Favre Leuba – Sandow Reverso Vintage Tank-Style Reversible Watch – Cal. 735 ON HOLD / RISERVATO

Few watches sit closer to the origin of the reversible case than a Favre-Leuba. The reversible wristwatch was created for polo players in 1930s colonial India, and Favre-Leuba, the dominant watch retailer in India since 1865, was the house that brought it to that market, retailing the Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso co-signed with its own name.

The “Sandow” reversible belongs to that same world and moment: a Favre-Leuba reversible for the Indian market, and a genuinely obscure one. Documented watches are scarce, and rectangular-cased Sandows scarcely surface at all, this is a watch on which almost no reference literature exists.

The reversible case measures 21.5 x 40mm in chromed metal, the dial-carrying block sliding and pivoting within its cradle to present the solid back — the mechanism conceived to protect the crystal on the polo field. Case condition is good, the reversing action works correctly.

The silvered dial is original, with a light patina, Arabic numerals and a subsidiary seconds register at six — the white-dial, Arabic-numeral configuration characteristic of Favre-Leuba’s reversibles. The plexi crystal is in a good condition.

The movement is the form-shaped ETA calibre 735, manual wind which is running correctly.

This watch is also fitted with a new leather strap and it has been serviced by our in-house watchmaker.

It is delivered with our six-month guarantee and our originality certificate.

Worldwide shipping is available and inquiries are welcome.