The Borna Bosniak Reverso Tribute collection expands with the addition of a new Monoface midsize, recalling the size of the original 1931 design. The Tribute Duoface has a beautiful new case in 18K pink gold and features the same blue and silver dial as its steel sibling. While the Duoface is more luxurious than ever, JLC has simplified the pink gold Reverso Tribute Tourbillon and is now offering it in steel.
Few watches are as instantly linked to the brand’s identity as the Reverso is to Jaeger-LeCoultre. Since the Reverso Tribute got its long-awaited slimming down in 2023, JLC has been subtly repeating the Tribute theme in a number of different pieces, including the enamel miniature and the wildly popular Reverso Tribute Chronograph. While it may not immediately seem like anything new, JLC is taking the next important step in expanding the Reverso Tribute collection, and they’re doing so with what they’re calling a “midsize” model that’s perfect for those looking for a smaller, shapelier, and gender-neutral watch. While the Tribute Midsize is big news (or midsize, do you know what that word means?), Jaeger-LeCoultre is also unveiling two new variations of the existing Reverso Tribute model: a duoface in 18K pink gold and a tourbillon in steel. Let’s take a closer look.
Reverso Tribute Monoface Midsize
Now available with a casual blue and old-fashioned silver dial, the new Reverso Tributo Monoface Midsize is one that many fans, myself included, have been waiting for. In an era where watches, especially dressy watches, are becoming smaller again and watches that reference specific design eras are becoming more appreciated, this Art Deco number is just perfect. It is important to note that this new midsize case is very close and faithful to the shape of the original 1931 Reverso, and is almost exactly what you would get from buying an original in the modern era.
The mid-size case size is excellent, measuring 24.4mm wide, just 40.1mm lug-to-lug, and only 7.56mm thick. You can say all you want that the Reverso was originally a sports watch, but these dimensions are thoroughly dressy, and perfectly in line with the mid-size character. Still, paired with the textured Fagliano strap, it’s easy to imagine wearing this more casually, or perhaps even boldly backwards.
These dials are minimalist, showing only the hours and minutes, but the detail is still impressive. I had a chance to look at these watches briefly in person and was amazed at the finish, considering how flat the space between the crystal and the face of the dial actually is. JLC has given the hands and indexes facets to add dimension, and the applied logo is a great accent.
Despite its smaller size, the new mid-size Reverso Tributo is still powered by a mechanical movement, in this case JLC’s in-house caliber 822. This manual-winding movement is fitted into the watch’s rectangular case and has a power reserve of 42 hours.
Brand Jaeger-LeCoultre Model Reverso Tribute Monoface Reference Q7168420
Q716848J Case Size 24.4mm (width) x 7.56mm (thickness) x 40.1mm (length) Case Material Stainless steel Water Resistance 30 meters Crystal Flat sapphire front Dial Silver opaline, blue sunburst tracker Strap Fagliano calfskin, quick-change spring bar, folding clasp Movement JLC 822, in-house, hand-wound Power Reserve 42 hours Functions Hours, Minutes Available Now Price TBA
Reverso Tribute Duoface
The Tribute Duoface is my personal favorite of the modern Reversos. Although it removes the room for engraving on the caseback, the added functionality of subdials in a slim, elegant package makes it the obvious choice for me. Following on from the existing steel Duoface, JLC has introduced a model with dial highlights in an 18K pink gold case. Both have the same width and lug-to-lug length of 28.3mm x 47mm, but according to JLC’s specs, the pink gold model is 0.7mm thinner and 9.6mm taller. On paper, it may not be a big difference, but it remains to be seen how it feels on the wrist.
In addition to changing the finish of the indexes to match the case, JLC has removed the Clos de Paris guilloché from the back of the precious metal models, opting to extend the gold indexes to the edge of the dial. While the guilloché is nice, we think this gives the watch a more balanced look, although removing the “Night” and “Day” printing would be minimalist perfection.
Movement-wise, the Reverso Tributo Duoface Small Second is powered by the in-house manually wound Calibre 854 with a power reserve of 42 hours. The 854 is cleverly designed, with the front dial and reverse minute hand controlled by the crown, and the reverse hour hand adjusted by a slider hidden at the top of the reversible carriage.
Brand Jaeger-LeCoultre Model Reverso Tribute Duoface Small Second Reference Q3982590 Case Size 28.3mm (width) x 9.6mm (thickness) x 47mm (length) Case Material 18K Pink Gold Water Resistance 30 meters Crystal Flat sapphire front and back Dial Dark blue sunburst front
Silver sunburst reverse strap Blue calfskin and blue Fagliano calfskin, gold pin buckle Movement JLC 854, in-house, manual winding Power reserve 42 hours Functions Hours, minutes, small seconds (front)
Second time zone, 24 hour display (reverse side) Available now Price TBD
Reverso Tribute Tourbillon
Completing the trilogy of new models is the Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Tribute Duoface Tourbillon in steel. Its complexity is only hinted at by its beautiful sunburst silver front dial, but when flipped over it reveals a masterpiece of perfect finishing and technology. The reverse dial features hand-bevelled components and Clous de Paris guilloché detailing surrounding a small second time zone dial, as well as a wide opening for the tourbillon. Rather than housing a conventional tourbillon cage (this is Jaeger-LeCoultre, after all), this Reverso suspends the rotating assembly on ball bearings, significantly reducing the movement thickness to just 3.9mm.
The result is a case that is just 9.15mm high, 27.4mm wide and 45.5mm long lug-to-lug, smaller than the aforementioned Duoface Small Seconds. But the big novelty here is the steel case, which significantly simplifies the watch presented at Watches & Wonders 2023, giving it an overall monochrome look that differs from the contrasting design of the pink gold Reverso Duoface Tourbillon. Understated? Not exactly understated, given the highly visible tourbillon, but it still definitely passes for premium everyday wear.
Brand Jaeger-LeCoultre Model Reverso Tribute Duoface Tourbillon Reference Q392845J Case Size 27.4mm (width) x 9.15mm (thickness) x 45.5mm (length) Case Material Stainless Steel Water Resistance 30 meters Crystal Flat sapphire front and back Dial Silver sunburst front
Opaline silver and Clou de Paris guilloche reverse bracelet Black alligator leather and grey Fariano calfskin, folding clasp Movement JLC 847, in-house, manual winding Power reserve 38 hours Functions Hours, minutes (front)
Second Time Zone (Reverse)
Tourbillon Available now Price TBD
