A Reverso of Hope

The engraving on the back of my Reverso is something very personal to me because it represents my family, where I come from, and something I hope to pass on to my son one day.

It features the Cassar family coat of arms, with a red cross surrounded by four letters that spell SPES, the Latin word for “hope.” I have always liked the meaning behind that word, because hope is something that connects our past with our future. It reminds us of where we come from, but also encourages us to work hard for the things we want to achieve.

I had the engraving done by Jaeger-LeCoultre, through the main jewelry shop here in Malta, which is run by an old school friend of mine and brings the brand to the island. That personal connection made the process even more meaningful, as the watch itself was already intended to become something much more than just another piece in my collection.

My son is still only nine years old, but one day this Reverso will be his. I want him to have something he can carry with him throughout his life that reminds him of his family and his roots in Malta. More importantly, I hope that whenever he turns the watch over and sees our family coat of arms, he will remember what those four letters stand for.

For me, SPES is not simply a word engraved on a watch. It is a message I want to leave him: to remember where he comes from, to work hard for what he believes in, and to never lose hope that his dreams can come true.

One day, when he is older and this Reverso is on his wrist instead of mine, I hope he will understand why I chose this engraving for him.