The new pieces of the Reverso models from Jaeger-Lecoultre presented at SIHH 2019 demonstrated the design’s eternal youth.
Since its creation, the Reverso has remained unscathed by the passing time and fashions, maintaining its characteristic Art Deco features: its simple, refined lines; the iconic, rectangular case; the typical gadroons; and the reversible system. The first Reverso was produced 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 customizable reverse side or a second dial. The new pieces presented at SIHH 2019 demonstrated the design’s eternal youth, the most noteworthy of which were – Reverso Tribute Small Seconds; Reverso Tribute Duoface; Reverso Tribute Duoface Fagliano Limited; and Reverso One Duetto.
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 produced 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.
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.
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.
