Jaeger LeCoultre Reverso A Guide to the Collection and Key Recommendations
- coolwatchgo1
- 2 days ago
- 5 min read
Few watches are as instantly recognisable as the Jaeger LeCoultre Reverso. Defined by its reversible case and Art Deco proportions the Reverso was born from a practical need and has since evolved into one of the most enduring designs in modern watchmaking.
Originally created in 1931 to protect the crystal during polo matches, the swivelling case remains the defining feature of the collection. What began as a utilitarian solution has over the decades become a canvas for technical innovation, design refinement and mechanical creativity. Today the Reverso stands as a rare example of a watch that has stayed true to its origins while continuing to reinvent itself.
A Brief History of the Reverso
The story of the Reverso begins in British India where a British army officer and polo enthusiast asked Jaeger LeCoultre to design a watch that could withstand the impact of the sport. The result was a rectangular case that could slide and rotate, flipping the dial inward to protect the crystal.
The clean shape of the Reverso matched the Art Deco style of the time. Even today the watch still looks modern. While the design stayed the same the collection grew. New sizes, new materials and new functions were added but the spirit of the Reverso never changed.
Monoface or Duoface?
One key choice when buying a Reverso is whether to choose a monoface or a duoface model.
The original Reverso was monoface. When you flip the case the dial disappears and you see a plain metal back. This design is simple and true to the original 1931 watch. Many people like it because it looks clean and it can be engraved with initials, dates or messages.
In the 1990s Jaeger LeCoultre added a second dial to the back of the case. This created the duoface Reverso. With this design one watch can show two different looks. It can also show two time zones on some models.
Modern sapphire crystals are very strong so the case no longer needs to protect the dial as much as before. Still the reversible case remains important because it connects today’s Reverso to its history.
Reverso Tribute , Reverso Classic and Reverso One
The Reverso collection can be divided into three main design styles, Reverso Tribute, Reverso Classic and Reverso One. Each style has its own character and appeal.
Reverso Tribute continues the design of the original 1931 model. The dial features dauphine style hour and minute hands and slim applied baton indexes. The overall look is clean, sharp and very balanced.
Reverso Classic has a more traditional appearance. It uses blued steel baton hands and rounded Arabic numeral hour markers. Some areas of the dial are decorated with guilloché patterns, which give the watch a richer and more classic look. When people think of the modern Reverso, this is often the model that comes to mind.
Reverso One is designed especially for women. It also uses dauphine hands and Arabic numerals, but the numbers are slimmer and more elegant than those on the Classic models. The dial does not have a railway minute track, which makes the design softer and more refined. The radiating guilloché pattern on the dial and the diamonds set into the case make it feel more like a piece of jewellery than just a watch.
Sizes, Materials and Movements Offer More Choices
The Reverso collection offers many options in size, material and movement. Sizes are generally divided into large, medium and small, though exact proportions vary by model and year. Reverso Tribute is available in large and medium sizes. Reverso Classic comes in large, medium and small sizes. Reverso One is designed only in a small size.
Most current models use stainless steel cases. There are also versions in 18K white gold and 18K pink gold. Stainless steel is practical and durable for daily wear. Pink gold is a good choice for a dress watch or formal occasions.
The Reverso collection also includes models with advanced complications such as chronographs, complete calendars and tourbillons. As a true manufacturing brand, Jaeger LeCoultre uses the reversible case to combine beauty and function in a very clever way.
Reverso Tribute Monoface Ref.Q7168420
The Reverso Tribute Monoface features a silver grey dial with a soft opaline shine. Its design follows the original 1931 model and the applied indexes add depth and quality. The medium size makes it suitable for many wrists and for long term wear.
The monoface design allows the caseback to be engraved. Personal engravings can be added at the time of purchase or later, which makes the watch more meaningful.
The stainless steel case is about 8 millimetres thick. Inside is the in house manual winding calibre 822. Winding the watch by hand adds to the enjoyment of owning a mechanical watch. The leather strap comes with a folding clasp, which reduces wear and makes it easier to put on and take off.
This model uses calibre 822 with 19 jewels, a frequency of 21,600 vibrations per hour and a power reserve of about 42 hours. The case measures 40.1 millimetres by 24.4 millimetres with a thickness of about 7.56 millimetres and water resistance of 3 bar.
Reverso Classic Large Duo Small Seconds Ref Q3848422
This duoface model has two dials, one silver and one black. It can be used as a GMT watch to show two time zones.
The front silver dial features Clou de Paris guilloché decoration, black Arabic numerals, blued steel baton hands and a small seconds display. This is a classic Reverso Classic look. When the case is flipped, the dial changes to black. It shows a railway minute track, guilloché decoration around the edge and a day night indicator at six o’clock.
The watch is powered by the manual winding calibre 854 with 19 jewels, a frequency of 21,600 vibrations per hour and a power reserve of about 42 hours. The stainless steel case measures 47 millimetres by 28.3 millimetres with a thickness of 10.34 millimetres and water resistance of 3 bar.
The two very different dials allow one watch to feel like two. When travelling or on business trips, simply flipping the case gives a fresh experience. Each dial can be set independently, which makes it a true GMT watch.
Reverso Tribute Chronograph Ref Q389848J
This model looks simple at first glance. The clean dial and low profile pushers do not show that it is a chronograph.
The watch uses the Reverso reversible case to create two very different looks. It is powered by the manual winding calibre 860 with 38 jewels, a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour and a power reserve of about 52 hours. The stainless steel case measures 49.4 millimetres by 29.9 millimetres with a thickness of 11.14 millimetres and water resistance of 3 bar.
The front dial features a blue grey sunburst finish and a calm simple design. When the case is flipped, the second dial appears with chronograph counters and a much more technical look.
On the back dial, the centre shows hour and minute hands and a chronograph seconds hand. At six o’clock there is a curved 30 minute counter designed to match the rectangular case. The striped movement finish allows a clear view of the column wheel and balance wheel in action.
For people who love mechanical watches, this model is especially attractive. It allows the wearer to enjoy a quiet elegant dial for daily use and then reveal the detailed movement and chronograph when the case is turned, offering the best of both worlds.
Comments