Jaeger-LeCoultre has released new editions to their Reverso Tribute collection in the form of a showstopping Duoface Tourbillon in steel, a new midsize Tribute in two colourways, and a Tribute Duoface Small Seconds in 18k pink gold.
Jaeger-LeCoultre has expanded their iconic Reverso collection by adding three new models to the lineup… well four if you count the two colourways in the midsize, but hey, now I’m being pedantic! In the collection, as just mentioned are two new mid-sized Reverso Tribute Monofaces – one in a stunning blue, and another in a silver sunray dial. In addition, a Reverso Tribute Duoface Small Seconds which has been reimagined in 18k pink gold and finally, the showstopping Reverso Tribute Duoface Tourbillon in steel, which to be honest, is stunning in the metal. So, let’s start there, shall we?
Reverso Tribute Duoface Tourbillon
Now in a steel case, the new Reverso Tribute Duoface Tourbillon creates the perfect partner for the existing pink gold variant released last year. This time in steel, it offers audiences a different look – more subtle than it’s gold counterpart, but still just as eye-catching when seen. For those who want more of a classic style, the grey sunray dial offers a beautiful yet subtle look, as subtle as you can get with a Tourbillon spinning away at 6 o’clock!
For those who want a little more panache, then flipping the watch face over reveals the beauty and intricacy of the second dial that displays a second-time zone. This time, the dial is partially open-worked and textured. The edges of the bridges are hand-bevelled and their surfaces are decorated with a hand-guilloché Clous de Paris pattern. This has been done by Jaeger-LeCoultre’s Métiers RaresTM atelier and adds a lot of depth and light plat to the dial.
The added depth to the dial and the Tourbillon is helped by the mirrored circle that sits directly under the Tourbillon, helping to reflect the light back through the Tourbillon’s cage and window, giving it a full three-dimensional effect. If you look closely at the top right section of the dial at almost 2 o’clock, the AM/PM indicator sits, balancing out the barrel and gears visible through this side.
On the wrist, the new Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Tribute Duoface Tourbillon sits well and even with the Duoface and tourbillon, the watch measures out extremely well at 45.5mm across the wrist, 27.4mm diameter and just a mere 9.15mm thick. When you think about this, for a watch with an outer case, a reversible inner case with two time zones and a tourbillon is a feat of engineering!
To achieve this, Jaeger-LeCoultre’s engineers had to completely re-think the tourbillon mechanism. They dispensed with the upper bridge that normally supports a tourbillon, replaced the outer tourbillon cage with a peripheral ball-bearing system and used the Jaeger-LeCoultre’s patented S-shaped hairspring so that the spring and balance wheel could be fixed at the centre of the tourbillon. The result? The Calibre 847 that is only 3.9mm thick and keeping the entire case size under 10mm thick!
Reverso Tribute Monoface Mid-Size
Now we have the new Jaeger-LeCoultre Tribute Monoface in the new mid-size case. Coming in at 40.1mm x 24.4mm x 7.56mm thick, this model takes us back to a size very close to the Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso from 1931. Jaeger-LeCoultre describes this as a unisex model, perfect for men and women, and seeing it in person, I would have to agree here. It’s svelt and sexy, especially the blue dial, which we had the pleasure of wearing on the wrist.
Unlike the Duoface, the Monoface is true to the Reverso roots with a solid case back, perfect for those who want to take their creativity and add their own touch to the watch. While it was originally designed for Polo players to safeguard their watch face, nowadays, people opt to engrave or lacquer something highly personal on the watch, which makes them all potentially unique!
The dial is emblematic of the Reversos from 1931, with the dauphine hands, gadroons and the classic Art Deco design. The dial is a deep blue done in a sunray finish, which outside catches the light so well bringing out the striations of the sunray effect. This pairs well with the strap choice that comes with the Reverso Tribute Monoface – a blue leather Fagliano strap that combines both smooth calfskin and saffiano calfskin, giving it more texture.
Inside is the Manually wound Jaeger-LeCoultre Calibre 822, delivering 42 hours of power reserve, beating at 21,600 VpH / 3Hz and pivoting on 19 jewels. While not giant in terms of power, it’s more than enough for those who want to keep this as a special piece for special occasions, bringing it out and winding it up before heading out. For those who don’t? That’s ok too as I find those who like a manual winding watch love them for the reason they can wind it up daily, connecting them with the watch even more!
In addition to the blue dial, the new Reverso Tribute Monoface comes in a silver sunray dial option, with a Golden-tan calfskin with contrasting smooth and saffiano finishes. This gives people the option of a more classic version in the blue, or an alternative look that’s a little more modern with the silver dial and more casual tan-coloured strap. In either event, you won’t go too wrong with either Reverso.
