Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso: Collector Favorites

th.gr.ga · 2019-12-17T01:54:15Z

What's your favorite Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso? th.gr.ga discusses the Tribute 1931 US Edition, Rouge, and other iconic models. Join the debate!

th.gr.ga

WPS member · Jaeger-LeCoultre forum

94 replies12749 views2 photos

th.gr.ga initiates a community discussion on favorite Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso models, reflecting on his own choice of the Tribute to Reverso 1931 US Edition. He delves into the nuances of design, complications, and size, inviting fellow collectors to share their personal preferences and insights into this iconic timepiece.

With the plethora of different iterations of this iconic watch, I was wondering what are people's personal favourites, new or old? I have spent more time than I care to recollect drooling over some of the complications - the 65eme chronograph, the Eclipse series or the Répétition Minutes à Rideau to name but a few. Many others on thus forum seem to like some of the duoface editions. Yet, I tend to ultimately be most drawn by simple dials with a minimum of clutter and the calm of only having two hands. When I bought my first reverso in 2013 it thus came down to two among the tribute versions - the TTR1931 US edition and the infamous Rouge. Both are stunning IMO, but I ended up with the Casa Fagliano version mainly for the reason that a black dial might prove more versatile for an everyday watch in my then small watch collection. Would I have made the same choice today? Not so sure. The Rouge is bolder and i love the contrast between the dial and the silver indices and hands. The US edition, especially on the brown strap, however is for me the most casual/sporty Reverso produced the last 10 years, which I like as well. If I have regrets in terms of this purchase and other watches in the tribute series, it would probably be the size, which I find just a hair to big, especially lug-to-lug. I dont have any overhang on my wrist, but for a watch that is otherwise so classical, slightly more restrained proportions would in my mind have served it better. In that respect, the old grand taille cases or some of the most recent offerings work better in my opinion (but I am sure many of you will disagree on this point!)

Sorry for the stock JLC picture of the Rouge; perhaps Amanico will chime in with one of his much more deserving shots of this beauty!

Key Points from the Discussion

The Reverso Rouge is admired for its understated elegance, unpolished hands and markers, deep red dial, lack of a second hand, manual movement, and thinness, contrasting with the 'brash' polished elements of the 2019 Burgundy Small Seconds.
The use of alpha hands on recent Reverso models, including the Burgundy, raises questions about their suitability for a rectangular watch, where sword hands traditionally provide better visual balance by extending mass towards the dial's periphery.
The Reverso Rouge, limited to 100 pieces, is a highly sought-after model that is rarely available on the secondary market, making it a 'watch that got away' for many collectors.
The contributor shares his personal 'go-to' Reverso models, showcasing their appeal and versatility within his collection.
The original Reverso Duo is a long-standing favorite, with interest also expressed in the 60th anniversary series models, particularly the 60eme with power reserve and date, and the minute repeater.
The standard 1931 Tribute is highly valued, with appreciation for its case size and the 'calm' quality of a two-hander watch. Other desirable steel Reverso options include the Memory (with a 30-minute chrono on the reverse) and a small day-date from the 1990s.

The Discussion

VinnieD

Dec 17, 2019

I have the standard 1931 tribute and love it, even its case size. You are right saying that a 2-hander watch is a very calm object; it makes a real difference vs. a running seconds. Other options? In steel: - Memory (30 minutes chrono dial on the back side) - The small day-date from the 90's with its small guichet window in the corner

amanico

Dec 17, 2019

The pictures, first: Now some thoughts... Your TT Reverso 1931 US Edition is a marvel, with its syringe hands. I do hear your thoughts about the size of the case. As for myself, I have no problem with that. But I also have some strong favorites, outside these 2 of yours. The Reverso Tribute Duo from 2016 will solve your " size concerns ", with a case which is very slightly bigger than the famous GT case. And the Tribute Small Seconds Burgundy from this year, which is a tad bigger than the Tribut

th.gr.ga

Dec 17, 2019

..is still haunting me; sadly its not a watch I own. Thanks for the amazing pictures - even some I had not seen before! The 2016 duo is mesmerising - love the frosted dial, which reminds me of the old Yacht Master with its platinum dial; another favourite of mine.

th.gr.ga

Dec 17, 2019

for the kind words. And those other options you mention are both fantastic. From a pure movement perspective, the retrograde chronograph is probably my favourite Reverso of all time. I know that others are formally more complicated- the gyrotourbillons and the triptych - but I love this chrono and the way it hides its complication on the backside, maintaining that traditional calm front side.

th.gr.ga

Dec 17, 2019

...the only thing I could imagine to possibly improve on this marvel would be making it a mono-pusher, French style, with a button in the middle of the crown.

EinPA

Dec 17, 2019

The purpose of the flip face was to protect the watch whilst playing polo and for me this is the essence of JLC

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Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso: Collector Favorites

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