Jaeger LeCoultre Reverso Chronographe Retrograde 270.2.69

This is it, one of the greatest Reversos ever made in our opinion. Released in a limited run of 500 pieces, it formed one part of a 6 model line up that introduced high watchmaking to the Reverso and started JLC back down the road of high complication watches under the supervision of the famed Günter Blümlein.

Starting in 1991 with the 60th Anniversary Reverso, it was followed up with the Tourbillion, Minute Repeater and then the Chronograph in 1996. Following that was the Geographique in 1998, and then finally the Perpetual Calendar in 2000. These are 6 landmark pieces in JLC's modern history, and the task of creating 6 complicated movements in 10 years from scratch is what makes JLC so revered by the industry. A truly amazing achievement by Mr Blümlein and his team.

Any one of these pieces is highly desirable, but for us the Chrono is the most special of the lot. For one, it represented the first ground-up manually wound chronograph movement of the post-quartz era, pre-dating the Datograph by 3 years. This movement was made specifically for this watch, and you can tell this by how it fits the case. Movements that don't fit cases properly is a bug-bear of ours, but this is absolute perfection and the dedication to the creation of this movement for this watch is clear to see.

The next reason this is so special is that other than the pushers on the sides of the case, and a curious indicator on the lower right corner, most people wouldn't be able to tell this is anything particularly special, other than being a rose gold Reverso. The dial side is classic Reverso, with its galvanized silver dial, blued arabic numerals, blued hands, guilloche dial centre and applied gold JL logo. All very standard Reverso, other than it being executed to a higher standard than usual. This makes it even more mind-blowing when the case is flipped and it reveals a retrograde 30-minute chronograph sitting atop an exposed movement. You may be familiar with this concept from the recently released JLC Tribute Chronograph, a very cool piece and one we’d happily own, but what makes this reference so special to me is that fact that one entire side of the Reverso is dedicated solely to the chronograph. That’s dedication, and separates this reference from the new pieces.

The 829 movement itself is stunning to look at, with its gold-plating, blued screws, anglage, Côtes de Genève and black polishing. It’s also a joy to operate, with silky action on the pushers and the instant-flyback of the retrograde minute counter at the base always being the source of intrigue. It’s topped off with roughly 40 hours of power reserve and a quick set date making it very wearable.

The case is fashioned from Rose Gold, and measures in at 42.2mm lug tip to lug tip, and 26.1mm across the case sans-pushers or crown, and under 10mm thick. and this example comes mounted to a stunning HANDDN by Watch Vault burgundy ‘gator strap on the correct JLC Rose Gold deployant.

This particular example was first sold in 1997 and presents in excellent vintage condition. Shows light scratching and scuffs typical of a gold Reverso, and a few small dings, but nothing large on the case The case back shows some dings/dents along its lower edge where straps have been changed. Dial is perfect on the time-only side, and the Chronograph side shows some tarnishing from age. Hallmarks are very crisp. Please see images for full condition details.

Was apparently serviced by a Dutch JLC retailer in February 2022, though we’re unsure of the extent of the service. It does include a repair receipt (in Dutch), though does not specify what was performed.

Running at around -10 secs a day at over 300 degrees of amplitude. All functions operating as they should, with date changing crisply and chrono resetting as it should.

Comes as a very impressive set with the correct inner box (many are missing this 0 shows scratching), garantie booklet, instruction booklet, warranty slip (expired), LE certificate, repair receipt and Watch Vault cleaning cloth.

It took us 2 years to find this watch as many are not in the best condition, or are missing their box or correct paperwork. This is a rare find, don’t let it pass you by.

Brand: Jaeger LeCoultre

Model #: 270.2.69

Circa: 1997

Style: Dress

Case Material: Rose Gold

Case details: 26.1mm x 42.2mm

Movement: JLC Calibre 829 manual wind chronograph

Dial: Silver/Gold

Hands: Blued

Bracelet: HANDDN x Watch Vault Alligator with JLC gold deployant

Paraphernalia: Correct inner box (many are missing this 0 shows scratching), garantie booklet, instruction booklet, warranty slip (expired), LE certificate, repair receipt and Watch Vault cleaning cloth

Grading: Excellent vintage condition

Please note that payment for this piece is via bank transfer only, no PayPal or Credit Card. Payments made via these services will be refunded less their applicable processing fees.

Watch Vault utilises the TZ grading system. Please see below for details.