The Reverso Tribute Duoface Small Seconds
Last, but definitely not least is the new Reverso Tribute Duoface Small Seconds – this time in 18k pink gold. The main dial is done in a deep blue sunray effect that contrasts nicely with the pink gold – blue and pink gold always pair so well, something I’ve said before. Jaeger-LeCoultre has achieved this with around 20 layers of applied lacquer, which need to be dried before the next is layered on top – a process that takes approximately 50 steps to complete.
Flipping the case over to the reverse side, you have a second time-zone on a silver sunray effect dial, which in combination with the pink gold, creates a totally different look, fresh and vibrant! This side also displays the 24-hour indicator along with the second time zone, and in order to adjust this, Jaeger-LeCoultre has added a small slider that is set into the top case- band and completely invisible except when the case is released from the cradle to be flipped over.
Inside is the Calibre 854 in-house manual winding movement beating at 3Hz / 21,600 VpH and pivoting on 19 jewels with a power reserve of 42 hours. The case is the larger 47mm x 28.3mm case, but still at a perfect 9.6mm thick so it wears slim and will fit under pretty much most cuffs and leaves.
Initial Thoughts
Jaeger-LeCoultre is always classic and exudes elegance. This is epitomised by the Reverso, and these new additions to the Reverso collection are no exception. The mid-sized Reverso Tribute Monoface pair are a great offering for those who want a no-fuss, classic and vintage styled piece, both men and women accordingly, with the ability to add their own personal touch should they wish on the back. For those who want a little more flair, the 18k pink gold Reverso Tribute Duoface Small Seconds ticks many boxes, and offers the second time zone function for those who need to track another time zone, be it for travel or business.
Then there is the Reverso Tribute Duoface Tourbillon, which is simply a stunning piece that will please almost everyone who tries this piece on. The main dial with the subtle grey sunray finish adds class and elegance to any outfit, but flipping the piece over you get a more intricate and playful dial with the second timezone and day/night indicator. It’s hard to not wear it on this side 100% of the time. Either way you choose, you have the tourbillon ticking away at 6 o’clock with the mirrored finish in the case enclosure that makes this pop!
References:
- Reverso Tribute Monoface Silver Dial – Q7168420
- Reverso Tribute Monoface Blue Dial – Q716848J
- Reverso Tribute Duoface Small Seconds – Q3982590
- Reverso Tribute Duoface Tourbillon – Q392845J
Specifications:
Reverso Tribute Monoface
- Case: Stainless Steel
- Dimensions: 40.1mm x 24.4mm x 7.56 mm thick
- Calibre: Manually wound Jaeger-LeCoultre Calibre 822
- Functions: Hours, minutes
- Power Reserve: 42 hours
- Dial: Blue Sunray / silvery-grey opaline
- Water resistance: 3 bar
- Strap: Blue or Golden-tan calfskin with contrasting smooth and saffiano finishes; interchangeable with four additional colours available as accessories. Folding clasp.
Reverso Tribute Duoface Small Seconds
- Case: 18K Pink Gold 750/1000
- Dimensions: 47mm x 28.3mm x 9.6mm thick
- Calibre: Manually wound Jaeger-LeCoultre Calibre 854
- Functions: Hours, minutes small seconds (Front); Second time zone, 24-hour indicator (Reverse)
- Power Reserve: 42 hours
- Dial: Dark blue lacquer sunray & on reverse face: Silver sunray
- Water resistance: 3 bar
- Strap: Blue Calf leather/ Blue Fagliano calfskin leather
Reverso Tribute Duoface Tourbillon
- Case: Stainless Steel
- Dimensions: 45.5 x 27.4 mm x 9.15 mm thick
- Calibre: Manually wound Jaeger-LeCoultre Calibre 847
- Functions: Main dial – Hours, Minutes, Tourbillon. Second time zone dial – Hours, Minutes, Seconds, Night-Day indicator
- Power Reserve: 38 hours
- Front dial: Grey, sunrayed
- Back dial: Silver sunrayed Clous de Paris guilloché
- Water resistance: 3 bar
- Strap: Black Alligator/ Grey Fagliano calfskin leather
Australian Recommended Retail Pricing:
- Reverso Tribute Monoface Silver Dial & Blue Dial: A$14,300
- Reverso Tribute Duoface Small Seconds: A$41,100
- Reverso Tribute Duoface Tourbillon: POA
