Luke Benedictus
The Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Tribute Chronograph unites a chronograph with a double-sided displayDraws inspiration from the first Reverso Chronograph of 1996To showcase the chronograph movement, the dial is entirely skeletonisedReverso Tribute Chronograph pink goldThere's a strong argument to be made that the Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso should really be classified as sports watch. It was, after all, specifically developed as a watch built to withstand the rigours of polo in the 1930s, its swivelling case offering protection against flailing mallets and flying balls. Yet, at the same time, today the Reverso feels more compatible with the modern understanding of a dress watch, its refined Art Deco looks and leather strap making it an ideal formalwear accessory. But the Reverso Tribute Chronograph has the perfect answer to anyone wondering whether it should be considered a dress watch or sports watch. That's because this timepiece is actually both. Drawing inspiration from the first Reverso Chronograph of 1996, the new Calibre 860 unites a chronograph with a double-sided display.Reverso Tribute Chronograph pink goldThe front dial of the watch looks like a classic Reverso. All the identifying markers are present and correct in the form of the baton hour markers, Dauphine hands and chemin de fer minutes track. The dial exudes dress-watch elegance with its sunray-brushed surface giving no hint of the mechanical complexity within. But on closer inspection, there's a sign that there's more to this watch than meets the eye. ?On either side of the winding crown, there are two chronograph pushers.Reverso Tribute Chronograph pink goldTurning the watch case over reveals the chronograph mechanism on the reverse side. To showcase the chronograph movement, the dial is entirely skeletonised, the bridges are decorated with C?tes de Geneve to create visual unity, and the chronograph seconds and minute tracks are highlighted in black to maximise legibility. Blue screws are matched by the blue of the chronograph hands, underlining the integration of movement and decoration. Enhancing the sense of visual depth, the indications for the second time display faceted baton indexes and chemin de fer minutes track appear to be floating above the calibre.Calibre 860AAThe Reverso Tribute Chronograph is powered by JLC's new Calibre 860, a fully integrated hand-wound chronograph movement that answers the challenge of housing circular chronograph timing indications within a rectangular case, while maintaining the clarity and legibility essential for this sporty complication. Staying true to JLC's position that a?movement should be shaped according to the case that houses it, the calibre itself is also rectangular. The result is a highly distinctive dial layout, with a large chronograph seconds display in the upper part of the dial complemented by a retrograde 30-minute indicator on an arc at the base of the dial. ?Impressively given this two-faced complexity, the case is still just 12mm thick.Reverso Tribute Chronograph steelThe Reverso Tribute Chronograph is presented in both steel and pink gold, partnered by dark blue and black straps respectively. The cool tone of the steel case is complemented by a blue-grey dial, while the richness of the pink gold case contrasts with the pure black dial.Reverso Tribute Chronograph steelThe two straps offered with each watch, feature an interchangeable buckle for easy strap changes. One is all leather and the other is a hybrid of canvas and leather that would be ideal to go with more casual looks. Once again, the straps are designed by the celebrated Argentinian polo bootmaker Casa Fagliano, in a nod to the Reverso's sporting roots.Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Tribute Chronograph?pricing and availability:The Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Tribute Chronograph is available now for A$61,000BrandJaeger-LeCoultreModelReverso Tribute ChronographCase Dimensions29.9mm (across) x 11.14mm (T) x 49.4mm (L2L)Case MaterialPink gold or stainless steelWater Resistance30 metresDialBlack or blue-grey sunburstCrystal(s)Sapphire crystalStrapFagliano Collection calf leather and canvas with additional calf leather strapMovementJLC Calibre 860, manual windingPower Reserve52 hoursFunctionsChronograph with retrograde, hours, minutesAvailabilityNowPriceA$61,000
28.03.23