ReviewThe Reverso Tribute Chronograph Takes A Page From Jaeger-LeCoultre’s Rich History
Building on the legacy of the iconic 1996 Reverso Chronographe, Jaeger-LeCoultre present the Reverso Tribute Chronograph, driven by a high-frequency hand-wound movement
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The Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso has turned into an unforgettable icon in the watchmaking world and continues to veer towards a new aesthetic style, still testifying to the codes of the Art Deco period. The timeless Reverso offers gorgeous dials in different case sizes and stays true to the original design of the 1931 version, whose stylistic codes inspired the La Grande Maison to develop a series of Tribute versions in 2016. Adding to this ever-expanding family, the Reverso Tribute Chronograph exemplifies the classic sporting complication—the chronograph. Introduced in 2023, the Reverso Tribute Chronograph also draws inspiration from the iconic Reverso Chronographe of 1996. The original belonged to a collection of six special Reversos issued in that decade. Beginning in 1991, after celebrating the 60th anniversary of the Reverso, these timepieces marked a resurgence in mechanical watchmaking after the quartz crisis. The Reverso Tribute Chronograph, presented in steel and pink gold options with complementing dark blue and black straps, joins the range that includes small seconds timepieces, moon phase references, tourbillon versions, and even some enamel timepieces.
A Charismatic Complication: The Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Tribute Chronograph
It’s rare to find a watch with two dials like the Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Tribute Chronograph. The front dial carries the hallmark features of the Reverso Tribute line, such as the baton hour markers, Dauphine hands, peripheral chemin de fer minutes track, and the sunray-brushed surface. Flipping the watch over offers an unobstructed view of the chronograph mechanism through the completely skeletonised caseback. Lending to the aesthetic appeal are the Côtes de Genève decorated bridges that complement the black chronograph seconds and minute tracks for unparalleled legibility.
While the steel chrono model sets a cool tone and subtly contrasts with the blue-grey dial, the jet-black dial sparks elegance when its meets the pink gold case. Both cases measure 49.4mm by 29.9mm with 11.14mm thickness. The execution of the steel Reverso Tribute display’s Jaeger-LeCoultre’s attention to detail, evident in the blue screws matching the blue chronograph hands. The visual depth of the Reverso Tribute seems unprecedented, as the indications for the second time zone appear to be floating above the calibre. Further, the chronograph offers a retrograde 30-minute counter and a large central second for improved legibility.
Both the Reverso Tribute versions are accompanied by two strap optiuons fitted with interchangeable buckles. These straps—in canvas and leather, and all-leather options—are designed by the celebrated Argentinian polo bootmaker Casa Fagliano.
The Prowess Of The Jaeger-LeCoultre Calibre 860
The Jaeger-LeCoultre calibre 860 powers the Reverso Tribute Chronograph, a fully integrated hand-wound chronograph movement. Its sheer genius lies in overcoming the challenge of fitting circular chronograph timing indications within the rectangular case. This level of engineering has resulted in an extraordinary dial layout, with a large chronograph seconds display on the upper dial complemented by a retrograde 30-minute arc-shaped indicator posited at six o’clock.
The high-frequency Calibre 860 proves to be an incredibly robust, given its great technical expertise to display hours and minutes on the front and reverse dials. It beats at 28,800vph, offers 52-hour power reserve, and powers two sets of hands that move in opposite directions to showcase the time in the correct clockwise fashion on both the dials of the Reverso Tribute Chronograph.
Technical and aesthetic timepieces such as the latest two Reverse Tribute Chronograph iterations have become a shining testament to Jaeger-LeCoultre’s steadfast dedication to pioneering innovation and timeless elegance.
