• Iconic swivelling case: comprising 50 components, 7.56mm thick
• Vintage elegance and an outstanding dial: pairing an 18k pink gold Milanese bracelet and case with a mat golden-coloured grained dial, strikingly contrasted by the luminous shine of its applied indexes
• Emblematic movement: hand-wound Calibre 822, 108 components, 42-hour reserve, 2.93mm thick

Underlining the exceptional versatility of the Reverso’s Art Deco design, Jaeger-LeCoultre presents a new interpretation of the Reverso Tribute Monoface Small Seconds. With a Milanese link bracelet, an 18k pink gold (750/1000) case and a grained dial that perfectly matches the precious metal’s colour, the new model exudes vintage glamour and confident modernity – an eloquent expression of the Reverso’s stylistic evolution that began with the unveiling of the first Reverso more than 90 years ago.

A STORY OF EVOLVING STYLE, FROM POLO FIELD TO DESIGN ICON

Created in 1931, the Reverso was designed to meet the demands of the newly fashionable ‘sporting gentleman’. A challenge was set by polo-playing military officers in India during the British Raj of 1858-1947 to create a watch that could withstand the rigours of the polo field. The Reverso was the answer – a masterful integration of form and function. Quickly adopted by tastemakers from all walks of life, the Reverso soon transcended its original sporting purpose as new variations appeared – for both men and women. However, its iconic double-sided case (historical patent CH159982) and distinctive Art Deco lines have remained constant, making the Reverso one of the world’s most recognisable wristwatches.

Over the decades, many variations of the Reverso have been created, both stylistic and mechanical, without ever compromising its identity. The distinctive and timeless design accounts for much of the Reverso’s enduring appeal – and for its recognition as an icon of Art Deco style. The new Reverso Tribute Monoface Small Seconds with Milanese link bracelet perfectly highlights the Reverso’s unique adaptability to evolve over time – balancing contrasting qualities: sporty or elegant, contemporary or retro; masculine or feminine, and often a blend of several attributes at once.

MILANESE LINK AND A GOLDEN-COLOURED DIAL LEND A SUBTLY VINTAGE AIR TO CONTEMPORARY STYLE

The Milanese link is 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. Smooth, flexible, and free of pins, this construction ensures exceptional durability. The origins of Milanese link can be traced to 13^th-century Milan (from which it takes its name), where it was used for a type of chain mail. Later, Renaissance goldsmiths created precious metal versions for jewellery but the technique remained unknown outside Italy for several centuries. In the 1920s, jewellers in Germany mastered the technique, sparking a worldwide fashion trend. As with all trends, its popularity waned for a time, until the 1970s, when Milanese link became fashionable for watch bracelets. Today, Milanese bracelets are enjoying another revival, thanks to their ability to look either sporty or elegant, according to the timepiece.

On the new pink gold Reverso Tribute Monoface Small Seconds, the link bracelet adds a dash of vintage chic to the pared-down Reverso Tribute dial aesthetic and all-pink golden colour palette of the watch. Its slim profile perfectly complements the sleek lines of the 7.56 mm-thick Reverso case and the lug attachment has been slightly modified so that the bracelet appears to be integrated. This new Reverso is adorned with a golden-coloured dial featuring a delicate textured finish obtained by several stamping operations. The finely grained dial provides a counterpoint to the polished shine of the case and bracelet links. The polished finish of the 18k pink gold (750/1000) integrated buckle complements the shiny surface of the links, enhancing the bracelet’s cohesive elegance. When the case is turned over, the metal caseback enhances the jewellery look of the watch, whether left blank or personalised with an engraving or lacquered decoration. On the wrist, the bracelet feels smooth, soft and sinuous – a perfect fit thanks to the adjustable sliding clasp and beautifully balanced thanks to the weight of the pink gold.

The signature iconography of the Reverso Tribute dial recalls the purity of the 1931 original Reverso, with the hours marked by applied indexes rather than numerals. Their elongated shape and faceted profile add visual depth and echo the form of the Dauphine hands. The circular track of the small seconds display at six o’clock provides a counterpoint to the linear geometry of the dial and case.

