Book it now: The top watches to see at Christie's Jaeger-LeCoultre exhibition

Since its creation in 1931 - when a British army officer tasked Swiss watch brand Jaeger-LeCoultre to create a watch robust enough to survive a polo match - the Art Deco-inspired Reverso has become an icon of fine horology. Now a new exhibition at Christie's London will delve into the history of this beautiful timepiece, examine the history of the famed watchmaker and showcase some of the brand's newest and most exquisite watches. Here are the pieces not to miss...

1931 Reverso pendant watch

The oldest piece on display during the exhibition, this pendant or pocket watch was one of the first Reversos ever released. Powered by a Calibre 051 movement, it is crafted in stainless steel and suspended from a leather strap.

As the name suggests, the Reverso was revolutionary in its swivelling case meaning the time could be viewed from both sides. However, many customers instead opted to have the reverse side engraved with emblems or seals and a number of these will be on display at the exhibition. From left to right, these include a 1933 model featuring the blazon of Eton College, a 1937 timepiece engraved with the British Racing Drivers Club emblem and an 18 carat yellow gold watch featuring the seal of King Edward VIII of England.

Utilising a Calibre 828 movement, Jaeger-LeCoultre's 1993 model revealed an intricate tourbillon on the reverse side. It featured an 18 carat rose gold case and was created as a limited edition of 500.

Powered by a single movement, this 1997 model embodies the spirit of the Reverso with two mother-of-pearl dials. The front indicates the daylight hours while the back is framed by diamonds in celebration of the night.

The ideal exhibition for watch collectors, Christie's showcase will not only highlight some of the brand's greatest historic watches but also some of the best pieces still available to buy. The Geophysic Universal Time - a fantastic world time watch with a show-stopping lacquered dial - can be yours for £19,800.

Jaeger-LeCoultre has long had strong connections to Venice and is currently a partner of the Mostra, Venice's International Film Festival, and patron of the Scuola Grande di San Rocco where it sponsors restoration work. In 2016 the brand marked this bond with the Reverso San Rocco which celebrated the house's Metiers d'Art expertise by recreating the building's main marble staircase on a hand enamelled dial.

Among the most complicated of the new models on display at the exhibition is the Duomètre Sphérotourbillon. The intricate timepiece features an elegant flying tourbillon as well as second timezone, small seconds and flyback seconds functionality. It is currently available to purchase with price on application.

The Jaeger-LeCoultre exhibition will take place at Christie's London from May 30 - June 9 2017, visit christies.com for more information.