====== Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Chronographe Rétrograde ======
The **Reverso Chronographe Rétrograde** was a limited-edition luxury watch by [[Jaeger-LeCoultre]] introduced in [[1996]]. It was the first [[chronograph]] model in the [[Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso|Reverso]] range.


===== Introduction =====
In [[1991]], Jaeger-LeCoultre re-established itself as a high-end watchmaker, adding a [[complication]] to the iconic [[Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso|Reverso]] range as a signature piece. The resulting [[Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso 60eme|Reverso 60eme]] showed what could be done in the tiny reversible Reverso case, adding a [[power reserve indicator]] and [[date by pointer]] to a larger "[[Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Grande Taille|Grande Taille]]" case with a [[display caseback]]. These elements were taken to a new level with the [[Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Tourbillon|Reverso Tourbillon]] and [[Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Répétition Minutes]] that followed.

Although conceived as a [[sports watch|sports]] model, the Reverso range fell out of favor before [[chronograph]] movements became commonplace. Even then, chronograph models of existing watches were quite rare (see the [[Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Chronograph]] for example. So the [[1996]] introduction of a [[manufacture movement|custom in-house]] [[column wheel]] [[chronograph]] movement shaped to fit the [[Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Grande Taille|Reverso Grande Taille]] case complete with a [[retrograde]] hand was no letdown after the previous [[Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Complications|Reverso Complications]] models. And the view of this movement through a transparent caseback was impressive, with partial [[skeleton]]ization, blued screws, and gold plating.

It reportedly took years for Jaeger-LeCoultre to perfect this movement, with shipments delayed to buyers. But the Chronographe Rétrograde served its purpose, casting a halo over the Reverso range and demonstrating Jaeger-LeCoultre's capabilities. The front is traditional Reverso, with a guilloche dial, date aperture at 6 00, and simple [[power reserve indicator]] at 5 00. This indicator shows "Marche" and "Arret" ("go" and "stop") rather than hours or days. The reverse side is partially skeletonized, with a large dial for chronograph seconds above a retrograde scale from 0 to 30 for chronograph minutes. The column wheel and balance are visible between these.

Once again a limited edition of 500, the Chronographe Rétrograde features a pink gold case in the [[Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Grande Taille|Grande Taille]] size, 42 mm tall by 26 mm wide. The movement, [[JLC 829|Cal. 829]], was only used in this model. A similar movement was created for the follow-on [[Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Gran'Sport Chronograph|Reverso Gran'Sport Chronograph]] which was offered beginning in [[2001]].

This [[haute horology]] watch helped set the standard for the modern [[Jaeger-LeCoultre]], linking it to the [[Jaeger-LeCoultre Hybris Mechanica|Hybris Mechanica]] line thanks to its custom [[complicated]] movement. The next offering in the [[Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Complications|Reverso Complications]] series would follow in [[1998]], the [[Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Géographique|Reverso Géographique]].


<WRAP ud ud_mod>

**Reference: **
  * Case number 270.2.69 (Limited to 500 pieces)

**Movement: **
  * [[Manual winding]] [[manufacture]] movement [[JLC 829]]

**Case: **
  * [[Pink gold]] case
  * Dimensions 42 mm x 26 mm
  * [[Sapphire crystal]]
  * Crystal caseback

**Dial:**
  * [[Guilloche]] silver dial
  * Applied Arabic numerals
  * [[Blued]] steel hands

**Functions:**
  * Front
  * Hours, minutes
  * [[Date window]] at 6 00
  * [[Power reserve indicator]] at 5 00
  * Back
  * [[Chronograph seconds]] at center
  * [[Retrograde]] 30 [[chronograph minutes]] at bottom
  * Crown side
  * Chronograph start and stop buttons

**Production:**
  * Produced [[1996]]
  * Predecessor [[Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Répétition Minutes]]
  * Successor [[Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Reverso Géographique]], [[Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Gran’Sport Chronograph]]
</WRAP>

{{tag>Watch_models Jaeger-LeCoultre_models Jaeger-LeCoultre_Reverso_models Chronographs}}