GPHG Index
2008 Edition · Jaeger-LeCoultre

Reverso Squadra World Chronograph Polo Fields

Shortlisted
Watch image unavailable
Case
Ceramic, Titanium
Movement
selfwindingFunctions: Date, Chronograph, Second time zone, -Reference: Q 702J67PYear: 2008Collection: Reverso\t 25200
Functions
Date, Chronograph, Second time zone, -
Water resistance
50 m
Reference
Q 702J67P
Price
25,200 CHF

Description

Extreme design, ceramic case; the technical watch par excellenceSquare, masculine, assertive: the Reverso Squadra asserted itself right from its launch as theultimate in technical watches. It immediately earned its place on mens wrists thanks to its designand performances. For the first time in its history, a Reverso sports a black ceramic case, aconcentrated blend of avant-garde technologies, which naturally frames the traditional doubleface required to display additional functions. This tour de force combines with prodigiousmechanical complexity to meet the needs of elite sportsmen competing on polo fields theworld over: a chronograph with perfectly readable indications to precisely measure the time ofeach chukka, as well as a large date display. The back is dedicated to an indication that is vital tothose whose passion leads them to travel the globe: the world-time function, instantly showingthe time in each time zone. Audacious, elegant and sturdy: a watch designed for theseexceptional sportsmen who must be able to rely at all times on an unfailingly reliable timepiece.Ceramics enters the realm of the ReversoUndoubtedly only such an exceptional model as the Reverso Squadra World ChronographPolo Fields could justify the entry of ceramics into the Reverso range. Extremely technical,incredibly resistant and ultra-sporty, only such a unique watch could display this extreme designfeaturing an envelope made up of a swivel case in black ceramics resting on a pink gold ortitanium carrier. To achieve this extraordinary aesthetic accomplishment, it was essential tosupersede the constraints generally imposed by the use of ceramics and to develop a machiningtechnology superior to those used thus far.The raw material of this high-tech ceramics comes in the form of zirconium oxide, along withsmall proportions of yttrium oxide guaranteeing enhanced stability of the mixture, and anorganic binding agent. The mixture of powders is subjected to a high pressure of 2000 bars inorder to obtain a compact and extremely stable pre-machinable ceramic block. After achievingan initial simple geometrical shape, still relatively far removed from the final design of the case,the ceramics is sintered (high-temperature-fired) at 2000 degrees Celsius, which coagulates thealloy in an extremely compact manner.In order to avoid any risk of porosity, the homogenous nature of the material is tested byradioscopy. The resulting material is then machined to create the superb Reverso Squadra case.It is important to remember that the case of the Reverso comprises over 50 parts and istherefore one of the most complex to make due to its swivelling principle. That is why themachining is performed with specialised five-axle CNC equipment in order to work eachsurface individually and to achieve a high degree of precision. This is the only way ofguaranteeing the complex shaping of the reversible rectangular case, which must be able toaccommodate the movement perfectly without inserting a casing ring. Involving a machiningprocess four times longer than for a classic case, the execution of this final stage calls for the useof numerous special tools coated with diamond crystals as well as diamond powders forpolishing. The result of this long and meticulous task is an exceptional tough material, barelyheavier than titanium and considerably lighter than steel while twice as hard. The extremelycompact and homogeneous case of the Reverso Squadra World Chronograph Polo Fields is astate-of-the-art achievement in its own right, endowed with exceptional characteristics thatguarantee it amazing resistance and extremely long-term durability and stabilityAn automatic movement by Jaeger-LeCoultreSpecially designed for the Reverso Squadra World Chronograph Polo Fields, the twin-barrelautomatic Calibre 753 appears through the transparent city disc that reveals the oscillatingweight of this superb 39-jewel movement beating at a rate of 28,800 vibrations per hour. Amechanical masterpiece, it embodies all the genius of a movement capable of displaying thedifferent indications on each of the faces of the reversible case thanks to a gear transmissionsystem that circumvents the oscillating weight. Its two barrels also guarantee a comfortable 65-hour power reserve.100% Squadra design and functionsThe exceptional quality of black ceramics has also opened up original prospects for thedesigners of the Manufacture, who play brilliantly on the powerful contrasts between gold ortitanium and the black shade of the case. The superbly treated black dials are lit up by typicallyReverso-style numerals in white, as are the seconds hand and the movement operatingindicator so as to enable instant reading of the important information. On the back, thespectacular world-time function indicates the entire set of time zones on a transparent discsubdivided into 24 hours and offering a glimpse of the complexity of the automatic Jaeger-LeCoultre Calibre 753. It is also endowed with a day/night indication. The Reverso SquadraWorld Chronograph Polo Fields has nonetheless taken the liberty of replacing some capitalsby the locations of the major polo grounds where aficionados meet up around the world: PalmBeach Florida; Palermo, Argentina; Londonham in the United Kingdom, Sotogrande in Spain andDubai in the United Arab Emirates. Clarity, legibility and high technology are the keynotes ofthis model with a swivel case that continues to turns heads.In the heat of action, readability is the supreme criterion and the Reverso Squadra WorldChronograph Polo Fields wins this particular contest by several lengths. Located at 9 and 3oclock, the chronograph minute and hour counters also adopt a squarely determinedattitude, while the white seconds hand stands out against the strikingly contrasted black andwhite elements. The large date at 12 oclock boasts a crystal-clear display through twinapertures, while the movement running indicator at 6 oclock provides constant proof that thewatch is indeed operating smoothly. Finally, elegance and functionality also combine on the casemiddle, where the streamlined crown and pushpieces in pink gold or titanium accentuate thestylistic power of a case whose unique appearance is further highlighted by the articulatedrubber strap with a metal core. This sophisticated wristband is equipped with a steel foldingclasp featuring a safety-button device that prevents any accidental opening. As a watch entirelydedicated to speed and precision, it is also water-resistant to 50 metres, another indispensablefeature of any self-respecting sports model.When deciding which material to associate with the high-tech ceramics, devotees of polo and ofJaeger-LeCoultre will have to choose between two aesthetic options to accompany theabsolute black of the case: the gentle warmth of pink gold, or the intense grey of titanium for atone-on-tone contrast. The grade 5 titanium used by the Manufacture is an alloy that alsocomprises a small proportion of aluminium and vanadium. This material is widely used inaeronautics due to its high level of mechanical resistance, as well as in orthopaedic surgerybecause of its biocompatibility that ensures it is perfectly tolerated inside the human body.Moreover, it is sufficiently hard to enable polishing, contrary to pure titanium. In a perfect hightechalliance with ceramics, it will prove equally stainless and stable over the long term.Playing its role as the Reverso of extremes to the full, the Reverso Squadra World ChronographPolo Fields is ultimate in all respects, right down to the smallest details. It successfully managesto remain entirely true to the genetic heritage of the Reverso, which it nonetheless transcendsby its exceptional character. More Reverso than ever, it returns 77 years later to the polo fieldswhere its illustrious forerunner was born, while sporting a powerful personality that makes iteven more attractive.

Supplied by the brand to the GPHG for its entry.