An Initiation To Polo In The Footsteps Of The Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso

Casa Fagliano is a renowned Argentine bootmaker, known for its hand-made production of boots and knee-guards for Polo players for over a century. This family-run business continues to manufacture hand-made goods in limited quantities, which therefore sometimes involves a certain waiting time. In total, around a dozen specialist craftsmen (including Fagliano senior and junior) make these highly coveted boots according to timeworn custom using traditional techniques. Proving once again, if proof be needed, that quality comes at the cost of time.
 

When Jaeger-LeCoultre and Casa Fagliano got together to design a Polo-inspired watchstrap, there was never any question of its availability in large quantities. On average, only a few dozen straps are produced by Casa Fagliano every month. Due to these smaller production volumes, it became necessary, one way or another, to restrict access to these straps. Thus, as part of this exclusive approach, Casa Fagliano straps are only available on a few collection models and not for existing watches brought in for strap changes.
 

Two steel references with similar details are also available in the Classic Duoface range, in Medium and Large. The reverse watch face is in black guilloché with Clous de Paris decor in a negative counterpart to the front silvered dial face. Finally, once again fitted with the brown leather Casa Fagliano strap, we have the highly exclusive Reverso Tribute Duoface Large, complete with ultra-chic rose gold watch case. The interplay of materials and textures lends strength and sophistication to this exceptional watch.
 

A jewel has now been added, to my mind, in this already comprehensive crown of offerings in the form of the new Reverso Tribute Small Seconds: blue dial and strap, Art Deco style polished markers and hands. Needless to say, I fell under its spell in no time. Admittedly, I'm somewhat biased due to my own penchant for blue, especially when it's expertly handled, which is indubitably the case with this Reverso Tribute Small Seconds. The subtle sunburst dial is teamed perfectly with a more intense blue strap. The monochromatic tonal play between strap and dial is a tricky exercise, but executed to perfection as it is in this case, it becomes an extraordinary feat of achievement. The sleek lines of the case, markers and hands stand out in silvery contrast to give total readability of form and function.
 

I was lucky enough to be invited by Jaeger-LeCoultre to West Sussex, just an hour away from London, to discover a sport hitherto entirely unknown to me. I must admit I was a little apprehensive, since I have persistently resisted any further temptation to climb into the saddle again after a horse-riding accident suffered some years ago.
 

Clare Mountbatten, mistress of the premises, is there to greet me at Trippetts Farm, tucked away in the heart of a vast estate home to several Polo teams, each with their own stables and sharing some substantial acreage between them. It has been fourteen years since the brand collaborated with the Great Trippetts Polo Club. This part of England is, in fact, polo's second home in the world after Argentina, where the sport is as popular as football is in Europe.

It all begins with a theoretical introduction. I familiarise myself with the apparel of the perfect polo player: boots, knee-guards, regulatory helmet, gloves, crops and, of course, mallet.
 

Finally, under the watchful eye of a stable lad, I get the opportunity to try my luck at hitting the ball. It's pretty slow going, but at least I stay on the horse's back. Just like in golf, there's that magical feeling when the mallet hits home and your hand doesn't vibrate from the impact. But that's where the comparison ends, because a polo player is not only constantly on the move atop his mount, but is also up against the other players moving around. Without any shadow of a doubt, it's the most dangerous sport in the world, and yet, according to aficionados, you can easily become addicted from the word go.
 

It's therefore easy to see how violent a game polo can be when players come into contact, especially where horses and mallets are concerned, and especially when the horses are travelling at full speed. Boots, knee-guards and helmets are not just for show, but are vital necessities in the game. The Reverso, with its sliding self-preservation device, is a crucial reminder of the dangers of polo. It's fascinating how aware you become of the importance of protection once you're on horseback out in the field for real.