The Reverso Tribute Monoface Small Seconds is powered by the hand-wound Calibre 822, which offers a power reserve of 42 hours. The movement, which is shaped to echo the lines of the rectangular case, was designed, produced and assembled entirely in-house.

The Reverso Tribute Monoface Small Seconds redefines elegance with its seamless blend of historical significance and contemporary sophistication, reaffirming its status as a timeless icon.

TECHNICAL CHARACTERISTICS

REVERSO TRIBUTE MONOFACE SMALL SECONDS

Case: Pink gold (18k, 750/1000)

Dimensions: 45.6 x 27.4 mm x 7.56 mm thick

Calibre: Manually wound Jaeger-LeCoultre Calibre 822

Functions: Hours, minutes, small seconds

Power Reserve: 42 hours

Front dial: Golden grained

Water resistance: 3 bar

Strap: Milanese link bracelet in 18k pink gold

Buckle: Integrated sliding clasp

Reference: Q713216J

• ­Continuing the story of colour that began in the earliest years of the Reverso
• Expressing individual style through dial colours and interchangeable Fagliano Collection straps

Soon after its creation in 1931, as the Reverso was adopted by tastemakers from worlds beyond the polo fields for which it was originally conceived, new variations appeared with coloured dials – a daring departure at a time when white or silver dials were the norm. Creating a vivid contrast with the case metal, the colours added a note of exuberance to the streamlined symmetry of the Reverso design. 

In 2023, Jaeger-LeCoultre continues the story of colour, presenting the Reverso Tribute Small Seconds with sunray-brushed dials in four variations. In a newly redesigned pink gold case, a black dial – paying homage to the black dials of the original 1931 Reverso – creates a dramatic contrast to the polished metal; a burgundy lacquer dial complements the glowing richness of pink gold; and a silver dial – closely recalling the silver dial of the first-generation Reverso – is a discreetly elegant foil for the rich golden glow of the metal. The black and burgundy dials are paired with two Fagliano Collection straps in complementary colours – one strap in the signature canvas-and-calf combination and the other in all calf. The silver dial is paired with a Fagliano Collection canvas-and-calf strap and an additional black alligator strap. Also new for 2023, a silver opaline dial with black nickel finished hands and indexes adds a dynamic and contemporary feel to the steel Reverso Tribute case.

A new ultra-thin case in pink gold

The pink gold Reverso Tribute case has been significantly revised for 2023, with its thickness reduced by almost 1mm to just 7.56mm to achieve the utmost sophistication and refinement.

Distinguished by a singular elegance, rectangular cases remain relatively rare in watchmaking. Since the earliest days of mechanical timekeeping devices, round cases have been the norm – a convention that followed naturally from sundials being circular, watch hands moving “in the round” and, consequently, watch mechanisms being designed in circular form. When the idea of a swivelling case was conceived for the first Reverso in 1931, it had to be rectilinear in order to function. Moreover, because the profile of a rectangular case closely follows the natural curve of the wrist and is thus highly ergonomic, it was ideal for the polo players for whom the design was originally intended. Once the case design was established, Jaeger-LeCoultre took the rectangular principle further, creating shaped movements specifically for Reverso that closely follow the contours of its case.

The slide-and-swivel mechanism of the Reverso makes its case one of the most complex in watchmaking, which added considerably to the challenge of reducing its thickness for the new Reverso Tribute Small Seconds models. Comprising more than 50 components – of which almost 40 are dedicated to the swivelling mechanism – the cases are entirely produced and hand-assembled by a specialised team within the Manufacture Jaeger-LeCoultre.

The elegance of simplicity – Reverso Tribute dials

The process of making the sunray dials is an intricate and delicate one. First, the dial base is galvanised to give a metallic sheen and protect the underlying brass from oxidation; next, a fine metal brush traces very fine, almost imperceptible lines on the surface in a sunray pattern that intersects at the precise centre of the dial. This is what gives the characteristic variation of hue when light falls on the dial from different angles. Finally, unless the dial is to be lacquered, the surface is varnished and polished to a smooth sheen that enhances the subtly textured sunray effect.

