Jaeger-LeCoultre Introduces Two New Reverso Tribute Models

Jaeger-LeCoultre stands at the pinnacle of Swiss horological expertise. With nearly two centuries of innovation, craftsmanship, and dedication, the brand has earned a reputation as the ultimate authority in the art of watchmaking. From intricate complications to timeless designs, Jaeger-LeCoultre embodies the spirit of watchmaking excellence—pushing the boundaries of precision, artistry, and mechanical ingenuity. Yet none of this happened by chance, of course, which is why the Maison’s manifesto ‘The Watchmaker of Watchmakers’ pays homage to the work that is done when nobody is watching; the years of practice put in to perfect a design, master a technique, or innovate new solutions.

Excellence Never Happens By Chance

An exemplar of this long-standing dedication to excellence is the Reverso collection. Introduced in 1931, the Reverso has become one of Jaeger-LeCoultre’s most iconic creations. Considering the esteemed history of the Maison, that’s no small achievement. Yet its undeniable that the Reverso has gained global recognition, achieving a status few other watches can match. Part of its enduring appeal comes from its unique origins, which trace back to an unusual request made by a group of British officers stationed in India during the late 1920s.

These officers, passionate polo players, were frustrated by how easily their wristwatches were damaged during matches. They voiced their concerns to César de Trey, a watch importer, demanding a more robust solution. De Trey, intrigued by the challenge, took the idea back to Switzerland. His supplier, Jacques-David LeCoultre, came up with a groundbreaking solution: a reversible case that featured a dial on one side and a protective solid-steel cover on the other. And thus, the Reverso, one of the first true sports watches, was born.

What sets the Reverso apart is its rich blend of watchmaking history. Conceived in India, developed in Switzerland, and refined with French collaboration, it was ahead of its time—this was at once a luxury piece and a functional sports watch. Its rotating case design was revolutionary (pardon the pun), yet its production remained rooted in traditional craftsmanship. The Reverso’s unmistakable Art Deco style further cements its place in history. The watch’s clean, rectangular geometry, accentuated by the horizontal gadroons running across the top and bottom of the case, exudes timeless elegance. The subtly tapered lugs flow effortlessly into the strap, enhancing the seamless design. So much so that for the uninitiated, it’s easy to miss that the case can flip over entirely.

Tribute To The Reverso

This year, two new models from Jaeger-LeCoultre pay suitable tribute to this rich legacy. The first is the Reverso Tribute Monoface, which draws inspiration from the original 1931 models, echoing their timeless aesthetics and perfect proportions. With its sleek 40.1 x 24.4 mm case in stainless steel, the watch is designed for comfortable, everyday wear. Its opaline silver-grey dial reveals a customizable reverse side, offering a modern twist on this classic timepiece. Powered by the hand-wound Jaeger-LeCoultre Calibre 822, it delivers a reliable 42-hour power reserve. The strap, inspired by the iconic Fagliano design, adds further refinement with its dual finish. Smooth calfskin leather covers the flap, while the short strand and longer sprig are crafted from grained Saffiano calfskin. The result is a contemporary and beautifully versatile model that adapts seamlessly to any wrist, blending comfort and style in perfect harmony.

Housed in a pink gold case, the Reverso Tribute Duoface also pays homage to the iconic original designs, retaining the emblematic features like chemin de fer minute track, applied hour markers, and sleek Dauphine hands. The front of the watch showcases a striking deep blue dial, enhanced by a complex sunray-lacquering process that involves 50 production stages and 20 layers of lacquer to achieve its rich finish. On the reverse side, the second, sun-rayed silver dial hints at the intricate complexities of the in-house Calibre 854, which features a second time zone. Complementing this duality is a system of interchangeable straps, offering a choice between a refined blue calfskin strap and a stylish dual-material strap in the same shade—allowing the wearer to effortlessly switch up their look.

Available Now From Watches of Switzerland

We are pleased to share with our esteemed clientele that both pieces are now available for purchase from Watches Of Switzerland, both online and in-store. To learn more about either or both pieces, please contact us today. Our expert staff will be more than pleased to answer any questions you may have and schedule a private viewing if so desired.