Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Tribute Chronograph

Jaeger-LeCoultre's unwavering dedication to pushing the boundaries of watchmaking is once again showcased in the latest iteration of the Reverso Tribute Chronograph. This exceptional timepiece, unveiled in a breathtaking "full pink gold" version for 2024, seamlessly blends the sporty heritage of the Reverso with the intricate complexity of a chronograph, resulting in a watch that is both technically impressive and visually captivating.



To fully appreciate the significance of the Reverso Tribute Chronograph, one must first delve into the rich history of Jaeger-LeCoultre and its iconic Reverso collection. Founded in 1833 in the Vallée de Joux, Switzerland, Jaeger-LeCoultre has consistently captivated watch enthusiasts with its unwavering commitment to precision and artistic expression. The Manufacture's relentless pursuit of innovation has led to the creation of over 1,200 calibers, solidifying its position as a true pioneer in the world of horology.



The Reverso, born in 1931, is a testament to Jaeger-LeCoultre's ability to combine functionality with aesthetics. Originally designed to withstand the rigors of polo matches, its reversible case quickly became a symbol of Art Deco elegance, captivating tastemakers from all walks of life. Over the decades, the Reverso has undergone countless transformations, embracing new materials, complications, and artistic decorations while remaining true to its distinctive identity.



The Reverso Tribute Chronograph, first introduced in 2023, pays homage to the Reverso Chronograph of 1996, a groundbreaking timepiece that redefined the integrated chronograph caliber. This latest iteration takes inspiration from its predecessor while incorporating contemporary design elements and the technically advanced Calibre 860.



The 2024 Reverso Tribute Chronograph is a study in the opulence and refinement that pink gold offers. The 18k (750/1000) pink gold case, measuring 49.4 x 29.9 mm, exudes a warmth that is both inviting and luxurious. The solid pink gold dial, a new addition to the Reverso Tribute line, is adorned with laser-engraved horizontal lines that span its width. This subtle yet elegant detail accentuates the rectangular geometry of the Reverso case, creating a harmonious interplay of lines and angles.



The dial's design elements are a testament to Jaeger-LeCoultre's meticulous attention to detail. Applied trapezoid indexes, a hallmark of the Reverso Tribute collection, add a touch of classicism, while the Dauphine hands gracefully point to the time. The chemin de fer minutes track, highlighted in black, provides a striking contrast against the pink gold backdrop, enhancing legibility and visual appeal.



The reverse side of the watch reveals a captivating spectacle of mechanical intricacy. The open-worked dial showcases the complexity of the Calibre 860, with its 18k (750/100) pink gold bridges adorned with hand-bevelled edges and vertical Côtes de Genève decoration. The chronograph counters, seconds track, and minute track are highlighted in black, creating a visually balanced and easily readable display. Blue chronograph hands and blued screws add a subtle pop of color, further enhancing the watch's aesthetic appeal.



At the heart of the Reverso Tribute Chronograph beats the Jaeger-LeCoultre Calibre 860, a testament to the Manufacture's unwavering pursuit of horological excellence. This manually wound, integrated chronograph movement is a marvel of engineering, offering a unique blend of technical sophistication and refined aesthetics.



The Calibre 860's rectangular shape, a necessity for fitting within the Reverso's iconic case, presented a unique challenge for Jaeger-LeCoultre's watchmakers. The result is a beautifully balanced dial layout, with a large chronograph seconds display in the upper part of the dial and a retrograde 30-minute indicator on an arc at the base.



The movement's complexity is further highlighted by its ability to display hours and minutes on both the front and reverse dials. This feat is achieved through two sets of hands that move in opposite directions, ensuring accurate timekeeping on both faces of the watch. Despite its intricate design and numerous components, the Calibre 860 maintains a slender profile, measuring just 11.14 mm in thickness.



The choice of a horizontal clutch for the chronograph mechanism, rather than the more common vertical clutch, is a testament to Jaeger-LeCoultre's commitment to technical innovation. This design choice allows for a thinner movement, contributing to the watch's overall elegance. With a power reserve of 52 hours, the Calibre 860 ensures that the Reverso Tribute Chronograph can keep pace with even the most demanding lifestyles.



In keeping with the Reverso's polo heritage, the Reverso Tribute Chronograph is offered with two interchangeable straps. The first, a tan calf leather strap designed by Casa Fagliano, a renowned Argentinian polo bootmaker, adds a touch of sporty sophistication. The second, a black alligator strap, provides a more classic and refined option. Both straps feature a Presto quick-release system and an interchangeable buckle, allowing for effortless customization.



