Introducing: The Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Tribute Chronograph Limited Edition In Full Rose Gold Attire
The new stainless steel Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Tribute Chronograph was among our favorite releases during Watches and Wonders 2023. The contrast between the clean blue/gray sunburst dial and the open-worked chronograph dial especially earned our admiration. Of course, the version with a rose gold case and indexes on its black sunburst dial was also very impressive. But somehow, we didn’t give it the attention it deserved. Maybe that’s why Jaeger-LeCoultre has now introduced a new Reverso Tribute Chronograph limited edition on which even the dial and bridges are made of rose gold. Just to make sure we were listening this time.
Both Lex and I were in awe of that stainless steel Reverso Tribute Chronograph. Lex even built his €25,000 watch collection solely with that particular watch. He cheated a bit there because, at the time, it already sold for €27,300. The new all-rose-gold version we’re quickly looking at today costs an impressive €73,000. Let’s see if it looks just as impressive as its asking price.
The Golden Ratio
The teaser for this new Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso was a picture on which you could only see the dial. It was taken out of the case and stood on its bottom left corner. I saw it very quickly on Nacho’s screen, and for a moment, I thought it had a square instead of a rectangular shape. However, that would mean that the designers let go of The Golden Ratio. They proudly mentioned this design principle when they presented the new Tribute models in 2023. From then on, all Reverso’s would have the perfect proportions.
It was true. Those new models and the ones after, even though they came in different sizes, all had perfect dimensions. That’s why the relatively big Reverso Tribute Chronograph wears well on a wide variety of wrist sizes. Even I, with my 17cm wrist, could get away with it. It’s good to know that the new limited edition Reverso Tribute Chronograph comes in the same 49.4mm × 29.9mm × 11.14mm case. So, it doen’t have a square-shaped dial. It will however, be a little heavier with all the extra rose gold parts on board.
The Reverso Tribute Chronograph limited edition in rose gold
The first new part in rose gold is the rectangular time-only dial with laser-engraved horizontal lines. At first glance it looks a bit like a traditional washboard — you know, like the ones they use as a percusion instrument sometimes. But I haven’t seen it in person yet. I’m sure it looks a lot more sophisticated than that in real life. The pattern is only interupted for the Jaeger-LeCoultre logo. A black railroad minute track surrounds the new dial texture. It nicely marks-off the dial and adds contrast to the otherwise all-rose-gold spectacle.
On the flipside, there’s the magnificent chronograph dial. Another black railroad minute track surrounds the rose gold bridges of the in-house, manual Calibre 860. In the middle there’s the dial for the hours, minutes, and chronograph seconds. At the bottom, there’s the retrograde 30-minute counter for the chronograph. The polished and beveled boton hour markers almost seem to float above the skeletonized dial. I like how the dauphine-shaped hands on this side are made of steel, to add a sporty touch. Also, the chronograph hands are blued, just like some of the screws. The bridges have a vertical Geneva wave-pattern and hand-polished bevels.
The hand-wound and rectangular movement runs at a frequency of 28,800vph. It features 38 jewels and holds a power reserve of 52 hours. That’s impressive as it powers two sets of hands, the chronograph, and the retrograde 30-minute counter.
What would it look like in person?
I’d love to see the new Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Tribute Chronograph in person very soon. I’m sure that new dial texture plays very nicely with the light. In addition, I’d love to feel the weight of the all-rose-gold construction in my hand and on the wrist. It’s certainly a less toned-down version than the previous ones. But that new laser-engraved dial adds a new dimension to an already very impressiv ewatch to look at.
The production of the new Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Tribute Chronograph is limited to 250 pieces. As said, it costs €73,000 and comes with two types of straps. One is a more casual brown calf leather strap by Casa Fagliano and the other a more classic black alligator leather strap for more formal occasions. Even if you’re not able to afford it, like myself, I’d recommend you to go and take a look at your local JLC boutique. I know that’s what I’ll be doing very soon, anyway.
Let me know in the comments below what you think of the new Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Tribute Chronograph limited edition.
