Here we are with the winner of the most impressive exhibition booth and novelty award at the Watches & Wonders 2023 trade show; Jaeger-LeCoultre and the new Reverso models.
If you are looking for a watch with a rectangular case, Reverso is one of the models that you should look at unconditionally. In particular, the Tribute series aims to satisfy the expectations of watch enthusiasts who aim for the best by combining the ossified values of JLC and the indispensable principles of high watchmaking with an extraordinary case with its design details. And it succeeds.
The Watches & Wonders fair of 2023 has literally turned into a Reverso show. It would not be an exaggeration to say that novelties consisting of tourbillon, chronograph, and classic models have enthroned the hearts of watch lovers from all walks of life.
The Reverso Tribute Duoface Tourbillon measures 45.4mm x 27.4mm x 9.15mm, has an 18K rose gold case, and sapphire crystal, and is water resistant to 30 meters. Powering the watch, the manual-wind caliber with a 38-hour power reserve promises a horological feast with the tourbillon escapement system visible on both sides.
The Reverso Tribute Chronograph has a stainless steel or 18K rose gold case measuring 49.4mm x 29.9mm x 11.14mm. Models with double-sided cases have a simple dial with only hour and minute hands on one side, and a skeleton-like dial with a chronograph complication adorned with extraordinary craftsmanship on the other side. The caliber, which has a power reserve of 52 hours, draws attention with its chronograph feature that can measure up to 30 minutes.
The Reverso Tribute Monoface Small Seconds measures 45.6mm x 27.4mm x 7.56mm and features an 18K rose gold case and black, burgundy, or champagne dials. Single-faced watches come to life with a hand-wound caliber with a 42-hour power reserve.
The stainless steel version of the Reverso Tribute Monoface Small Seconds model has a case measuring 45.6mm x 27.4mm x 8.51mm. The nickel-plated hands and indices on the metallic white dial take on a dark color depending on the angle, creating a striking contrast. This model also has a hand-wound caliber with a power reserve of 42 hours.
After going through the technical specifications quickly, I will try to put into words the excitement that the JLC Reverso Tribute models have created for me. As a watch lover who has been in search of a rectangular watch for a long time, I must admit that the new Reverso series blew my mind. The high craftsmanship on the case, dial, and movement, the extraordinary nature of the reversing system that inspired the Reverso name, the comfort of the fabric-leather straps produced by Casa Fagliano and their harmony with the overall watch, the refinement of the feedback created by the movement when winding or pressing the chronograph pushers, and many more. In detail, the Reverso models prove that they have similar features with watches that are much higher than their price category.
It is not easy to choose a favorite among all these models. Although the model with a stainless steel case and blue on one side and a skeleton dial on the other with a chronograph impresses with its beauty, the contrast dial of Monoface Small Seconds is my favorite.
