The Reverso is one of Jaeger-LeCoultre's signature collections. Featuring a reversible case developed to prevent damage to the crystal during polo matches, the Reverso has combined its tradition with the company's signature innovation to produce a variety of models.
Text by Tsubasa Nojima
[Article published on January 2, 2025]
Types of Jaeger-LeCoultre Reversos
The Reverso was born in 1931 at the request of a British officer stationed in India who enjoyed playing polo, and has since been updated to become one of Jaeger-LeCoultre's signature collections. Combining an Art Deco style with a reversible case structure designed to protect the crystal from damage during polo matches, where strong impacts are common, the Reverso has spawned numerous derivative models over the years without changing its basic design. This time, we'd like to explore the Reverso's variations, their depth, and their individual appeal.
Duo or Monoface?
The case shows off a lacquered ink blue dial on the front. However, when flipped over, the "Duo" model reveals a chic silver dial. Manual winding (Cal. 854). 19 jewels. 21,600 vph. Power reserve of approximately 42 hours. 18KPG case (47 x 28.3mm, 9.6mm thick). Water resistant to 3 bar. 4,290,000 yen (tax included).
When discussing the different types of Reversos, one key consideration is whether they are duoface or monoface, meaning that the case can be flipped over to reveal a second dial.
The Reverso's reversible case was created to protect the crystal from the impacts of polo games. The original Reverso was a monoface watch, where the dial is completely hidden when the case is flipped over, revealing a plain metal case back. Then, in the 1990s, as attention began to turn to mechanical watches again, the duoface watch was born, featuring a second dial in the plain space. This unique mechanism elevated the watch into a collection that could be enjoyed not only by polo players, a select few in the upper class, but by a wider range of watch enthusiasts.
The good thing about the monoface model is that it allows you to enjoy the original Reverso. The sapphire crystal used for the current model's crystal is not easily broken. The reversible case no longer offers much in terms of protection from impacts. However, the fact that the greatest feature of the original model from 1931 has been retained in the current model is an irreplaceable value.
Not only that, but the Monoface also has the advantage of allowing you to have the case back engraved. You can engrave not only your initials, anniversaries, mottos, messages, and other text, but even illustrations. Personalizing your watch to be uniquely yours will surely make you feel attached to it.
On the other hand, with the Duo Face, you can enjoy two different designs in one watch. The men's model is called "Reverso Duo" and the women's model is called "Reverso Duet." For example, if you have a model with a silver dial on the front and a black dial on the back, you can switch between the two dials to match your outfit or the occasion. Some models feature a playful dial and diamond-set case that reverses the subdued design of the front dial. You can wear it with the front dial for business situations and switch to the back for relaxing off-duty.
There are also Reverso models equipped with numerous complicated mechanisms, some of which reveal dials with counters and other features by flipping the case over. Dials tend to be cluttered with complication watches, but with the Reverso, you can usually have a simple dial and flip the case over only when you need to use the functions.
"Reverso Tribute," "Reverso Classic," and "Reverso One"
The Reverso comes in three design series: the Reverso Tribute, the Reverso Classic, and the Reverso One. Each model offers its own unique charm.
The Reverso Tribute features a design that inherits the original model from 1931. It combines dauphine-shaped hour and minute hands with slender, bullet-shaped applied indexes, creating a clean impression.
The Reverso Classic has a more classical design. It features blued steel baton-type hour and minute hands, rounded Arabic numeral indexes, and an expressive dial with guilloched detailing. The Reverso Classic is the first model that comes to mind when thinking of the current Reverso.
The Reverso One is a Reverso designed for women. It combines dauphine-style hour and minute hands with Arabic numeral indexes. The font of the Arabic numerals is thinner and more delicate than that of the Reverso Classic, and the absence of a railway minute track gives it a more elegant impression. The guilloched decoration radiating from the center of the dial and the diamonds set into the case make it a watch that can be enjoyed like an accessory.
A wide variety of other sizes, materials, and mechanisms are available.