The Reverso Tribute Chronograph's case, crafted from 18k (750/1000) pink gold, is a testament to Jaeger-LeCoultre's unwavering commitment to quality and precision. Measuring 49.4 x 29.9 mm, it strikes a perfect balance between classic proportions and contemporary wearability. The rectangular shape, a hallmark of the Reverso collection, is both distinctive and refined, exuding an air of understated sophistication.



The case's construction is a marvel of engineering, featuring a reversible mechanism that allows the watch to be flipped over, protecting the dial from potential damage. This ingenious design, originally conceived for polo players, has become synonymous with the Reverso, adding a unique dimension to its functionality and appeal.



The case's smooth, polished surfaces are a testament to the meticulous hand-finishing techniques employed by Jaeger-LeCoultre's artisans. Each curve and angle is carefully refined, resulting in a case that is both visually stunning and tactilely pleasing. The crown, located at 3 o'clock, is subtly integrated into the case's design, ensuring a comfortable fit on the wrist.



The Reverso Tribute Chronograph's dial is a masterpiece of design and craftsmanship, showcasing Jaeger-LeCoultre's attention to detail and artistic sensibility. The solid pink gold dial, a new addition to the Reverso Tribute line, is adorned with laser-engraved horizontal lines that create a subtle yet captivating texture. This intricate pattern plays with light, adding depth and dimension to the dial's surface.



The dial's layout is a study in balance and legibility. Applied trapezoid indexes, a signature element of the Reverso Tribute collection, mark the hours with classic elegance. Dauphine hands, their slender forms echoing the Art Deco heritage of the Reverso, gracefully point to the time. The chemin de fer minutes track, highlighted in black, provides a subtle contrast against the pink gold backdrop, enhancing readability and visual appeal.



The chronograph counters, located on the reverse side of the watch, are equally refined. The 30-minute counter, positioned at the base of the dial, features a retrograde display, adding a touch of mechanical complexity to the watch's functionality. The central chronograph seconds hand, with its distinctive blue hue, adds a subtle pop of color to the otherwise monochromatic dial.



The Reverso Tribute Chronograph is powered by the Jaeger-LeCoultre Calibre 860, a manually wound, integrated chronograph movement that showcases the Manufacture's technical expertise and unwavering pursuit of horological excellence. This exceptional calibre, measuring just 11.14 mm in thickness, is a marvel of micro-engineering, boasting a unique blend of complexity and refinement.



The Calibre 860's rectangular shape, a necessity for fitting within the Reverso's iconic case, presented a unique challenge for Jaeger-LeCoultre's watchmakers. The result is a beautifully balanced movement architecture, with the chronograph mechanism seamlessly integrated into the overall design. The chronograph functions are controlled by a column wheel, a hallmark of high-end watchmaking, ensuring precise and reliable operation.



The movement's ability to display hours and minutes on both the front and reverse dials is a testament to Jaeger-LeCoultre's ingenuity. This feat is achieved through two sets of hands that move in opposite directions, ensuring accurate timekeeping on both faces of the watch. The Calibre 860's power reserve of 52 hours provides ample autonomy, allowing the watch to keep accurate time even when not worn for an extended period.



The Reverso Tribute Chronograph is offered with two interchangeable straps, each reflecting the watch's sporty heritage and refined aesthetic. The first, a tan calf leather strap designed by Casa Fagliano, a renowned Argentinian polo bootmaker, adds a touch of equestrian flair. The strap's supple leather and hand-stitched details exude a sense of craftsmanship and quality that complements the watch's overall design.



The second strap, crafted from black alligator leather, offers a more classic and formal option. The strap's rich texture and deep black hue provide a subtle contrast against the pink gold case, enhancing the watch's luxurious appeal. Both straps feature a Presto quick-release system, allowing for effortless interchangeability, and an interchangeable buckle, ensuring a perfect fit on any wrist.



The Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Tribute Chronograph is a testament to the enduring legacy of the Reverso collection, a watch that has captivated watch enthusiasts for over 90 years. This latest iteration, with its breathtaking pink gold case, intricate dial details, and technically advanced movement, elevates the Reverso to new heights of sophistication and refinement.



Priced at US$66,000, the Reverso Tribute Chronograph is a significant investment, but one that offers a lifetime of enjoyment and horological appreciation. Its limited production run of 250 pieces ensures its exclusivity and collectability, making it a coveted timepiece for discerning watch connoisseurs.