is your opinion on Duofaces? Do you have any favorites?