Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Tribute Duoface - References, Prices and Owners' Reviews

The story begins a long time ago. My father received a classic Reverso from my mother for his 50th birthday (25 years ago). I think that my love for watches began at that moment. Although I now have a well-stocked collection, the Reverso has always remained present but distant, perhaps I was aware of the fact that I would rarely wear it. But after giving one to my wife for the birth of our daughter, I started to take an interest in the model again. But there are so many... The choice would certainly have been more difficult if I had not attended a masterclass on watchmaking at the famous Jaeger boutique on Place Vendôme in Paris during which I fell in love with this duoface model with moon phase. It was a few years ago now, but when I had the opportunity to get my hands on this model, I jumped at the chance. It is too recent for my opinion to be final, however I remain captivated by the level of details and finishes that undoubtedly make it a watch for "big boys" to "Frenchify" the Anglo-Saxon expression. Of course, the moon phase is not the most useful complication nor is it used the most, but what a pleasure for the eyes, especially when there are 2 in the same watch. A detail that has its importance: the different sets of bracelets provided with the watch. I think that is what I particularly like in current fashion trends: we allow ourselves to wear it whenever we want, when we want, even a Reverso so dressed with jeans and a t-shirt. This approach speaks to me a lot.

First of all, I feel like I'm entering the Haute Horlogerie family, even if JLC is not the hyper high-end, the quality is there and the finishes are perfect. An incredible sensation when winding, an intoxicating blue on the first side (unless it's the second?!) and a chic white on the other. The Art Deco spirit of the Roaring Twenties is there and gives it a timeless charm. A few symbols for me. First of all, the idea that things are not necessarily what we think. A watch is not supposed to turn around. This one turns around and in addition we discover a 2nd dial. We all have several personalities and this watch allows us to make the allegory of this state of affairs. I really like the idea of a mirror watch. Then, the "Stop second". There is none on this watch and its addition would have increased its thickness. JLC has the means to integrate it but he does not do it because this watch keeps its original soul. And this reminds me of a thought delivered at Patek: a chef does not need Stop Seconde, it is the others who must synchronize their watches with his! Finally, the 12 which is at the top and the 24 at the bottom on the disk on the white side, may seem strange, but at noon, the sun is at the zenith; therefore at the top.

At first, I wasn't really convinced by the Reverso.. Square watches aren't necessarily my cup of coffee, by the way. But I really fell in love with this icon thanks to its blue dial with purple highlights (yes, look closely!), its GMT, and its other white guilloche side. The bracelet is also very neat and pretty. A future icon, this Tribute Duoface blue/purple dial! It also has its place in the collection, it's part of the best of Jaeger, I must admit the ingenious concept, brilliant success, and I like the two 2 o'clock faces. Especially being a great traveler, a dressy side is more rare for a GMT!