Overview
The story of the Reverso began in the late 1920s when British officers stationed in India requested a watch that could withstand the rigors of playing polo. In response, the watchmakers at Jaeger-LeCoultre ingeniously created a hinged slide mechanism that flipped the case over to safely protect the watch face during play. While it was built to withstand the rough and tumble of the game, the design of the Reverso remained elegant and simple with decorative lines, streamlined contours, and a minimalist aesthetic.
To celebrate the 85th anniversary of the Reverso in 2016, Jaeger-LeCoultre released a series of Tribute duoface models in stainless steel and 18K pink gold. Each watch came fitted with dauphine hands, dart indices, a beautifully grained silver dial, and a new hidden trigger mechanism to adjust the hour of the reverse dial. Two steel models were given blued steel accents and a blue reverse dial, while two pink gold models were given rose gold accents and an anthracite reverse dial. Notably, one of each metal was produced in the classic medium size of 25.5 mm by 42.9 mm, making them the first and only Tribute models ever produced in these smaller dimensions.
The watch offered here is the steel version of this smaller configuration, which has become increasingly hard to procure given the short production run of the entire 2016 Tribute series. In our eyes, there is no better modern Reverso to collect, especially for those with modestly sized wrists.
Specifications
Brand:
Jaeger-LeCoultre
Model:
Reverso Tribute Duoface
Reference:
Q3908420
Year:
2016
Case Number:
3205753
Case Material:
Stainless steel
Diameter:
25.5 mm
Lug Width:
19 mm
Thickness:
9.2 mm
Lug-to-Lug:
42.9 mm
Dial:
Silver/blue
Lume:
None
Crystal:
Sapphire
Movement:
Hand-wound
Caliber:
JLC 854A/2
Bracelet/Strap:
JLC navy alligator strap with deployant buckle
Max Wrist Size:
Hand model has a wrist size of 6.2 in
Condition
Case: The stainless steel case shows normal signs of wear with hairlines, tiny nicks, and small scuffs present. There is small scratch to the horizontal ridges on the bottom left of the blue reverse side. The conical lugs are nice and thick with excellent contouring. The caseback has a couple light scuffs and tiny nicks. The model and serial number engravings remain sharp and legible.
Dial, Hands, & Crystal: The silver and blue dials and polished handsets are in pristine condition with no signs of deterioration. Both sapphire crystals are squeaky clean and scratch-free.
Bracelet/Strap: The JLC alligator strap shows light signs of wear with some creasing and staining present, but no major imperfections. The deployant buckle works without issue, and has moderate wear with hairlines and scuffs throughout. The raised JLC logo remains full and detailed.
Performance
Functions: All functions including the crown winding, time setting, and jumping hour switch are working as expected.
Service History: Unknown.
