Cartier Reverso Dual Face

The Reverso's genesis, in 1931, traces back to polo fields where a Swiss entrepreneur saw multiple watch crystals break. He went to LeCoultre, a major movements manufacturer, who commissioned a “reversible” watch that could be flipped over to protect the crystal. 

The design was so successful that even Patek Philippe was given 8 such cases and today, these Ref 106 “Reverso” models are some of the hardest to find; in fact one hammered for a massive CHF 150k at Christie’s way back in 2010.

The same year, in 1932, Cartier introduced its own reversible: the Basculante. This had a unique vertical pivoting mechanism but interestingly, case production was contracted to the same company: JLC-owned Spécialités Horlogères, which held the patent for the original Reverso design.

Our private collection encompasses most of these references. From the first London retailed, Lisica-based Cartier model to multiple Cabriolets from the 1960s, and even the rarest 1940s EWC powered Cartier Reversos in both steel and white gold, we are fortunate to own almost the entire lineage.

Of these masterpieces, the dual-faced version remains one of the most advanced and expensive of its time. First released in 1958 and then officially in 1972, it was made in extremely limited quantities; in fact just 18 distinct examples have come to market.

Its technical brilliance lies in two ultra thin Frédéric Piguet Caliber 21 movements housed within a single case.

Presenting one of the best found examples of this masterpiece and in superb condition.