Sameera Gamage 
A timepiece that embodies elegance, heritage, and craftsmanship, the Reverso Tribute Monoface Small Seconds is a true testament to Jaeger-LeCoultre’s mastery. With its pink gold case, finely textured dial, and perfectly executed Milanese bracelet, it redefines what a classic dress watch can be. Simply put, this is the Reverso at its most refined.
I’m just going to get straight to the point here. This is one of the most beautiful Reverso models I’ve seen to date. This might even be one of my contenders for the most elegant timepiece released during Watches and Wonders 2025, which is saying a lot considering how many stunning timepieces have been unveiled! There are a number of reasons why this timepiece is just eye-catching, but we’ll get to that in a moment.
Firstly, a little bit of background on the Monoface Small seconds. As you may know, the story of the Reverso started in 1931, when it was designed to meet the demands of the “fashionable gentlemen”. More specifically, however, it was designed to cater to Polo players who wanted a timepiece where the dial wouldn’t get damaged during play. That’s when the engineers and watchmakers at Jaeger-LeCoultre conjured up the Reverso. With this timepiece, the dial can be flipped to the “caseback” which is a blank canvas but, more importantly, protects the dial during play. This year is dedicated to the Reverso, hence why we see Jaeger-LeCoultre’s 1931 Polo Club, a dedication to the creation of one of the most iconic timepieces in watchmaking.
Over the decades, Jaeger-LeCoultre released many different versions of the Reverso, from the stylish and elegant to the incredibly complicated Hybris Artistica, a timepiece that draw’s inspiration from the Art Deco era in which the original Reverso was conceived. The timepiece has two dials where one is skeletonised featuring different complications, with the highlight being the incredible gyro-tourbillon at the 6 o’clock position. Let that soak in for a second. There is a Gyro-tourbillon on a timepiece that has multiple complications and is dual-faced!
Related Reading: The New JLC Hybris Artistica Is A Mind-Boggling Masterpiece
Then on the flip side, we have this latest Reverso Tribute Monoface Small Seconds. A timepiece worlds apart from the Hybris Artistica, but sharing the same DNA to shine in it’s own right and stand out in a class of its own for different reasons. This is another timepiece that has been inspired by the Art Deco period, and we can see that through the use of dial textures and colours and the Milanese bracelet.
So, what makes me love this timepiece so much? You may think that it’s because of the Milanese bracelet, because that certainly is a new addition to the modern Reverso, but while this plays a major part, it’s actually the design of the timepiece as a whole. From the beautiful pink gold case and the matte golden-textured dial to the applied pink gold hands and indices, this is a timepiece that marries vintage appeal with modern aesthetic design.
Case Design
The Reverso Tribute Monoface Small Seconds retains the iconic Reverso case design and is presented in 18k (750/1000) pink gold. The case features a sleek and refined profile, measuring just 7.56mm thick. On the wrist, the watch not only looks elegant, thanks to its smooth curves, but it also sits comfortably, making it an effortless companion for everyday wear. When the dial/case is tuned over, the metal caseback enhances the jewellery look of the timepiece, whether left blank or personalised with an engraving or lacquered decoration.
Jaeger-LeCoultre have also modified the Reverso case’s lugs slightly, so that this new Milanese bracelet appears to be integrated into the case. This is one of the shining elements of the timepiece. The Milanese bracelet is a new addition to the Reverso, and honestly, I’m sitting here thinking, why wasn’t this done before? It’s such a perfect pairing for the Reverso, taking this timepiece to new levels of luxury and elegance.
Jaeger-LeCoultre explains the Milanese bracelet design as “a dense, flat metal weave made from two intertwined metal threads, creating a double layer of small interlocking links. Crafting the bracelet requires no less than 16 meters of pink gold threads, which, once assembled, form a fabric-like structure known as pezza. To ensure maximum flexibility, the process must be carried out without interruption. The final steps involve stamping the links to their precise dimensions and hand-soldering each side, link by link.”
As the Milanese bracelet is free of pins like a traditional watch bracelet, this construction ensures that it remains flexible and smooth while offering exceptional durability. Jaeger-LeCoultre says that thanks to the weight of the 18k pink gold material, this bracelet feels smooth and soft on the wrist, while the adjustable sliding clasp allows a perfect fit!
Dial Design
The beautifully textured dial perfectly complements the overall look of the timepiece. The dial is finely grained, which provides a contrast to the polished and luxurious shine of the case and Milanese bracelet. While other Reverso timepieces released during Watches & Wonders this year feature sunburst and patterned dials, there’s something about this finely grained texture that I feel no other dial design would be able to work as well on this Reverso Tribute Monoface Small Seconds.
This Reverso Tribute also recalls the purity of the 1931 original Reverso models as the hour indices are applied. Their elongated shape and faceted profile add visual depth and echo the form of the Dauphine hour and minute hands. Adding to the sophistication of this timepiece is the small seconds display at 6 o’clock, which has been intricately marked out in black, offering a more subtle look compared to the polished finishing of the hands and indices. The black detailing of the small seconds also match nicely with the signature rectangular minute track of the Reverso, as well as the Jaeger-LeCoultre logo underneath 12 o’clock.
Movement
Powering this gorgeous timepiece is the hand-wound Calibre 882. This is a movement that has been around for quite some time, supporting the Reverso time and seconds models. It is a model that is recognized for its precision and reliability, contributing to Jaeger-LeCoultre’s reputation for high-quality watchmaking.
This manual wound movement operates at a high-frequency (for manual timepeices) at 3Hz (21,6000 VpH), while offering a decent power reserve of 42 hours. This movement, as Jaeger-LeCoultre puts it “Is shaped to echo the lines of the rectangular case, was designed, produced and assembled entirely in-house.”
Initial Thoughts
If it isn’t already obvious, I absolutely love this timepiece. The Reverso Tribute Monoface Small Seconds is a masterclass in elegance, refinement, and timeless design. Jaeger-LeCoultre has elevated an already iconic watch with subtle yet impactful details: the pink gold case, the beautifully textured dial, and, of course, the Milanese bracelet, which feels like it was always meant to be part of the Reverso lineup.
This watch is truly special, though, because it effortlessly balances vintage charm with modern sophistication. It’s a timepiece that feels just as relevant today as it would have in the 1930s, and that’s no easy feat. The attention to detail, the craftsmanship, and the sheer presence it has on the wrist all contribute to making this one of my favorite Reverso models to date.
Simply put, Jaeger-LeCoultre has knocked it out of the park with this one. If you’re a fan of the Reverso, this is a watch that demands your attention. And if you’re not yet a fan, well, this might be the piece that changes that.
Specification: Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Tribute Monoface Small Seconds (Q713216J)
- Dimensions: 45.6 x 27.4 mm x 7.56 mm thick
- Case Material: Pink gold (18k, 750/1000)
- Dial: Golden 4n finely grained with applied hour indices
- Movement: Hand-wound Calibre 882
- Movement Frequency: 3Hz (21,600 VpH)
- Movement Power reserve: 42 hours
- Water resistance: 30m (3 Bar)
- Crystal: Sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating
- Bracelet/Strap: Milanese link bracelet in 18k pink gold
