• ­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

In chocolate brown, red, burgundy or blue, the lacquered dials created a stylish and exuberant contrast with the case metal and – at a time when coloured dials were rare in watchmaking – made the Reverso appear even more modern and distinctive.

Over the decades, the Reverso has appeared with a variety of dials and in different case sizes – without ever compromising the integrity of the original design – and, in 2016, Jaeger-LeCoultre returned to the stylistic codes of the original 1931 model to create a series of Tribute models.

For 2021, recalling the early use of colour that distinguished the Reverso, La Grande Maison presents the Reverso Tribute Small Seconds in Green. The rich tone of the sunray-brushed lacquer dial and matching leather strap is reminiscent of the deep green of the pine forests that surround Jaeger-LeCoultre’s home in the Vallée de Joux.

The dial features all of the signature design elements of the Reverso Tribute: the hours are marked by applied indexes rather than numerals. Their faceted shape echoes the form of the Dauphine hands and adds visual depth to the lacquered 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. Echoing the sunray brushing of the dial, a sunray pattern on the inside of the cradle is visible when the case is flipped over.

In keeping with Reverso tradition, the solid metal back of the reversible case is an ideal canvas for personalisation with a motif or engraving. 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.

The slim 8.5mm case houses the manually wound mechanical Jaeger-LeCoultre Calibre 822/2; a rectangular shaped movement with small seconds designed expressly for the Reverso, it offers a power reserve of 42 hours.

Reconnecting the Reverso to its roots in the sport of polo, Jaeger-LeCoultre began a collaboration in 2011 with Casa Fagliano. Celebrated throughout the polo world for its handmade boots, Fagliano has created straps for a series of special Reverso models. In keeping with the relaxed modernity of the Tribute collection, the calf leather strap of the new Reverso Tribute Small Seconds, made to Fagliano’s signature design, is in the same green as the dial, creating a unified aesthetic that underlines the timelessness of the Reverso design.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

REVERSO TRIBUTE SMALL SECONDS

Case material: Steel

Case dimensions: 45.6 x 27.4 mm

Thickness: 8.5mm

Movement: Manually wound Jaeger-LeCoultre Calibre 822/2

Functions: Hours, minutes, small seconds

Power reserve: 42 hours

Water resistance: 30 metres

Case back: closed

Strap: Green calf

Reference: Q3978430

Since its creation, the Reverso has remained unscathed by the passing time and fashions, maintaining its characteristic Art Deco features: its simple, refined lines; the iconic, rectangular case; the typical gadroons; and the reversible system. The first Reverso was invented in 1931, when a British officer stationed in India issued a challenge to shield his watch dial during often animated polo matches. Reversible, just as the name suggests, it soon became an icon far beyond the Swiss borders. The case can be slid with a finger to reveal either a solid, easily customisable reverse side or a second dial. The new pieces presented at SIHH 2019 demonstrated the design's eternal youth, the most noteworthy of which were:

• Reverso Tribute Small Seconds

• Reverso Tribute Duoface

• Reverso Tribute Duoface Fagliano Limited

• Reverso One Duetto

REVERSO TRIBUTE SMALL SECONDS

At SIHH 2019, three new interpretations of the Reverso Tribute line enchanted collectors, watch professionals, and the general public. Let’s review the main charms of these three pieces inspired by the historic 1930s model.

The new Reverso Tribute Small Seconds showcases a very pure design that enhances the daring colour of its dial and the matching topstitched strap designed by the celebrated Casa Fagliano. Wine red, burgundy, crimson, or aubergine – while the descriptions differ, this deep, dark, enchanting red is most definitely this piece’s colour. This passionate, fiery shade evokes both the fire that fuels the master watchmakers and craftsmen of Jaeger-LeCoultre and the passion of its lovers of beautiful objects, many of whom love to collect multiple Reverso models. Enhanced by its shimmering, satiny exterior, the Reverso Tribute Small Seconds will prove no exception to the rule.

Art Deco Inspiration

The pared-down details of the new Reverso Tribute Small Seconds form a captivating contrast against the attractive wine-coloured dial, showcasing the iconic gadroons, Dauphine hands, hand-applied hour-markers, and a small seconds in an aperture at 6 o’clock. These functions are powered by the Jaeger-LeCoultre Calibre 822/2 manually wound mechanical movement, which was entirely designed, produced, and assembled in-house. The watch's solid reverse offers a blank, fully customisable space in keeping with the design's reversible heritage.

Casa Fagliano strap

To achieve flawless aesthetics and extra sophistication, on the Reverso Tribute Small Seconds the Manufacture's craftsmen have matched the shade of the sunray-brushed dial to the leather strap. Dressed in shimmering wine tones accentuated by topstitching, the strap has been designed by Casa Fagliano. It serves as a clever nod to the shared polo heritage of the Reverso and the famous Argentinian boot maker, which is intimately involved in international polo championships.