In addition to these, the Reverso is available in a wide variety of sizes, materials, and movements. Sizes are broadly divided into three categories: large, medium, and small, with the exact dimensions varying depending on the model and era. The Reverso Tribute comes in large and medium sizes, the Reverso Classic in large, medium, and small sizes, and the Reverso One in small sizes. The impression you get from the catalog measurements of rectangular watches often differs from how they feel on your wrist. When choosing your size, we recommend trying them on at an authorized retailer, which has a wide selection available.
Current case materials include the basic stainless steel, as well as 18K white gold and 18K pink gold. It's best to choose based on not only your budget but also the occasion you'll be wearing it in, such as scratch-resistant stainless steel for everyday wear or 18K pink gold for a more glamorous dress watch.
As a leading manufacturer, Jaeger-LeCoultre also offers a lineup of models equipped with numerous complex mechanisms, including chronographs, complete calendars, and tourbillons. These complicated watches are also characterized by their construction, which makes the most of the unique features of the reversible case.
Introducing our recommendations from the current Reverso series!
As you can see, there are a wide variety of Reverso models available. Here, we will introduce three models that we particularly recommend.
"Reverso Tribute Monoface" Ref.v
A mono-face model that stands out for its simplicity. This is the basic model that allows you to fully enjoy the charm of the Reverso. Manual winding (Cal. 822). 19 jewels. 21,600 vph. Power reserve of approximately 42 hours. Stainless steel case (40.1mm x 24.4mm, 7.56mm thick). Water resistant to 3 bar. Price: 1,425,600 yen (tax included).
This Reverso Tribute monoface model features an opaline-finish silver-gray dial. Its timeless, simple look, including a design inherited from the original model, the luxurious feel of the applied indices, and its medium size, makes it easy to wear for all ages and will be a favorite for many years to come. Another appealing feature of the monoface model is the option to have the case back engraved. Incidentally, engraving can be requested at the time of purchase or separately after purchase.
The case is made of stainless steel and, at approximately 8mm thick, fits neatly under a shirt sleeve. Inside is the in-house manual-winding movement, Cal. 822, allowing you to enjoy winding the mainspring with your own hands every day. The leather strap is equipped with a folding buckle, which prevents damage to the strap and makes it easy to put on and take off.
Reverso Classic Large Duo Small Seconds, Ref. Q3848422
A duo-face model with a silver and black dial. It can also be used as a GMT watch by using both dials. Manual winding (Cal. 854). 19 jewels. 21,600 vph. Power reserve approximately 42 hours. Stainless steel case (47mm x 28.3mm, 10.34mm thick). Water resistant to 3 bar. Price: 2,191,200 yen (tax included).
This duoface model features a silver dial with a Clous de Paris guilloched pattern, black Arabic numerals, blued steel baton hour and minute hands, and a small second subdial, all in the classic Reverso design.
Flip the case over to reveal a monochrome black dial with a circular railway minute track, an outer guilloched Clous de Paris pattern, and a day/night indicator at 6 o'clock.
The two dials, each with a completely different impression, allow you to use one watch as two watches. Even when traveling or on a business trip where you have limited luggage, you can enjoy the fresh feeling of switching to a different watch simply by switching the dial. The two dials can be adjusted separately, so the watch can also be used as a GMT watch.
Reverso Tribute Chronograph, Ref. Q389848J
With its simple dial and low push buttons, it's hard to tell from the outside that it's a chronograph. This model takes advantage of the Reverso's reversible case, allowing you to enjoy the two dials with a large contrast. Manual winding (Cal. 860). 38 jewels. 28,800 vph. Power reserve of approximately 52 hours. Stainless steel case (49.4mm x 29.9mm, 11.14mm thick). Water resistant to 3 bar. Price: 4,202,000 yen (tax included).
The Reverso Tribute features a blue-gray sunray dial. It has the same simple dial design as the monoface model, but by flipping the case over, a second dial with a totalizer appears.
The dial on the back features a central hour and minute hand and a chronograph second hand, as well as a circular 30-minute counter at 6 o'clock to match the rectangular case. The movement, decorated with stripes, allows for a close look at the column wheel and balance wheel.
Skeleton watches are irresistible for lovers of mechanical watches. However, their design can make them difficult to wear in business settings. The Reverso Tribute Chronograph allows you to wear it with the subdued dial on a regular basis, and then flip the case over to admire the intricate finish and movement of the movement.
