When the Reverso Tribute Tourbillon Duoface was unveiled, in the first days of September, I couldn't see it, and I had to do with press pictures, to write a quick review on it.
Here is the link to this review:
So, two weeks ago, I asked the Manufacture to let me see this new Reverso in the metal.
The first impressions were positive, even though I am far from being a strong fan of Tourbillons which make a hole in the dial. I much prefer when they are part of the dial / movement, such as the Reverso Platinum Skeleton Tourbillon from 2004, for example, or when the Tourbillon in on the verso side, like the Reverso Nr 2 Platinum Tourbillon.
The Reverso Skeleton Tourbillon From 2004:
The Reverso Platinum Nr 2 Tourbillon, now:
With the Reverso Tribute Tourbillon Duoface, I have the two sides of the watch. One which is not my taste, the recto, because of the reason mentioned above, and the other one which is very much my taste, the verso, because of the reason mentioned above... Even if we have a flying tourbillon, here, with a very clean look which oozes quality.
When you handle this Reverso, you will be positively impressed by its proportions, which are the same than the Tribute Small Seconds ( 45, 5 x 27, 4 mm ), just 0, 5 mm thicker ( 9, 15 mm versus 8, 50 mm ), which remains quite thin for a tourbillon watch.
The other good thing is the very pleasant density of the platinum case. On the wrist, a marvel.
The last question I had, when I discovered the watch through the press file, was the level of decoration and finishings.
I was intrigued by the official picture of the verso, which showed a movement whose parts were highly contrasted. In the real life, as you can judge from these pictures, it is not the case at all. We are very close from the decoration and finishings of the Reverso Platinum Nr 2 Tourbillon Cal 848,at the difference of the Tourbillon which is not " flying ", of course.
The official press file picture of the Tribute Tourbillon Duoface movement:
The Cal 848:
The Cal 847 of the new Reverso Tribute Tourbillon Duoface, taken by myself:
The two dials are superb: The now well known " sun ray " blue, on the recto, and the delicious silver grained on the verso are eye catching.
You will have to pay some attention to discover that the verso reserves a discrete place to a night and day indicator, too.
A last precision: This Reverso Tribute Tourbillon Duoface is limited to 50 pieces.
So to sum my feelings on it, I find it is a qualitative Reverso, nicely made, which is worth a serious consideration for those who are looking for a nice Reverso Between the Tribute Small Seconds and the Tribute to Gyrotourbillon, but it won't replace, in my heart, the Reverso Platinum Nr 2 nor the Reverso Tourbillon Skeleton, just because of this hole in the dial. But THAT is just the reflection of my personal tastes on that matter.
Looking forward to reading your comments and thoughts,
Best.
Nicolas