REVERSO TRIBUTE DUOFACE & REVERSO TRIBUTE DUOFACE

FAGLIANO LIMITED

The names alone evoke a promise: that of the ingenious Duoface concept developed by Jaeger-LeCoultre for the Reverso in 1994. This high-precision watchmaking feat conceals a revolution universally appreciated by lovers of fine mechanisms: two time zones on two separate dials powered by a single movement – the Jaeger-LeCoultre Calibre 854A/2 – housed in a case 10.3 millimetres thick. On the front, an aperture at 6 o’clock features the small seconds. Meanwhile on the reverse, a day/night indicator shows whether it is daytime or nighttime in the home country.

Limited edition, unlimited delight

Available in boutiques only, the new Reverso Tribute Duoface Fagliano Limited is even exclusive in the number of pieces released. Limited to just 100, it radiates rarity in every detail, from the most discreet to the most visible. Its two textured dials subtly display their functions in an elegant pink gold case, revealing a blue sunray-brushed ground on the front and a silvered guilloché motif on the reverse. To continue this contrasting composition, the Cordovan leather strap, entirely handmade by Casa Fagliano, dons two tones of bright blue accentuated by elegant topstitching.

REVERSO ONE DUETTO

In natural, life-size surroundings at SIHH 2019, Jaeger-LeCoultre highlighted a number of women's models, including the new Reverso One Duetto pieces, which are instantly recognisable thanks to their thin case. These three new interpretations of a famed 1930s model show that they still have the potential to turn heads along with their dials.

Warm, glittering, and almost velvety, the strap of the new Reverso One Duetto in pink gold presents a captivating, eye-catching shade. Dressed in a beautiful, deep red – burgundy or crimson depending on preferences – this subtly shimmering, satin-finished strap suits all skin tones. A strip of brilliant-cut diamonds lines either end of the case, which of course contains the Duetto concept. The twin sets of hands are driven by a single movement, the Jaeger-LeCoultre Calibre 844.

Two diamond-hemmed dials

The front face of the Reverso One Duetto, with its simple yet refined, silvered, sunrayed guilloché dial, lends itself to daytime wear. The blued Dauphine hands and delicate Arabic numerals perfectly pair with its pure decor. Meanwhile, the reverse side elegantly flatters evening wear. Its shimmering, lacquered dial in hypnotising burgundy reveals gold-plated hour-markers split into sun-like rays. The enthralling depths of the heavenly vault have once again served as inspiration for the Manufacture's master craftsmen. They enchant women looking for beauty coupled with precision.

Reverso Tribute Small Seconds

Dimensions: 45.6 x 27.4 mm

Thickness: 8.5 mm

Calibre: 822/2 – Manual

Case: stainless steel

Functions: Hour/minute/small seconds

Power reserve: 42 hours

Dial: Burgundy red, Sunray-brushed, Applied hour-markers

Reference: Q397846J

Boutique exclusivity

Reverso Tribute Duoface Fagliano Limited

Dimensions: 47 x 28.3 mm

Thickness: 10.3 mm

Calibre: 854A/2 – Manual

Case: pink gold

Functions: Front: Hour/minute/small seconds / Back: 2nd time zone, 24-hour day/night indicator

Power reserve: 42 hours

Dial: Front: Blue, Sunray-brushed, Applied hour-markers / Back: Silvered, Clous de Paris guilloché, Applied hour-markers

Reference: Q398258J

Limited Edition of 100 pieces

Boutique exclusivity

Reverso Tribute Duoface

Dimensions: 47 x 28.3 mm

Thickness: 10.3 mm

Calibre: 854A/2 – Manual

Case: Stainless steel

Functions: Front: Hour/minute/small seconds / Back: 2nd time zone, 24-hour day/night indicator

Power reserve: 42 hours

Dial: Front: Blue, Sunray-brushed, Applied hour-markers / Back: Silvered, Clous de Paris guilloché, Applied hour-markers

Reference: Q3988482

Reverso One Duetto

Dimensions: 40.1 x 20 mm

Thickness: 9.09 mm

Calibre: 844 – Manual

Case: pink gold, stainless steel

Functions: Hour/minute identical front and back

Power reserve: 38 hours

Dial: Front: Silvered sunrayed guilloché / Back: Midnight Blue/Burgundy spangled lacquered

Diamonds: 56 diamonds – 0.63 carats

Reference: Q3342520, Q3348420, Q3348120

Jaeger-LeCoultre

Ever since its founding in 1833, Jaeger-LeCoultre has made precision an art in its own right, striking the perfect balance between well-honed expertise, artistic vision, sophistication and aesthetic refinement. In keeping with the inventive spirit of founder Antoine LeCoultre, the master watchmakers of the Manufacture create bold collections at the very forefront of Fine Watchmaking: Reverso, Master, Jaeger-LeCoultre Polaris, Rendez-Vous and Atmos – the rich heritage of the Grande Maison, an undying source of inspiration over the centuries for unprecedented creations that never cease to push the limits.

www.jaeger-lecoultre.com