Polo – The King of Sports – World’s Finest and Jaeger-LeCoultre’s Reverso Collection (Part 1)

 

Polo sport

Polo sport

“The sport of kings,” a global phenomenon – why is polo so revered? What was the sport’s influence that prompted Jacques-David LeCoultre, then owner of LeCoultre (the predecessor of today’s Jaeger-Lecoultre), to create an entire collection named “Reverso” to cater to the gentlemen who played this game?

HISTORY OF POLO                                                                                                                                                           

Let us now journey back to the ancient Persian realm, over two millennia ago, to unravel the enigmatic origins of this sport.

Polo, traces its roots back to ancient Persia (modern-day Iran), where it was initially played as a tactical exercise and training drill for the cavalry units of the Persian Empire. Later, it ascended to become a pastime of the nobility, as evidenced by King Shapur II of the Persian Empire playing Polo at the tender age of seven, or the Great Abbas in the 16th century constructing a polo field for the royal family, the largest of its kind in the empire at the time.

A sport of intricate precision and equestrian finesse, it demands a harmony of man and beast. Imagine a ballet on horseback, where the mallet, a conductor’s baton, guides a sphere larger than a chronometer’s moon across a vast stage.

This ancient pastime would later permeate the Asian continent, finding its way into India (around the 16th century), China, Tibet, and Mongolia, where it evolved into myriad forms with distinctive rules. Those familiar with ancient Chinese dramas might recall scenes of noblemen on horseback, striking bamboo balls into goals.

Polo ở Trung Quốc thời kì phong kiến (Nguồn: Polo Museum)

Imperial Chinese Polo (Cre: Polo Museum)

In the Indian state of Manipur, nestled in the northeastern reaches of India, British soldiers stationed there learned the game of Polo from the indigenous Indians. Upon their return to the United Kingdom, they brought with them this equestrian sport, which swiftly became an emblem of affluence, royalty, and the upper echelons of society.

Polo ở Ấn Độ thời kì Mogul (Nguồn: Polo Museum)

Polo in Mughal India (Cre: Polo Museum)

Even within the confines of the British Royal Family, one can easily encounter the moments when Prince Charles (now King), alongside Princes William and Harry, graced the Polo fields with their presence.

Polo

Princes William và Harry (Left), King Charles (Right)- Cre: Internet

THE REGAL OPULENCE OF POLO

The pinnacle of this sport’s exclusivity isn’t just about the astronomical price tag; it’s about the impeccable lineage and noble titles that serve as its time-honored credentials. As such, its entry fee is a luxury reserved for the very few.

The pursuit of Polo is a journey as intricate as the gears of a vintage timepiece. Each day on the field, equating to a hefty £200, marks another tick on the clock of mastery. From novice to seasoned player, a decade or more is often invested, for this equestrian ballet is as demanding as it is enchanting. Indeed, to truly grasp its nuances is a venture costing not merely pounds, but years.

Yet these are merely the foundational costs. The sport of Polo demands a stable of equines, each as valuable as a supercar, to maintain a consistently high level of play. It bears emphasizing that these are no ordinary steeds; they must be purebred and possess a certain ‘je ne sais quoi’ – a blend of speed and intuitive understanding with their rider. Beyond the monthly expenditures on sustenance, veterinary care, and grooming for each pet – which hover around £2000 – there are the annual club fees. A lifestyle of luxury, no doubt.

A natural extension of this equestrian lifestyle, equestrian accessories – bridles, saddles, horse helmets, and for the rider, crisp white polo shirts, helmets, and mallets – are all equally steeped in luxury. When sourced from the world’s most prestigious fashion houses such as Loro Piana, these items become status symbols, with price tags reaching hundreds, even thousands of pounds. For those familiar with Ralph Lauren, Loro Piana is considered to be several tiers above in terms of equestrian attire, with a tournament-ready polo shirt costing tens of thousands of pounds.

Moreover, the sport’s aristocratic label is largely due to polo matches being a gathering of the world’s most powerful and wealthy individuals. As Steve Wyatt, a polo field owner, once shared on the BBC, “Polo is essentially a display of one’s wealth. Whether you’re playing, watching, or simply attending a polo match, what you wear, what you drive, where you sit, and what champagne you drink—every detail is scrutinized. It’s a matter of like attracts like; they use polo to network and collaborate.”

Naturally, given the sport’s venerable history and enduring popularity, the aforementioned elite would not be caught without the timepieces that have been the hallmark of high society since the early 20th century (refer to “Pilot watches – Harbingers of Global Timepiece Trends” for a deeper dive). These timepieces were thus a common adornment on the wrists of polo players and spectators alike. However, the rigors of the sport – collisions between horses, player falls, and the impact of mallets – often resulted in significant damage to these luxury watches. So, what was the solution?

Những chiếc đồng hồ xa xỉ trên tay Polo players

The opulent timepieces adorning the wrists of polo players (Cre: Internet)

Invite all of you to join me in uncovering the second part of the enigmatic tale of Jacques-David LeCoultre’s encounter with Polo and the subsequent birth of the legendary “Reverso” collection. Moreover, we shall delve into a brief introduction to JLC’s timeless masterpiece.

Little known fact: The iconic Polo shirt was the inspiration behind Ralph Lauren’s founding of The Ralph Lauren Corporation in 1967. Drawing on his love for the sport, Lauren named his first menswear line “Polo” in 1968. The brand’s logo is a testament to this equestrian heritage, featuring a polo player in full stride.

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Meghan Nguyen

An English teacher with a deep passion for watches masterpieces, dedicated to creating a knowledgeable and cultured community of mechanical watch enthusiasts who share insights and foster mutual growth.