In Absentia

That is a Jaeger-Lecoultre Reverso. Back in the days of colonial rule in India, a British Army officer is said to have dismounted from his polo pony in a distressed state after discovering his wristwatch had been smashed during a particularly hard-fought chukka. Striding into the clubhouse, so the story goes, he related his misfortune to an entrepreneurial watch distributor called Cesar de Trey who took the tale of horological woe all the way back to the small mountain town of Le Sentier in Switzerland, where Jacques-David LeCoultre ran a watchmaking business established by his grandfather in the 1830s. Rather than simply sending advice back to India that perhaps polo players ought to ride with their wrists unadorned, LeCoultre and his business partner Edmond Jaeger rose to the challenge of creating what could fairly be described as the first wristwatch specifically designed for a sport other than swimming. With the help of a Parisian engineer called Rene-Alfred Chauvot – whose speciality was making dental instruments – they developed a rectangular watchcase that could be swivelled 180 degrees so its glass and dial were protected. LeCoultre patented the idea in 1931 and called it the Reverso, explaining in contemporary advertising material that: “A watch, and more particularly a bracelet watch, is exposed to accidents in all spheres of social activities and sport. To be able to prevent these by a simple gesture is a very great advantage.”

Youre right they were first called 'Nürnberg eggs' after his death extra points to you Thanks a lot

You're right - the picture of the watch was the key. However, there seem to be some discussion (at least on the webpages I've read) if Henlein's watches are also known as 'Nürnberg eggs', because they were not egg shaped - that came later. But if that's what qualifies me to win this contest, by all means let's just call them 'Nürnberg eggs'

This is a picture of Peter Henlein (1480-1542). Born and died in Nürnberg. Educated as a locksmith in 1509. Considered the inventor of the portable watch. He created the first one with balance wheel and steel spring in 1510. It had a running time of about 40 hours. His watches were eagerly copied (first rep in history, ladies and gentlemen!) - some signed by the name 'Peter Hele'. Henleins watches were cylendrical - contrary to the well-known egg-shaped watches, known as 'Nürnberg eggs', that developed after his death. So I'm sorry Gran - I don't know the nickname of Henleins watches. But I hope the other things were satisfactory.

Oh no, don't feel guilty. Consider you've just given me the perfect argument next time my wife want another watch. "But honey, all the other guys have 8.5 watches for every one their wife has. I have to buy some more for myself before you can have another one". Thank you so much

7 for me, 3 for my wife. Total: 1566