In 2023, Jaeger-LeCoultre continues the story of colour, presenting the Reverso Tribute Small Seconds with sunray-brushed dials in four variations. In a newly redesigned pink gold case, a black dial —paying homage to the black dials of the original 1931 Reverso— creates a dramatic contrast to the polished metal; a burgundy lacquer dial complements the glowing richness of pink gold; and a silver dial —closely recalling the silver dial of the first-generation Reverso— is a discreetly elegant foil for the rich golden glow of the metal.
The black and burgundy dials are paired with two Fagliano Collection straps in complementary colors —one strap in the signature canvas-and-calf combination and the other in all calf. The silver dial is paired with a Fagliano Collection canvas-and-calf strap and an additional black alligator strap. Also new for 2023, a silver opaline dial with black nickel finished hands and indexes adds a dynamic and contemporary feel to the steel Reverso Tribute case.
The 18K pink gold Reverso Tribute case has been significantly revised for 2023, with its thickness reduced by almost 1 mm to just 7.56mm to achieve the utmost sophistication and refinement. The case measures 45.6 mm x 27.4 mm x 7.56 mm.
The process of making the sunray dials is an intricate and delicate one. First, the dial base is galvanized to give a metallic sheen and protect the underlying brass from oxidation; next, a fine metal brush traces very fine, almost imperceptible lines on the surface in a sunray pattern that intersects at the precise center of the dial. This is what gives the characteristic variation of hue when light falls on the dial from different angles. Finally, unless the dial is to be lacquered, the surface is varnished and polished to a smooth sheen that enhances the subtly textured sunray effect.
The new 2023 dials feature all of the signature design elements of the Reverso Tribute, with the hours marked by applied indexes rather than numerals, and the 12 marked by a double index. Their faceted shape echoes the form of the Dauphine hands and adds visual depth to the dial surface. In the lower half of the dial, the circular track of the small seconds display provides a counterpoint to the linear geometry of the dial and case. Harmonizing with the sunray brushing of the dial, a dramatic sunray pattern on the inside of the carrier is visible as the case is flipped over.
A package of two straps is offered with each pink gold Reverso Tribute Small Seconds —made to Fagliano’s signature design in canvas-and-calf and all-calf, in colours that complement the new dials. Creating a unified aesthetic and strong sense of style that underlines the timeless modernity of the Reverso design, they are fitted with pin buckles that allow for swift and easy strap changes.
The Reverso Tribute Small Seconds is powered by the manually wound mechanical movement, Calibre 822. With 108 components, this mechanically elegant and well-proven movement offers a power reserve of 42 hours. Like all Jaeger-LeCoultre calibres, its components are finely finished and decorated, even though they are hidden beneath the solid metal case-back.
Designed expressly for the Reverso, every element of Calibre 822 is produced and assembled within the Manufacture. In keeping with Jaeger-LeCoultre’s philosophy of product integrity, whereby the shape of a movement should be appropriate to that of its case —an approach established in the earliest years of the Manufacture— its architecture has been designed in a tonneau shape that closely follows the rectangular form of the Reverso case.
Sticker Price $21,900 USD for pink gold and $9,600 USD for stainless steel. For more info on Jaeger-LeCoultre click here.
