Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Tribute Small Seconds
About This Watch
The Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Tribute Small Seconds with its captivating blue dial is a modern reinterpretation that honors the original 1931 design while incorporating contemporary color sensibilities. The rich sunray-finished blue dial creates a depth of color that shifts beautifully under different lighting conditions, paired with applied white gold hour markers and dauphine hands for excellent legibility. Powered by the manually wound caliber 822/A/2, this Tribute edition emphasizes the refined finishing of both dial and movement. The case retains the classic large proportions at 45.6mm in height, wearing comfortably on the wrist thanks to the slim 8.5mm profile. The small seconds sub-dial at six o'clock adds a touch of vintage charm. What sets the Tribute line apart from the Classic is the attention to dial finishing and the more dressy overall presentation. The blue calfskin strap is perfectly color-matched to the dial, creating a cohesive aesthetic. The Reverso's ability to be flipped over to protect the crystal — or simply to reveal a blank canvas for engraving — remains one of the most engaging mechanical interactions in all of watchmaking. This blue-dialed variant has become particularly sought after among collectors who recognize the Reverso as perhaps the most architecturally significant wristwatch ever designed.
In-Depth Review
The Reverso collection stands as one of watchmaking's most enduring design achievements, and Jaeger-LeCoultre's 2021 Tribute Small Seconds edition proves the concept remains vital nearly a century after its 1931 debut. This iteration honors the original's ingenious flip case mechanism while introducing a refined aesthetic through its blue dial and calfskin strap pairing. The 45.6mm case houses the in-house caliber 822/A/2, a hand-wound movement rated for 45 hours of power reserve—adequate for the watch's dress-watch positioning without approaching the performance benchmarks of modern sport chronographs. The small seconds subdial at six o'clock echoes vintage Reverso models, grounding this contemporary piece in historical narrative. At 8.5mm thick and water-resistant to only 30 meters, this is explicitly a watch for controlled environments, not adventure.
The Reverso Tribute appeals to a specific collector: someone who values historical resonance over technical maximalism, who appreciates the ritualistic satisfaction of manual winding, and who recognizes that a dress watch's purpose is complementing formal attire rather than competing with tool watches for wrist time. This owner understands the flip case's practical legacy in protecting the dial during polo matches, even if they'll never ride a horse in anger.
At the $7,200 market price, the Tribute positions itself between approachable luxury and serious collecting. It outpaces the Longines DolceVita ($2,500) in heritage weight but cedes technical sophistication to the Patek Philippe Calatrava ($40,000+), occupying genuine middle ground for those seeking Jaeger-LeCoultre's manufacture quality without premium complications.
Specifications
Movement
| Movement Type | Manual |
|---|---|
| Caliber | Jaeger-LeCoultre 822/A/2 |
| 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 | Blue |
| Lug Width | 18mm |
| Lug-to-Lug | 45.6mm |
Features
| Water Resistance | 30m / 98ft |
|---|---|
| Bracelet/Strap | Blue calfskin leather strap |
| Clasp | Deployant clasp |
| Weight | 62g |
| Complications |