Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Classic Large Small Seconds
About This Watch
The Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Classic Large Small Seconds is a quintessential dress watch that traces its lineage to 1931, when the Reverso was invented to protect the crystal of polo players' watches during matches. The iconic swiveling case remains one of the most distinctive and ingenious designs in watchmaking history. Powered by the manually wound caliber 822/A, this model features a refined silver dial with applied hour markers and a small seconds sub-dial at six o'clock. The rectangular case measures 45.6mm in height and maintains the slender 8.5mm thickness that makes the Reverso such an elegant companion on the wrist. The ability to flip the case over reveals a solid steel caseback that can be engraved with personal inscriptions, monograms, or artwork — a tradition that has made the Reverso a deeply personal timepiece for generations of owners. The hand-wound movement connects the wearer to the ritual of daily winding, a meditative practice that many collectors cherish. For those seeking a watch that embodies Art Deco design principles with genuine horological heritage, the Reverso Classic Large Small Seconds represents one of the finest propositions in the luxury watch market.
In-Depth Review
The Art Deco aesthetic refuses to fade, and Jaeger-LeCoultre proves why with the Reverso Classic Large Small Seconds. This 45.6mm stainless steel case houses one of watchmaking's most ingenious complications: a reversible case that flips to protect the dial while revealing a caseback suitable for engraving. The design dates to 1931, yet this 2019 iteration remains contextually modern. Its manual-wind caliber 822/A delivers a respectable 45-hour power reserve, while the small seconds subdial at six o'clock provides classical proportions that distinguish it from simpler Reverso variants. The silver dial, sapphire crystal, and refined case finishing speak to meticulous assembly in the Le Sentier manufacture, where attention to detail justifies the $7,650 retail price.
This watch serves the discerning collector who values mechanical horology and pragmatic elegance. The Reverso appeals equally to professionals seeking understated sophistication and enthusiasts drawn to its historical significance and flip-case innovation. Its 30-meter water resistance and leather strap positioning make it unsuitable for sports, but that's irrelevant to its intended purpose: a dress piece for those who appreciate Swiss watchmaking's intellectual legacy.
In the luxury dress watch segment, the Reverso competes directly against the Cartier Tank and Longines DolceVita, both excellent values around similar price points. Yet the Jaeger-LeCoultre's reversible case and refined movement caliber justify its premium positioning, offering collectors something neither competitor can replicate.
Specifications
Movement
| Movement Type | Manual |
|---|---|
| Caliber | Jaeger-LeCoultre 822/A |
| Power Reserve | 45 hours |
| Frequency | 21,600 vph |
| Jewels | 19 |
Case
| Case Diameter | 45.6mm |
|---|---|
| Case Thickness | 8.5mm |
| Case Material | Stainless Steel |
| Crystal | Sapphire |
| Bezel | Fixed, polished |
| Dial Color | Silver |
| Lug Width | 18mm |
| Lug-to-Lug | 45.6mm |
Features
| Water Resistance | 30m / 98ft |
|---|---|
| Bracelet/Strap | Black leather strap |
| Clasp | Deployant clasp |
| Weight | 60g |
| Complications |