Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Tribute Small Seconds 2023

amanico · 2023-04-19T13:26:22Z

Explore Jaeger-LeCoultre's 2023 Reverso Tribute Small Seconds releases. Amanico reviews new gold and steel models, analyzing case thickness, Caliber 822, and community debate on JLC's pricing strategy.

amanico

WPS member · Jaeger-LeCoultre forum

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Amanico's insightful review from Watches and Wonders 2023 offers a critical look at Jaeger-LeCoultre's latest Reverso Tribute Small Seconds iterations. His detailed comparison of the new rose gold and steel models, particularly focusing on the unexpected case thickness variations, provides a crucial starting point for collectors evaluating these releases. This article synthesizes community reactions to JLC's design choices and pricing strategy, making a 2023 forum discussion relevant for today's enthusiasts.

Well, new, not really, but iterations, most precisely.

Here you have three Reversos in Rose Gold, coming with a Silver, a Burgundy and a Black dial, and one in steel, with a white dial.

The case size is well known: 45, 6 x 27, 4 mm BUT there is a difference in the thickness. While the Steel is 8, 51 mm high, like the former versions, the Rose Gold versions are 7, 56 mm high, so, roughly one millimeter thinner... Why, I don't know, maybe to enhance the elegance of the Icon, when it comes in rose gold?

Among these four new releases, I took some pictures of only two of them, the Rose Gold Black, and the Steel White.

Indeed, the Burgundy has already been issued in the Steel Small Seconds and the Rose gold Tribute Duoface, two watches you very well know, and, in my opinion, the Rose Gold Silver is killed by the Black dialed version, but this is just my own perception and taste.

Here are two press release pictures of the Rose gold Burgundy,

And of the Rose Gold Silver:

Let's now focus on the Rose Gold Black and the Steel White, through some photos and thoughts.

The Rose Gold Black Dial has a superb vintage feeling, chromatically speaking. Warm, strong, elegant, this is a winning combination, in my opinion, once again.

I also like the Canvas / Leather strap which you can change for a leather one, the two straps being sold with the watch. I prefer the Canvas / Leather, as it adds some cool factor to this " precious " watch which maybe needs to be dressed down a bit.

Same straps for the Steel White which offers a modern vintage feeling. Colder, more discreet, but no less charming.

All these Tribute Small Seconds house the famous and great Cal 822 which is manual winding, and better decorated than finished.

It offers a power reserve of 42 hours, which is ok, but I would have expected some technical improvements such as a longer power reserve like it is the case for more and more Master Control models. It would have justified the impressive price increase, this year.

So, as a conclusion, I like the rose gold black combo a lot, the thinner gold case and the mix of vintage and modern feelings of the steel white one.

I regret that the Steel doesn't have the thinner case of the rose gold, and the prices increase.

Indeed, the steel white is even a bit more expensive than the Burgundy, Green or Blue ( some extra hundreds euros ) and much more expensive than the former steel versions, with a current price of... 10, 800 Euros...

As for the rose gold, the retail price is 24, 600 Euros...

Looking forward to reading your comments and thoughts,

Best.

Nicolas

Key Points from the Discussion

The thinner case of the rose gold Reverso models, while aesthetically pleasing, raises questions about value given the significant price increase and potentially reduced gold content, leading to speculation about increased profit margins for Richemont.
Some collectors argue that judging the Reverso purely on monetary or technical evolution, especially regarding the Caliber 822 movement, misses the essence and intrinsic value of the iconic timepiece, suggesting its appeal lies beyond mere specifications.
The community expresses concern over the substantial price hikes for the new Reverso Tribute Small Seconds, noting that the product, including the reliable but simple Caliber 822 movement, has seen minimal evolution, making the price increase for new dial colors particularly contentious.
A specific critique highlights that the steel models, despite having the same case thickness as previous, more affordable versions, come with a 'cheaper' strap and a significantly higher price, suggesting a disconnect in value proposition.
There is a shared sentiment that JLC's decision to slim down only the gold models, coupled with last year's 'insane price spike,' is problematic. Collectors expect more modern movements and improved wearability across all models given the elevated price points.
A reader inquired about the in-person appearance of the steel model's dial, specifically whether it presented as white or silvery, and if its finish was matte or sunray, indicating interest in granular aesthetic details not fully captured in initial reviews.

The Discussion

sirdavid

Apr 19, 2023

But I don't like the price increase. Same case thickness as the cheaper blue, burgundy, and green, but with a cheaper strap and a significantly higher price. I would want this on a black alligator strap to wear with black tie.

Arronax

Apr 19, 2023

Prices have become questionable while the product has barely evolved, including the trustworthy yet very simple 822. If it was a car and we were asked to pay extra for a paint job people would revolt yet it seems acceptable in the world of watches (oh a blue/red/green dial!). I am curious about the thinner case however!

andrea~

Apr 19, 2023

I'm not a fan of how they decided to only slim down the gold models, considering the insane price spike that happened last year. We should be getting more modern movements and more wearable cases given the higher price.

loujo

Apr 19, 2023

I do like gold/black version a lot though. Your pictures also remind me that I need to get some new straps for my Tribute Moon. They look really nice.

K-

K-Lo

Apr 19, 2023

Love that multi lacquer dial!!!

Gabriel80

Apr 19, 2023

when it comes down to value-for-money there is an issue with the golden ratio lately. 😉 Movement-wise one cannot expect huge jumps, without bumping up the size, and if you are fortunate enough to be able to wear it on a regular basis, I'm sure you won't mind winding theses beauties as a form of "ritual". Whoever judges these timepieces from a purely monetary and/or technical viewpoint misses the point and will always struggle with the concept and ultimately the value of the Reverso.

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Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Tribute Small Seconds 2023

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