JLC Reverso Tribute Minute Repeater: Thoughts & Review

amanico · 2023-06-24T10:05:22Z

Explore the Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Tribute Minute Repeater. Amanico reviews its aesthetics, sound, and collector appeal. Discover community insights on this JLC masterpiece.

amanico

WPS member · Jaeger-LeCoultre forum

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Amanico, a respected voice in the WatchProSite community, revisits his initial impressions of the Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Tribute Minute Repeater. His detailed analysis, first published in 2021, delves into the watch's aesthetic refinements and acoustic performance, offering a connoisseur's perspective on this significant horological release. This article provides an opportunity to explore the nuances of JLC's rectangular minute repeaters through the lens of an experienced collector.

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I wrote a first preview on this watch, when it was announced in September 2021.

Here is the link to the article:

www.watchprosite.com

We'll see the two points I had in mind when I saw the first official photos and heard the sound file about this Reverso, now.

1/ The aesthetics.

One of the most impressive assets of this new Reverso Minute Repeater is its proportions. Ok we are far from the small chiming Reverso from 1994, but this last opus is much smaller than the Reverso Minute Repeater à Rideau from 2011 ( 51, 1 x 31 mm versus 55 x 35 mm ) and thinner, too ( 11, 41 mm versus 12 mm ).

The design and the look of the recto dial is very close to the " A Rideau ", that's clear, and that's a good thing as it is a magnificent watch. Aerial, precious, refined. Very pleasant.

The verso dial is way different, compared to the " A Rideau ". More aerial, even more refined, at least in my opinion. Well done. You will notice the different colors of the hands, white for the recto, golden for the verso. I can advance an explanation or a guess on the white hands on the recto: The legibility, but this is the only reserve I have, here.

All I can say is that this is the kind of watch I prefer in real life rather than in pictures.

2/ The sound.

My main interrogation was about the way this new Reverso Minute Repeater sounded. The sound file was promising, but we are always prudent, as recording a chiming watch doesn't always give a faithful idea about the sound.

It is not easy to describe a tonality, a sound. For example, I found that the Reverso Minute Repeater à Rideau was a bit too aggressive. It was the beginning of the Trebuchet hammers, first used in the Duomètre à Grande Sonnerie in 2009, and in the Master Grande Tradition one year after.

Since then, Jaeger Lecoultre mastered this technology, and now, the sound is much richer and rounder. A delight for the ears. And it is a quite remarkable outcome given the restrained proportions of the case.

3/ General thoughts.

Tribute Minute Repeater is an excellent name, due to the fact that, from 1994 to 2021, Jaeger Lecoultre made a couple of Reverso Minute Repeaters. It reminds us of that fact, and rightly so.

The Reverso Minute Repeater from 1994,

The Reverso Minute Repeater à Rideau from 2011.

I really like the way Jaeger Lecoultre mastered the proportions of this watch without ruining its acoustical qualities, it is really challenging and they won, in that game, in my opinion, at least.

I just regret three things: First, the fact that they only offered it in rose gold. They could also make a short batch in white gold, to give the choice to those who are interested in these watches.

Then, they really could make it in a bigger limited edition. 10 is really small. 25 in rose gold, 25 in white gold would have been perfect.

And last, the Cal 944 could have a longer power reserve than just 35 hours...

Still, it is a very nice object. And let's not forget that there are not many rectangular minute repeaters!

Looking forward to reading your comments and thoughts,

Best.

Nicolas

Key Points from the Discussion

The limited edition size of 10 pieces for the Reverso Tribute Minute Repeater is considered too small, making the watch practically unobtainable for most collectors.
While appreciating the rose gold case, some collectors express a desire for a white metal option, such as white gold or even titanium, which could potentially enhance the repeater's loudness and reduce the watch's weight.
The dimensions, though improved from previous iterations, are still a point of discussion, with a wish for further reduction to a size closer to classic Reverso models like the Large Duoface Small Seconds (around 47mm lug-to-lug).
The early 1990s Reverso Minute Repeater is frequently cited as a benchmark, representing a brilliant fusion of form, functionality, and unique aesthetics that continues to captivate collectors.
The idea of a more discreet dial option for one of the faces, provided it doesn't compromise sound quality, is suggested for a 'below the radar' approach to such a high complication.

The Discussion

andrea~

Jun 24, 2023

I agree with you on the case material... it would have been cool to see it in a white metal (even in titanium to make the repeater louder and the watch lighter). One more gripe is with the dimensions. Better than before but it would have been perfect if they managed to shrink it down a little bit more, maybe to a 47mm lug to lug like the classic large duoface small seconds.

Gabriel80

Jun 24, 2023

gain 30kg, so that my wrist could handle it properly. My bank account would have to swell comparably. What a feast for the eyes and of course the ears! Still from the moment I first saw the early 90s Min Repeater to this day I believe it is one of the most brilliant examples of pairing form and functionality with unique aesthetics.

Gabriel80

Jun 25, 2023

the new will be around 300K. already sold out?

jml_watches

Jun 25, 2023

Though, in reality made of unobtainium - one for when I win the lottery! I like the rose gold case, though might have been nice to have a dial for one of the faces - for a more below the radar approach, as long as didn't impact sound quality. I'm with you 10 seems very small in numbers Finally - the '94 version is still my grail, very unlikely to get it - but something to dream of. Cheers JML

Gelato Monster

Jul 1, 2023

sexier than 2023 Reverso Tribute Chronograph

Gelato Monster

Jul 1, 2023

even 25+25+24 Paris or 25+25+20 (70 since the 1st repeater)

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JLC Reverso Tribute Minute Repeater: Thoughts & Review

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