We first noticed it at Watches & Wonders Geneva earlier this yr. On the time, it didn’t scream for our consideration. It didn’t attempt to. However, like an excellent vodka martini or a superbly tailor-made dinner jacket (On line casino Royale), the brand new Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Tribute Monoface Small Seconds quietly bought underneath our pores and skin.
The reality is, we didn’t give it a lot thought once we first noticed it. Not in the way in which among the louder novelties do. However the extra we noticed it, the extra it revealed its attraction: these sharp Artwork Deco strains, the wealthy grain of the golden dial, and that impossibly slim case. It is a watch that doesn’t shout. It murmurs, confidently.
The JLC Reverso Is By no means a First Watch
Let’s be trustworthy. Nobody ever buys a Reverso as their first severe watch. Possibly not even their second. It’s a connoisseur’s selection. The sort of piece you add when your assortment already has a sports activities watch and one thing a bit extra informal.
However when you’re in search of a costume watch with presence not flash and one thing to put on with a black tie and even underneath a pointy dinner jacket, this hits the mark.
The Monoface structure is elegant, clear, and about as basic because it will get with out being boring. It’s a face that while you take a beat to watch it, you then get it.
A Milanese Second That Really Works
What actually elevates this Reverso is the bracelet. Jaeger-LeCoultre has gone with a Milanese mesh, a uncommon selection in conventional watchmaking, however executed right here in 18-carat pink gold and paired completely with the grained golden dial.
This isn’t your common mesh strap. It sits flush in opposition to the wrist, catching gentle subtly and giving the watch a classic, nearly jewellery-like presence. In a world of linked metal and alligator leather-based, this seems like a welcome curveball, refined, tactile, and undeniably completely different. Which is what you need, no more of the identical.
It’s Skinny, Treasured, and Private
At simply 7.56mm thick, the Reverso Tribute Monoface wears like silk underneath a cuff. The pink gold case measures 45.6mm lug-to-lug by 27.4mm vast, giving it a superbly elongated profile that’s pure Deco. Water resistance is a modest 3 bar, however that’s not the purpose this isn’t precisely a pool watch.
Inside, the manually wound Jaeger-LeCoultre Calibre 822 retains issues easy and trustworthy: simply hours, minutes, and a small seconds at six o’clock. It beats at 21,600vph, has 19 jewels, and delivers a 42-hour energy reserve from a single barrel. It’s solely 2.94mm thick a testomony to the maison’s technical restraint.
On the reverse aspect? A clean canvas, ready to be engraved. It’s the sort of old-school luxurious we’re glad nonetheless exists.
At round $55,000 USD, this isn’t entry-level. However while you’re seeing Rolex asking $88,000 for a Daytona in Everose, the worth case turns into clearer. The Reverso doesn’t provide hype. It presents heritage. And in 2025, that may be the smarter play.
This isn’t the watch you purchase to flex. It’s the one you purchase to maintain.
The Final Phrase
Is it the most effective costume watch of 2025? It’s definitely essentially the most considerate. The Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Tribute Monoface Small Seconds is for the person who’s already been across the block. Who doesn’t have to show something. Who simply desires one thing timeless, tactile, and completely his.
