Introducing: The Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Tribute Duoface Small Seconds In Black And Blue

One brand stands out to me in the avalanche of new releases during Watches and Wonders this year. Jaeger-LeCoultre has created a remarkable series of new Reversos displaying an extensive range of models. The stellar Reverso Tribute Monoface Small Seconds in pink gold on the mesh bracelet is the absolute standout. For me, it is one of the highlights of this year and a strong contender for Best Watch of Watches and Wonders 2025. However, the brand gives us much variety with its Reverso introductions. Another great release is the duo of new Reverso Tribute Duoface Small Seconds models. It’s a welcome return of the Reverso Duoface with the famous Night & Day dial in two beautiful colorways.

If you know the Reverso collection, you’ll realize that I’m being a bit cheeky here. Technically, the two new Reverso Tribute Duoface Small Seconds models are not a return of the stainless steel Reverso Duoface with the Night & Day dial. The current collection also has the Reverso Tribute Duoface Calendar, which features a blue Night & Day dial on the back (albeit, with a slightly different execution). However, with the new black and dark blue models, the brand has two more smash hits on its hands. On top of that, they’re smaller and cost €3,300 less than the calendar version. I’d say it’s time to find out more!

The story of the Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Tribute Duoface Small Seconds

The first Reverso Duoface ref. 270.8.54, which featured the famous Night & Day display on the second dial, was released in 1991. Over time, it became one of the most popular models and one of the brand’s great modern classics. The closest relative to that watch in the current Reverso collection is the Reverso Classic Duoface Small Seconds ref. Q2458422. That watch features a silvered front dial displaying the home time through the central hour and minute hands and a sub-seconds register.

If you flip the case around, you will see a black dial that displays the time in another time zone in the center with a smaller 24-hour (night-day) display. Instead of the words “Night” and “Day,” though, it has the words “Travel” and “Time.”

As you might have read in my recent article on the top five Reverso models, I prefer the Reverso Tribute series. It takes after the original Reverso design from 1931, which you’ll also see featured in the pictures here. I love the combination of the applied hour markers and dauphine hands with a much more straightforward dial.

There is something very stylish yet uncomplicated about the layout, and I adore it. As mentioned, the Reverso Tribute line currently features one other stainless steel Duoface model, the more complicated Duoface Calendar. In addition, there is a stunning non-calendar version in pink gold, which Lex reviewed late last year.

The new black and blue Reverso Tribute Duoface Small Seconds models

Let’s first check out some basic specs to get an idea of the two new introductions. Both feature a 28.3mm × 47mm × 10.3mm stainless steel case. The length and width are the same as those of their pink gold counterpart. Interestingly, the steel cases are slightly thicker than the pink gold model’s 9.613mm profile, but the watches are still far from chunky.

That said, with a 47mm length, these watches are not for people with small wrists. As Lex explained in his review, rectangular watches look and feel completely different on the wrist than round watches. But if you can pull this size off, these two new models are absolute stunners.

As these are Duoface versions, both house two dials. The first model (ref. Q398847J) features a black sunray front dial contrasted by applied faceted markers and beautiful dauphine hands that indicate the hours and minutes of the local time. Additionally, a sub-seconds register sits at the 6 o’clock position, placed beautifully against the railroad minute track. The second of the two models (ref. Q3988481) features a beautiful dark blue sunray dial with the same layout.

If you flip the cases of both variants, you will see a silvered dial with a large central display for home time. Additionally, a sub-dial at the bottom serves as a 24-hour (night-day) display. The style of this “Verso” dial goes well with the design of the “Recto” (front) side with its similar applied markers and dauphine hands. Lastly, you will see the words “night” and “day” neatly flanking the sub-dial.

The in-house Jaeger-LeCoultre 854

Jaeger-LeCoultre’s familiar caliber 854 lies within these Duoface models. This 19-jewel manual-winding movement consists of 160 parts, operates at a 21,600vph frequency, and offers a 42-hour power reserve. It also powers most Duoface references in the collection.

A small slider set into the top case band adjusts the time on the Verso dial, including the 24-hour indicator. The slider is neatly hidden when you wear the watch. It only shows itself if you release the case from the cradle.

Finishing the look of the two models are two easily interchangeable Casa Fagliano straps that come with each watch. The black-dial version comes with a black calfskin strap and a second strap combining gray canvas and black calfskin.

The blue-dial model comes with a dark blue calfskin strap and another strap made of lighter blue canvas and dark blue calf leather. We loved seeing both watches on their standard leather straps. They have a super stylish presence that is hard to ignore.

Final thoughts on the new Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Tribute Duoface Small Seconds Models

Sure, these two new Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Tribute Duoface Small Seconds models don’t bring anything groundbreaking to the Reverso collection. However, the watches perfectly show what makes the Tribute series so attractive within Jaeger-LeCoultre’s Reverso lineup.

We love the modern take on the classic looks of the first Reversos from the 1930s. These two references combine those looks with a dual-time function, which I adore. By now, it is no secret that I love a great multi-time-zone watch, and these two watches are exactly that.

As I mentioned, the new pink gold Monoface Small Seconds on the mesh bracelet is my favorite Reverso. However, these two new models would be a more realistic option in terms of daily wearability and price. They are now available for €14,900 each.

In my opinion, these two watches are the perfect entry-level Reverso Tribute Duofaces. While many of the other new Reverso releases will likely jump out at you before the Duoface Small Seconds versions do, these are among the best new Reverso introductions in a stream of Jaeger-LeCoultre highlights this year at Watches and Wonders.