For coloured dials, lacquering is a complex craft that requires a high degree of skill. Up to four layers of coloured lacquer are applied to create the desired intensity and tone, followed by up to 20 layers of translucent lacquer, which adds visual depth and permanently fixes the colour. Every layer is applied by hand and each application must dry under ideal conditions of heat and humidity before the next can begin. Finally, the lacquer is varnished with a brilliant finish then polished by hand to mirror-like perfection, adding a sense of intensity and depth to the colour.

The new 2023 dials feature all of the signature design elements of the Reverso Tribute, with the hours marked by applied indexes rather than numerals, and the 12 marked by a double index. Their faceted shape echoes the form of the Dauphine hands and adds visual depth to the dial surface. In the lower half of the dial, the circular track of the small seconds display provides a counterpoint to the linear geometry of the dial and case. Harmonising with the sunray brushing of the dial, a dramatic sunray pattern on the inside of the carrier is visible as the case is flipped over.

In keeping with Reverso tradition, the solid metal back of the reversible case is an ideal canvas for personalisation. The owner can choose to keep this personalisation hidden, as a private pleasure, or to turn the case over so that the back becomes the front of the timepiece.

Reconnecting Reverso to its sporting roots

Jaeger-LeCoultre’s collaboration with Casa Fagliano has reconnected the Reverso to its roots in the world of polo, where Fagliano is celebrated for its fine handmade boots. A package of two straps is offered with each pink gold Reverso Tribute Small Seconds – made to Fagliano’s signature design in canvas-and-calf and all-calf, in colours that complement the new dials. Creating a unified aesthetic and strong sense of style that underlines the timeless modernity of the Reverso design, they are fitted with pin buckles that allow for swift and easy strap changes.

Calibre 822 – Epitomising Jaeger-LeCoultre’s philosophy of product integrity

The Reverso Tribute Small Seconds is powered by the manually wound mechanical movement, Calibre 822. With 108 components, this mechanically elegant and well-proven movement offers a power reserve of 42 hours. Like all Jaeger-LeCoultre calibres, its components are finely finished and decorated, even though they are hidden beneath the solid metal case-back.

Designed expressly for the Reverso, every element of Calibre 822 is produced and assembled within the Manufacture. In keeping with Jaeger-LeCoultre’s philosophy of product integrity, whereby the shape of a movement should be appropriate to that of its case – an approach established in the earliest years of the Manufacture – its architecture has been designed in a tonneau shape that closely follows the rectangular form of the Reverso case.

TECHNICAL CHARACTERISTICS

REVERSO TRIBUTE SMALL SECONDS (PINK GOLD)

Case: Pink Gold 750/1000 (18 carats)

Dimensions: 45.6 x 27.4 mm; Thickness: 7.56mm

Calibre: Manually wound Jaeger-LeCoultre Calibre 822

Functions: Hours, minutes, small seconds

Power reserve: 42 hours

Water resistance: 30 m

Dial: Black sunray / Burgundy lacquer / Silver sunray

Caseback: Closed

Strap: Fagliano Collection interchangeable calf-leather-and-canvas and all-calf-leather (Pink gold/black; Pink gold/burgundy); Fagliano Collection interchangeable calf-leather-and-canvas strap and black alligator strap (Pink gold/silver)

Reference: Pink gold/black: Q713257J; Pink gold/burgundy: Q713256J; Pink gold/silver: Q7132521

REVERSO TRIBUTE SMALL SECONDS (STEEL)

Case: Steel

Dimensions: 45.6 x 27.4 mm; Thickness: 8.5mm

Calibre: Manually wound Jaeger-LeCoultre Calibre 822

Functions: Hours, minutes, small seconds

Power reserve: 42 hours

Water resistance: 30 m

Dial: Silver opalin

Caseback: Closed

Strap: Fagliano Collection calf-leather-and-canvas

Reference: Steel Q713842J