Underlining the exceptional versatility of the Reverso’s Art Deco design, Jaeger-LeCoultre presents a new interpretation of the Reverso Tribute Monoface Small Seconds. With a Milanese link bracelet, an 18K pink gold (750/1000) case and a grained dial that perfectly matches the precious metal’s colour, the new model exudes vintage glamour and confident modernity – an eloquent expression of the Reverso’s stylistic evolution that began with the unveiling of the first Reverso more than 90 years ago.
A story of evolving style, from polo field to design icon
Created in 1931, the Reverso was designed to meet the demands of the newly fashionable ‘sporting gentleman’. A challenge was set by polo-playing military officers in India during the British Raj to create a watch that could withstand the rigours of the polo field. The Reverso was the answer – a masterful integration of form and function. Quickly adopted by tastemakers from all walks of life, the Reverso soon transcended its original sporting purpose as new variations appeared – for both men and women. However, its iconic double-sided case and distinctive Art Deco lines have remained constant, making the Reverso one of the world’s most recognisable wristwatches.
Over the decades, many variations of the Reverso have been created, both stylistic and mechanical, without ever compromising its identity. The distinctive and timeless design accounts for much of the Reverso’s enduring appeal – and for its recognition as an icon of Art Deco style. The new Reverso Tribute Monoface Small Seconds with Milanese link bracelet perfectly highlights the Reverso’s unique adaptability to evolve over time – balancing contrasting qualities: sporty or elegant, contemporary or retro; masculine or feminine, and often a blend of several attributes at once.
Milanese link and a golden dial lend a subtly vintage air to contemporary style
Milanese link is a dense and flat metal link made from two threads of metal that are twisted together to form a double layer of small interlocking links. It is very smooth and flexible and, because it requires no pins to join any sections, is highly durable. The origins of Milanese link can be traced to 13th-century Milan (from which it takes its name), where it was used for a type of chain mail. Later, Renaissance goldsmiths created precious metal versions for jewellery but the technique remained unknown outside Italy for several centuries. In the 1920s, jewellers in Germany mastered the technique, sparking a worldwide fashion trend. As with all trends, its popularity waned for a time, until the 1970s, when Milanese link became fashionable for watch bracelets. Today, Milanese bracelets are enjoying another revival, thanks to their ability to look either sporty or elegant, according to the timepiece.
On the new pink gold Reverso Tribute Monoface Small Seconds, the link bracelet adds a dash of vintage chic to the pared-down Reverso Tribute dial aesthetic and all-pink golden colour palette of the watch. Its slim profile perfectly complements the sleek lines of the 7.56 mm-thick Reverso case and the lug attachment has been slightly modified so that the bracelet appears to be integrated. The finely grained dial provides a counterpoint to the polished shine of the case and bracelet links. The polished finish of the 18k pink gold (750/1000) integrated buckle complements the shiny surface of the links, enhancing the bracelet’s cohesive elegance. When the case is turned over, the metal caseback enhances the jewellery look of the watch, whether left blank or personalised with an engraving or lacquered decoration. On the wrist, the bracelet feels smooth, soft and sinuous – a perfect fit thanks to the adjustable sliding clasp and beautifully balanced thanks to the weight of the pink gold.
The signature iconography of the Reverso Tribute dial recalls the purity of the 1931 original Reverso, with the hours marked by applied indexes rather than numerals. Their elongated shape and faceted profile add visual depth and echo the form of the Dauphine hands. The circular track of the small seconds display at six o’clock provides a counterpoint to the linear geometry of the dial and case.
The Reverso Tribute Monoface Small Seconds is powered by the hand-wound Calibre 822, which offers a power reserve of 42 hours. The movement, which is shaped to echo the lines of the rectangular case, was designed, produced and assembled entirely in-house.
The Reverso Tribute Monoface Small Seconds redefines elegance with its seamless blend of historical significance and contemporary sophistication, reaffirming its status as a timeless icon.
