The past few years have seen a huge interest in Jaeger-LeCoultre’s stainless-steel Reverso Tribute Small Seconds models, and today’s launch of three new rose-gold versions are unlikely to do anything to diminish the demand for this model.
True to the original design from 1931, the strong art deco codes of the case-flipping Reverso are all there: the bold geometric shape; the symmetry of the dial layout; the contrast of light and dark; the bold typography and easy-to-read markers; and the decorative elements of the sunray dial.
The ultra-thin case is just 7.56mm thick, the dials come in gorgeous shades of black, silver and burgundy. The straps are in leather and canvas.
On the jewellery side, there are two stunning Reverso One Precious Colours models – one in rose gold, the other in white. Both cases measure 40 x 20mm and feature mother-of-pearl, time-only dials and straps in green or blue alligator-leather to match their bejewelled casebacks that are decorated in coloured enamel and 1.5 carats of gems.
Limited by production, Jaeger-LeCoultre has also launched a brand-new take on the Reverso in the form of an exquisite high jewellery sautoir. A 36.78 x 18mm pink-gold case is set with onyx and 18 carats of white diamonds. The 55cm long necklace is comprised of onyx beads and diamond-set links. Within the case is the manually wound Calibre 846 with 38 hours of power reserve.
The showstopper for the Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso, however, will undoubtedly be the manually wound, pink-gold Reverso Tribute Duoface Tourbillon. The watch features two time-zones – local time shown on the silver, sunrayed front dial, while wearers can keep a track of home time via the back dial that is decorated with a Clous de Paris finishing.
The tourbillon of the manually wound Calibre 847AA movement is visible on both of the watch faces and the reverse dial has a neat little day/night indicator represented by a sun and moon, which should prevent accidentally calling home at the wrong time.
The gold case measures 45.5 x 27.4mm and is 9.15mm thick. The watch is presented on a black leather strap and has 38 hours of power reserve.
Nine decades of Reverso highlights
The Reverso has seen many remarkable milestones over its 92-year history
- 1933 – First Reverso with a Calendar, which featured a small date window on the dial.
- 1934 – First Reverso with a Second Time Zone.
- 1935 – First Reverso with a Minute Repeater that chimes the time on demand.
- 1991 – Reverso 60th Anniversary.
- 1994 – Reverso Grande Taille, featuring a larger case size and a variety of new dial designs.
- 1996 – Reverso Duetto featuring a double-faced case that allowed for two different dials.
- 2011 – Reverso Tribute paying tribute to the original Reverso design with a classic art deco style.
- 2016 – Reverso Tribute Gyrotourbillon, featuring a high-end tourbillon movement and a unique blue enamel dial.
- 2021 – Reverso Hybris Mechanica Calibre 185 with four faces and featuring 11 complications, making it one of the most complex watches ever created.
If repairs are priced on complications someone is going to make a good living repairing this watch referance…