Since its creation, the Reverso has remained unscathed by the passing time and fashions maintaining its characteristic Art Deco features and these still apply today with the launch of three new models.
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.
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.
The Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Tribute Small Seconds retails for $7,900, the Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Tribute Duoface has a price tag of $10,400, while the Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso One Duetto is priced at $9,550 in steel on the strap, $10,500 in steel on the bracelet, and $20,300 in pink gold on the burgundy strap.
