Hands-On: The Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Tribute Monoface Small Seconds Is A Truly Modernized Classic

You’re right; this isn’t the recently introduced two-hand Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Tribute Monoface in its almost-true-to-1931 size. This is “only” the Reverso Tribute Monoface Small Seconds version that the brand added to its collection during last year’s edition of Watches and Wonders in Geneva. However, it still feels quite new, especially next to its blue, red, and green predecessors. That makes it the first not-so-colorful version, and that certainly makes a big difference. Let’s take a closer look at this modernized classic.

The Jaeger-LeCoultre Grande Reverso Ultra Thin Tribute To 1931 from 2011 — Image: DavidSW

But first, some background

In 2011, Jaeger-LeCoultre celebrated the Reverso’s 80th birthday with the Grande Reverso Ultra Thin Tribute To 1931. It had a design inspired by the original Reverso from 1931 and a mere 7.2mm thickness. Instead of the brand name, it just stated “Reverso” at 12 o’clock on the pitch-black dial with printed hour markers. That watch was a big success, so Jaeger-LeCoultre decided to extend its Tribute collection. The most eye-catching ones were the blue, red, and green Reverso Tribute models from 2018, 2019, and 2021, respectively. Last year’s model with a silver dial looks more like an inverted version of the Ultra Thin Tribute To 1931.

The Jaeger-LeCoultre Grande Reverso Duoface Tribute to 1931 — Image: Stories of Time

There are quite a few differences, though, and you could say that’s a shame. If you think so, you might be better off getting your hands on a Reverso Duoface Tribute to 1931. That watch has a dial that looks almost exactly like that first Tribute from 2011, apart from the small seconds, of course. However, I think Jaeger-LeCoultre did a great job with this more modern version of its Reverso Tribute. Let’s get into the nitty-gritty and see why.

The Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Tribute Monoface Small Seconds ref. Q713842J

First of all, compared to those older models, the newer Tributes all feature a case that wears better. That’s due to the fact that they all have lugs that angle slightly downward. This makes the Reverso feel less like a flat little plank or brick on the wrist. My Reverso Classic Medium Duoface has the same shape, and it makes a big difference.

Size is, of course, a very personal thing, but for my 17cm wrist, this Tribute’s 27.4mm diameter and 45.6mm length feel a bit too big. I’ve seen the watch on Lex and RJ’s wrists, which are slightly bigger, and I think the size works great for them. With an 8.5mm case thickness, this model isn’t as slender as the Ultra Thin version from 2011. Nevertheless, I feel the proportions of this slightly thicker version are better.

Other than the downturned lugs and the thickness, the Reverso is still as stylish and elegant as before. The gadroons flanking the top and bottom of the dial add an atypical decoration to an already interesting case shape. Additionally, the more recent Tribute models have a beautiful sunburst engraving inside the case cradle, which you can see when you slide the main case out to flip it over. The perfectly executed perlage on pre-2018 models isn’t bad either, but this sunburst engraving does add a little extra classiness.

A clean opaline silver dial

The real showstopper here is the opaline silver dial. Its hour markers and dauphine hands have the same shape as on the more colorful versions. Here, though, they have received a black nickel finish to provide a greater contrast against the light dial. Though darker than the stainless steel case, their tone complements the color of the metal very well. On the dial, the Jaeger-LeCoultre name is printed in black, just like the minute track and the round sub-seconds chapter ring. The brand’s silver logo up top, however, seems to be embossed.

The applied indexes add great depth to the otherwise flat dial, especially compared to the Tribute to 1931 version. Because of their darker shade, they’re not as shiny as the ones on the colorful Tribute models. It makes them a bit less reflective, which I think suits the classy style of the Reverso.

I believe this is the first time that JLC has directly offered a Reverso on one of its summer straps from the Casa Fagliano collection. This means the strap has a textile top with a dark calfskin portion and keepers as well as a lighter leather lining. I like how this strap style dresses down the Reverso a bit. We got both the blue and black versions of it for our hands-on review, but I think the black suits the more monochromatic look of this Reverso Tribute best. However, you can also opt for one of the all-leather versions available from JLC directly, of course.

A great addition to an already impressive lineup

It’s funny how fresh a silver dial feels after the earlier blue, red, and green versions. In my opinion, the Reverso doesn’t need a lot of bells and whistles, colors, or complications to look its best. Its characteristic swiveling case and shape are enough to keep you entertained. The clean and sharp-looking dial on this opaline silver version matches the Reverso’s modest character very well.

On this Monoface model, the back of the case is like a blank canvas. When you order the watch, you can ask JLC to engrave it for you. There are different options, such as flowers, dates, and monuments. My ultimate favorite, though, is the beautiful JLC 1931 Alphabet. The letters are inspired by the Reverso’s Art Deco design. You can get a maximum of two initials on your watch and even have JLC fill them with lacquer in the color of your choice. This font is the only reason I’m sometimes jealous of people with a Monoface Reverso.

Like many of the Monoface Reverso models out there, the opaline silver version is powered by JLC’s caliber 822. This hand-wound movement runs at a frequency of 21,600vph, features 19 jewels, and holds a power reserve of 42 hours.

The Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Tribute Monoface Small Seconds with an opaline silver dial (ref. Q713842J) costs €11,500 / US$10,600. What do you think of this version? Do you prefer it over the blue, red, and green ones like I do? Let me know in the comments!