Artle - Reverso Skeleton Tourbillon Number Two

DETAILS

Two limited editions of the Reverso Platinum launched in the early 2000s – the Reverso Platinum Number One from 2002 and the Reverso Platinum Number Two from 2003 – continue the series of Reverso limited editions with a rose gold Grand Taille case that were produced from 1991 to 2000. The Reverso Platinum Number Two in 950 platinum, launched in 2003 and limited to 500 pieces, was actually a commemorative edition to mark the 10th anniversary of the first Reverso Tourbillon in rose gold in 1993. The Reverso Platinum Number Two Tourbillon Skeleton, which appeared in a limited edition of just 35 pieces, was launched a year later, in 2004, as a skeleton version of the Reverso Platinum Number Two Tourbillon. This watch is extremely rare on the market, so the fact of its production is only known to a few. There is a reason for this: compared to the usual limited editions of the Reverso, which consisted of 500 pieces each (although experts doubt that all 500 pieces of the Reverso Platinum Number Two saw the light of day), the skeleton version of the Number Two was released in a very small edition. Interestingly, the same reference number 270.6.48 is engraved on the back of the case - as on the previous, non-skeletonized Reverso Platinum Number Two.

REASONS TO BUY

The Reverso Platinum Number Two Tourbillon Skeleton Ref. 270.6.48 is the latest, rarest and, in our opinion, most impressive of the Reverso Grand Taille limited editions in platinum. It features a branded platinum reversible case and a platinum double folding clasp, which significantly increase the perceived value of the watch and underline the esthetic character of this model with its skeletonized and finely finished movement and a filigree tourbillon in constant rotation. Despite the complexity of the caliber, the watch is remarkably thin at just 9.4 mm. This is a rare feature in a complicated mechanical watch and makes it an excellent daily companion that can be perfectly combined with formal wear.

ABOUT THIS WATCH

The Reverso Platinum Number Two is powered by the hand-wound caliber 848, a modified version of the caliber 828 of the 1993 Reverso Tourbillon. It was skeletonized in a modern way for the Reverso Platinum Number Two Tourbillon Skeleton, in the style of the rare skeletonized Art Deco pocket watches of the 1920s, particularly those by Vacheron Constantin, which come to mind in this context. The subtle curves of the skeletonized movement and the floral hand engraving that characterize the Reverso Platinum Number One are absent. Instead, the caliber 848SQ of the Reverso Platinum Number Two Tourbillon Skeleton offers a different kind of skeletonized movement, emphatically modern, uncluttered and full of energy. To achieve a unique look, Jaeger-LeCoultre has abandoned the classic shape of the tourbillon bridge of its caliber 170, an observatory chronometer pocket watch with tourbillon developed in the 1940s. To make the difference even clearer, the Reverso Platinum Number Two Tourbillon Skeleton replaces the usual red rubies with blue spinels and blue sapphires, which together with the blue screws, white caliber metal and platinum case create a refreshingly cool color palette. The caliber 848SQ has a high-quality finish. All parts are decorated by hand, including chamfering and polishing, mirror polishing of the openwork bridges on the dial and the backs of the movement, and heat-blued screws. The mainplate and bridges of the caliber 848 are made of 18k white gold, so it is only logical that this also applies to the caliber 848SQ. Unfortunately, we were unable to find any confirmation of this information in open sources. Be that as it may, overall the caliber, which can be seen through the crystal and sapphire caseback, leaves an extremely pleasant impression.