Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso is one of those iconic pieces that defined generations after generations of watch lovers. Born from passion and a strange need of a sports watch, the mighty Reverso remained in history and it is accepted as one of the most elegant pieces ever created. Considering also its age, it is one of the very few timepieces that was kept practically unchanged during their existence. Today in review, the last year’s released Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Tribute Duoface Reference Q3988482.
Hands-on Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Tribute Duoface
For those unfamiliar with my love for Reverso – check this review of my personal, older model – Ref. 270.8.54, I will tell them that it was one of my first horological loves. It expresses the best my duality: the face that worlds see versus the face I only see. Going over the philosophical mambo-jambo, I consider the Duoface the best two face watch ever created. Change the face according to your mood or outfit…
The Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Tribute Duoface Reference Q3988482 in review today a was lent to us by Jaeger-LeCoultre, Richemont Northern Europe GmbH, together with the reviwed Jaeger-LeCoultre Rendez-Vous Moon medium steel.
If you are not in the mood to read the entire article, you can just see the hands-on video below:
Swipe, flip & repeat
The Reverso case should be known to any person that has a bit of knowledge about watches. The prominent characteristic, the changing face with just a simple flip, is a pleasant activity. Just have a look at the wrist roll below including some swipe, flip and repeat.
Reverso Tribute Duoface comes in a rectangular 47mm by 28.3mm stainless steel case. The case is decorated with a mirror polish. The base interior was decorated with a burst engraving that will grant a nice set of reflections during the flip action.
The deep horizontal engravings are part of the signature specifications of this watch.
The crown is far by being tall, but it offers a good grip. The sent and winding is a real pleasure. The end of the winding opposes enough resistance to know that the barrel is fully wound without the risk of damaging.
The Jaeger-LeCoultre logo is embossed on the bombe polished surface.
The inward bent lugs sweeten the 47mm length into a quite comfortable feel and wear. The short lugs are part of the Reverso’s case beauty. Even a small delicate lady’s wrist can accommodate gracefully the Tribute Duoface
Changing from one side to another is an easy process – straight forward and fun.
Swipe, flip and repeat tend to become an automated process. After a few face changes, the auction becomes a muscle reflex.
Hidden on the top of the case is the switch for the second time zone. The button is reachable during the swipe.
The setting goes very easy, with precise feedback. The time set can be seen in the video at the beginning of the article.
Other exterior details
The back of the watch bears the brand’s name and logo engraved, together with water-resistance and serial number. Another detail is the 1000 hours control medalion attesting the quality check – one of the best on the market.
The Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Tribute Duoface is fitted with a gorgeous dark blue leather strap designed by Casa Fagliano and ends with a JLC deployant clasp.
The strap is an easy switch type that permits a fast, toolless change of the strap in case of need or desire.
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One watch, two faces
Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Tribute Duoface, as we all already know by now has two faces.
The “normal” face is a gorgeous sunburst blue dial. It has magic, chameleonic properties – it changes its shade depending on type, angle and intensity of the ambient light.
Above in blue, below in purple…
…and here in almost black.
Besides the fact that it was for me difficult to photograph its real colour, this face offered many chromatic surprises during the review period.
The dial is decorated with applied faceted indexes and dauphine minutes and hours hands. The legibility is excellent even in reduced ambient light.
The small seconds sub-dial is fitted with a baton hand and decorated with transfer-printed indexes.
The second face is responsible for the second time zone and 24 hours/night&day display.
The silvered-grey dial is decorated with a Clous de Paris guilloché, surrounded by a delimiting pattern.
The details on this face are fantastic. The second time zone is displayed on a deep recessed circular matt dial.
We find again the faceted indexes and dauphine hands. Here the dial is decorated with black transfer printed logo and name, plus an almost full minutes rail-track register.
The small subdial serves as a 24 hours, day/night indication for the second time zone. The delicate dauphine hand hoovers over the printed register.
This face also offers excellent legibility. Moreover, it is highly photogenic.
An interesting movement
The Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Tribute Duoface Reference Q3988482 is powered by the manufacture Calibre 854A/2. Due to the watch construction is impossible to make it visible for the collector.
Jaeger-LeCoultre Calibre 854A/2 – credits to Jaeger-LeCoultre
The Maison does an excellent job when it comes to decorations. So makes no sense to talk again about how good they are.
Calibre 854A/2 is a hand-wound movement with exceptional feedback. The set and winding are effortless. The second-time-zone set is a bliss. I am always amazed by its excellent behaviour.
End notes
Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Tribute Duoface offers a duality hard to match. It is not the only timepiece with two faces. But it is hard to find an equally iconic piece. Loved equally by ladies and gentlemen, the Reverso has its own special chapter in the watchmaking history books.
The watch is extremely versatile. Its duality goes beyond the two faces. The Reverso is now considered more as an elegant piece, in contradiction with its origins as a sports design. The Reverso Tribute Duoface makes no exception. Can be assorted with outfits and situations with enviable ease.
Diana’s take
As you observed in the images above, the Reverso spent some wrist time with Diana too. She loved the design of the two faces: the colours’ play, the sum of details. Every look offers new elements to arrest your eyes on. It is a watch that never gets boring.
For more detailed and lifestyle picture, please check the gallery at the end of the article.
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Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Tribute Duoface Technical Specifications and Price
Movement
Jaeger-LeCoultre Calibre 854A/2
Manual-winding,
Components: 160,
Vibrations per hour: 21600,
Jewels: 19,
Barrel: 1,
Height: 3.80 mm
Functions
Second time-zone,
Hour – Minute,
24-hour display,
Seconds
Case
Stainless Steel,
Water-resistance: 3 bar,
Dimensions (L x W): 47 X 28.3mm,
Thickness: 10.3mm
Dial
Front Hands Dauphines & Bâton
Back Hands Dauphines
Front Dial
Blue,
Sunray-brushed,
Appliqued hour-markers
Back Dial
Silvered grey,
Velvety Clous de Paris guilloché,
Appliqued hour-markers
Strap/bracelet
Leather
Price
10.400 €, INCL. VAT (Germany)
Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Tribute Duoface Gallery
Review Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Tribute Duoface Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso is one of those iconic pieces that defined generations after generations of watch lovers. Born from passion and a strange need of a sports watch, the mighty Reverso remained in history and it is accepted as one of the most elegant pieces ever created.