Shortly before Baselworld, I reported on how the German watch magazine Armbanduhren voted the A. Lange & Sohne Cabaret Tourbillon as the best watch of the year. As part of that same contest, other categories of "best watch" included the "best women's watch of 2009." That prize went to Jaeger LeCoultre for its new Reverso Squadra Lady Duetto watch. The Squadra line of watches is for men and women, with the timepieces for both genders being elegant and sporty - as well as true to the Reverso watch line tradition.

The watch is really two-in-one as the case flips around to reveal two watch faces. Both tell the time, but are decorated differently, and one side has a date complication, while the other side has a day/night indicator complication. Two versions of the watch are available in stainless steel or 18k rose gold. Both versions feature guilloche engraving on the dials and strong baton hands. Two different diamond settings are available; 36 diamonds on the steel version and 75 on the rose gold version. The inset diamond cabochon in the crown is a nice touch as well. The strap seen in the images is an articulated rubber strap that should be interesting to wear. An alligator strap, or metal bracelet are also available.

As seems to be the case with recent "best watch" awards - utility and beauty are equally valued when such decisions are made. A clear message to watch makers that people are interested in having a fully functional and comfortable watch when deciding on a luxury timepiece investment.

Ariel Adams publishes the watch review site aBlogtoRead.com.

Wearing what is certainly no slum watch, Sunday January 11th's Golden Globes award show saw actor Dev Patel wearing a high style Jaeger LeCoultre watch. The timepiece was the Reverso Squadra, a sportier rendition of the classic Reverso watch line. The pictured Squadra watch features a chronograph and GMT complication with a big date at the top. As is common on all Reverso watches, they have the ability to be flipped around. The opposite side revealing further complications or a protective metal caseback, as was the purpose of the original Reverso watches that protected the watch crystal from the high impact Polo games.

Patel was likely given the watch personally by Jaeger LeCoultre to wear at the show. Luxury product makers often gift such items to celebrities to be worn in public for publicity and marketing purposes. Patel made out pretty well being approach by Jeager LeCoultre. More established celebrities often have brands fighting for their limited "body real estate," and have been known to offer large sums of money in exchange for exclusive deals. Don't be surprised if Dev Patel is seen only wearing Jaeger LeCoultre watches at events for the next several years.

Ariel Adams publishes the watch review site aBlogtoRead.com.