Jaeger-LeCoultre - Behind the Mask
In 1995 watch industry product placement in film was rare, if existent. Regardless, Jaeger-LeCoultre managed to place a Reverso in a blockbuster Hollywood movie. The third installment of the Batman series directed by Joel Schumacher called "Batman Forever" starred Val Kilmer in the title role. The playboy-cum-night-owl-vigilante wore a limited edition timepiece: the Reverso Grande Taille by Jaeger-LeCoultre.
I recall sitting in the movie theater that year, aware that this particular product had been placed, yet not sure how it would appear in the movie. When the unique rectangular outline of the Reverso appeared on screen, I almost cheered out loud. However, the dial was not to be seen; it was replaced by the faces of the people Batman was communicating with. Used in a fairly James Bondesque manner in this action flick, it was a communications tool rather than strictly a timepiece.
The limited-edition Reverso Grande Taille model worn in the movie was engraved with a lacquered Batman logo on the flip side.
Beginning again
The rather comic-inspired Schumacher Batman series was discontinued, to be replaced in 2005 by the start of a new trilogy with Christian Bale in the title role focusing more on action sequences and carrying a much more serious tone. One thing was however retained from the previous incarnation: Batman/Bruce Wayne's predilection for timepieces in swiveling cases. He wore this watch in the first two installments of the trilogy entitled "Batman Begins" and "The Dark Knight," the latter released in 2008.
Without wanting to delve too far into the personality of a fictitious character, it is probably fair to say that the makers behind the new series directed by Christopher Nolan liked the symbolism of the dual personality. Like Bruce Wayne, a Jekyll-and-Hyde-style character, the Reverso is famous for its ability to swivel in its case to reveal a second side. Even though this is a small detail, it is one that would certainly be appreciated by fans of the classic detective comics as well as cineastes if they were interested in the ticking treasures that populate the world of the watch enthusiast.
Rising
On Friday, "The Dark Knight Rises" opened in some countries including the U.S.A, with Bale as Bruce Wayne/Batman wearing the Reverso Grande Date.
The original look of the first limited edition Reverso Grande Taille from seventeen years ago has, however, been reproduced in honor of "The Dark Knight Rises."
A Batshield flip side, only visible when reversed, would be able to protect the dial from the physical trials of fighting the murderous rampage of Bane on the special custom Grande Reverso Ultra Thin Tribute to 1931. Engraved and lacquered with the symbol, it will not actually be for sale as such. It is immediately available to view in the brand's own Geneva, Los Angeles, London and Hong Kong boutiques. However, if you would like to own one, you can: simply purchase a Grande Reverso Ultra Thin Tribute to 1931 and have your very own Batshield applied to the solid case back. One of the best features of the Reverso series is its ability to be personalized in this way. So just send Alfred down to the nearest retailer, but don't let him take the Batmobile or people might just guess your alter ego.
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