With a legacy that spans over 90 years, the Reverso series has established itself as a timeless icon, celebrated for its unique flip mechanism and its Art Deco-inspired design.
This newest release is a limited edition, restricted to just 250 pieces, amplifying the rarity and allure of this exceptional timepiece. Crafted from 18-karat pink gold, the Reverso Tribute Chronograph in pink gold captures the essence of both vintage elegance and modern sophistication.
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A Rich Heritage: The Evolution of the Reverso
Introduced in 1931, the Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso was originally designed to address a practical need. The watch was conceived for British polo players in India who required a timepiece durable enough to withstand the impact of their sport. The solution? A reversible case that could be flipped to protect the dial. The Reverso’s dual-sided design soon gained widespread acclaim, not only for its functionality but also for its distinctive, Art Deco-inspired aesthetic. Over the decades, the Reverso has undergone numerous evolutions, adapting to the tastes and technological advancements of each era, yet without losing its original identity.
From the initial stainless steel Staybrite cases to precious metal versions and gemstone-adorned editions, the Reverso has transformed into a canvas for artistic and horological expression. The once-blank flip side has hosted an array of decorations, from engravings and lacquer work to enamel paintings, with some models even featuring a secondary dial, further enhancing its appeal as a unique work of art and innovation.
Pink Gold Reimagined: A Tribute to Art Deco
The Reverso Tribute Chronograph in pink gold brings a fresh take on the classic Reverso design, encapsulating elegance with a hint of nostalgia. Pink gold, with its warm, rosy hue, has a rich historical context in the world of watchmaking, symbolizing sophistication and luxury. Jaeger-LeCoultre has carefully crafted this case to reflect an interplay of light and warmth, creating a watch that looks and feels luxurious without being ostentatious.
The watch’s case measures 49.4mm by 29.9mm, with a thickness of 11.14mm. This size provides optimal wearability, striking a balance between a bold statement piece and an understated accessory that fits comfortably on the wrist. With the Reverso’s signature rectangular case, the proportions and dimensions adhere to the Art Deco aesthetic, which emphasizes symmetry, geometry, and clean lines. This precision in design is one of the reasons why the Reverso series has remained one of the most beloved collections in the watchmaking world.
A Dial Worth a Second Look
One of the most compelling aspects of the Reverso Tribute Chronograph in pink gold is its double-sided dial, with each side offering a unique experience. The front dial is adorned with a series of laser-engraved horizontal lines that span the width of the dial. These fine engravings add texture and depth, complementing the watch’s straight, geometric lines. The dial is also framed by three horizontal gadroons, another hallmark of the Reverso design, adding visual interest while enhancing the watch’s refined and structured appearance.
The pink gold of the case is echoed on the dial, where pink gold Dauphine hands and applied trapezoidal hour markers create a cohesive and harmonious aesthetic. This dial’s minimalist design is a departure from some of Jaeger-LeCoultre’s more elaborate offerings, favoring simplicity and elegance over complexity. The result is a timepiece that, while luxurious, remains highly legible and versatile, suited for both formal and casual settings.
When the case is reversed, the open-worked reverse dial reveals the inner workings of the chronograph mechanism, offering a glimpse into Jaeger-LeCoultre’s mastery of watchmaking craftsmanship. The pink gold bridges, carefully hand-beveled with polished edges, feature vertical Côtes de Genève decoration, a classic finishing technique in high-end watchmaking. This meticulous craftsmanship demonstrates Jaeger-LeCoultre’s commitment to quality, detail, and artistry.
The Heart of the Timepiece: The Caliber 860 Movement
At the core of the Reverso Tribute Chronograph in pink gold lies the Caliber 860, a movement designed specifically for this model. This hand-wound movement is a testament to Jaeger-LeCoultre’s expertise in creating high-complication timepieces. The Caliber 860 builds on the legacy of the Caliber 829, which was introduced in 1996, and represents a new expression of the chronograph complication within the Reverso series.
The Caliber 860 is an integrated chronograph movement with a retrograde 30-minute counter and central seconds. In contrast to many modern chronographs that use a vertical clutch, Jaeger-LeCoultre opted for a horizontal clutch in this movement. This choice allowed the designers to reduce the thickness of the movement, resulting in a slimmer profile that enhances the elegance of the watch. Despite the complexities of the chronograph mechanism, the Caliber 860 boasts a 52-hour power reserve, ensuring reliability and precision over an extended period.
An innovative feature of the Caliber 860 is its ability to display hours and minutes on both the front and reverse dials. To accomplish this, the movement powers two sets of hands that move in opposite directions, ensuring that time is displayed correctly on both faces of the watch. This dual-time display is an impressive technical achievement, showcasing Jaeger-LeCoultre’s skill in blending engineering with artistry.
Enhancing the Aesthetics: Color and Contrast
A thoughtful use of color and contrast further elevates the design of the Reverso Tribute Chronograph in pink gold. While the front dial remains clean and cohesive with pink gold accents, the reverse dial introduces a more dynamic interplay of colors. The chronograph seconds and minute tracks are highlighted in black, creating a striking contrast against the pink gold backdrop. Blue chronograph hands and blued screws add a subtle touch of color, enhancing legibility while contributing to the overall aesthetic.
The floating effect of the polished pink gold indexes on the reverse dial is another captivating feature. These indexes appear to be suspended above the movement, attached only to the minute track, adding depth and visual intrigue. This attention to detail is characteristic of Jaeger-LeCoultre’s approach, where every component serves both an aesthetic and functional purpose.
Crafting Excellence: The Casa Fagliano Strap
In addition to the exceptional watch design, Jaeger-LeCoultre collaborated with Casa Fagliano, a renowned Argentinian atelier known for its expertise in leather craftsmanship. Each strap is made from tan calf leather, meticulously cut, stitched, and finished by hand. Casa Fagliano, famous for crafting polo boots, brings durability and artistry to the watch’s strap, ensuring it complements the timepiece’s luxurious yet practical aesthetic.
The strap also includes Jaeger-LeCoultre’s Presto quick-release system, allowing wearers to switch between straps with ease. This feature adds a modern touch to the watch’s timeless appeal, accommodating the diverse needs of collectors who may wish to customize their timepiece.
Limited Edition Exclusivity
With only 250 pieces available, the Reverso Tribute Chronograph in pink gold is an exclusive addition to any collection. This limited-edition release reinforces the prestige of owning a Jaeger-LeCoultre timepiece, blending rarity with craftsmanship. Collectors are drawn to limited editions not only for their investment potential but for the unique stories they represent within the brand’s history.
Priced at USD 66,000, the Reverso Tribute Chronograph in pink gold is more than just a watch—it’s a legacy piece that embodies the best of Jaeger-LeCoultre’s artistry, craftsmanship, and innovation. This price point reflects the value of a meticulously crafted, limited-edition timepiece that offers both aesthetic and technical sophistication.
