UNDERLINING THE TIMELESSNESS AND VERSATILITY OF THE REVERSO WITH FOUR NEW MODELS
Key Facts:
• Introducing a new size on the Reverso Tribute Monoface – a perfect fit for both men and women
• The Reverso Tribute Duoface Tourbillon now offered in steel
• The Reverso Tribute Duoface Small Seconds reimagined in 18k pink gold (750/1000) with a dark blue lacquer dial
Jaeger-LeCoultre continues to expand the creative universe of the Reverso, with new models that underline the versatility and timeless modernity of its Art Deco design. As well as presenting new variations of the Reverso Tribute Duoface Tourbillon and Reverso Tribute Duoface Small Seconds, La Grande Maison introduces the Reverso Tribute Monoface in a new size.
The enduring style of an Art Deco design icon
One of the world’s most recognisable wristwatch designs, the Reverso was created in 1931 in response to the challenge of designing a watch that could withstand the rigours of polo matches. A rare example of a design equally suited to men and women, the Reverso was almost immediately adopted by tastemakers from all walks of life. As it transcended its original sporting purpose, new variations appeared and, during its nine-decade history, the Reverso has undergone many changes – including different proportions and a variety of dial styles – without ever compromising its identity. In 2016, coinciding with the Reverso’s 85th birthday, Jaeger-LeCoultre introduced the Reverso Tribute line, which returned to the stylistic codes of the original 1931 model. The front dial of every Reverso Tribute timepiece is distinguished by its clean-lined elegance, with trapezoidal indexes, a chemin de fer minutes track and Dauphine hands.
As well as being an acknowledged icon of Art Deco design, the Reverso is an eloquent expression of Jaeger-LeCoultre’s philosophy of watchmaking. Anchored in the belief that the shape of a watch movement should conform as closely as possible to the shape of its case, Reverso calibres are designed in a tonneau shape, rather than the classical round form. Even though, in many Reverso models, the movements cannot be seen, many of the components are finely finished by hand, like the edges of the bridges being hand-bevelled by craftsmen from Jaeger-LeCoultre’s Métiers RaresTM atelier – a signature of fine watchmaking and evidence of La Grande Maison’s pursuit of precision in all areas.
Introducing the Reverso Tribute Monoface in a new size – a perfect fit for men and women
In 2024, Jaeger-LeCoultre introduces the Reverso Tribute Monoface in a new size. Very close in size to the original 1931 Reverso case, its 40.1 x 24.4 mm dimensions and slim, 7.56 mm profile make it comfortable and elegant on all wrists.
As with the earliest Reverso models, the blank metal case-back of this Monoface model – originally conceived as a purely functional solution – is an ideal canvas for creativity, inviting owners to express their personal style or celebrate a treasured memory with engravings or lacquer. Fitted with the manually wound Calibre 822, the Reverso Tribute Monoface is presented in a steel case with a choice of two dials: silver opaline or blue sunray lacquer. It is complemented by a new variation of the strap designed exclusively for the Reverso Tribute line by Casa Fagliano, featuring two contrasting textures: smooth calfskin and saffiano calfskin. In addition to the strap presented with the watch, four more colours are available and, thanks to Jaeger-LeCoultre’s interchangeable system, wearers can quickly change them to suit any occasion or mood.
The Reverso Tribute Duoface Tourbillon reinterpreted in steel
Now presented in a steel case, the newest interpretation of the Reverso Tribute Duoface Tourbillon brings a fresh aesthetic and contemporary allure to the model introduced in 18k pink gold (750/1000) at Watches and Wonders Geneva in 2023.
Originally developed in 1994, the Reverso Duoface concept is defined by two contrasting dials, each displaying a different time zone and operated by a single mechanism. The creation of the Reverso Tribute Duoface Tourbillon was driven by the desire to combine the Duoface concept with a tourbillon visible on both dials, without adding thickness to the calibre.
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 Maison’s patented S-shaped hairspring so that the spring and balance wheel could be fixed at the centre of the tourbillon. As a result, Calibre 847 is only 3.9mm thick and the entire watch is only 9.15mm thick.
In contrast to the cool and restrained elegance of the grey sunrayed front dial, the reverse dial – which displays the second time zone – is partially open-worked and richly textured. The edges of the bridges are hand-bevelled and their surfaces decorated with a hand-guilloché Clous de Paris, from Jaeger-LeCoultre’s Métiers RaresTM atelier, pattern to create a beautiful play of light and shadow.
The Reverso Tribute Duoface Small Seconds reinterpreted in pink gold
Introduced in a 18k pink gold (750/1000) case, the newest interpretation of the Reverso Tribute Duoface Small Seconds features a front dial of glossy, inky-blue lacquer and a redesigned reverse dial with double indexes applied to the silver sunrayed background and a refined 24-hour (night-day) display.
On the front dial, creating a rich and eye-catching contrast with the warmth of the pink gold case and matching indexes and hands, the deep, inky blue was achieved by applying no fewer than 20 layers of lacquer, each of which had to be meticulously dried before applying the next layer. In all, creation of the dial was a process of 50 steps.
Like all Jaeger-LeCoultre movements, the manually wound Calibre 854 was entirely conceived, developed and produced within the Manufacture. On the front dial, it displays the hours, minutes and small seconds, and on the reverse dial, a second time-zone and a 24-hour indicator. To maintain the integrity of the case design, the second time zone is adjusted by a small slider set into the top case-band and completely invisible except when the case is released from the cradle to be flipped over.
These new additions to the Reverso Tribute collection underline the great versatility of its Art Deco design, as Jaeger-LeCoultre unites timeless aesthetics with fine mechanics to create thoroughly modern watches that are destined to become enduring classics.
