Jamie Weiss
Sydney finally gets the recognition as a style capital that it deserves with a limited-edition Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso.It features a caseback with a detailed outline of the city's most recognisable landmark, Sydney Harbour.It’s joined by other models celebrating other “internationally renowned cities of style”, namely Los Angeles and Singapore.Before moving to Melbourne, I was always under the impression that Melbourne was a far better-dressed city than my hometown of Sydney. And sure – I think men in particular probably dress a little smarter in Melbourne (I’d counter that the colder weather gives you more layering options). But Sydney is a damn stylish city, even if we generally dress down more than our Victorian rivals. I can hear you Melburnians scoffing but Jaeger-LeCoultre and Mr Porter seem to agree with me, with the “watchmaker’s watchmaker” and high-end online retailer teaming up on an exclusive version of their iconic Reverso that celebrates Sydney.Not a bad likeness.Based on the popular Reverso Classic Monoface Small Seconds in stainless steel, it features a bespoke limited edition caseback engraving depicting Sydney’s iconic harbour, with the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge depicted in exquisite Art Deco-esque detail. Forget the ‘golden ratio’ – how about a Sydney ‘golden hour’?This Sydney model forms part of a trio alongside a Los Angeles model, which depicts the LA city skyline against the Santa Monica Mountains; and a Singapore model, which depicts the Marina Bay Sands and the ArtScience Museum against the water. These three continue a series of city-inspired limited-edition Reversos produced for Mr Porter which kicked off in 2021 with New York, London and Hong Kong engraved editions.I’m a bit biased but I think the Sydney model is probably the prettiest of the three: this Art Deco take on Sydney Harbour really works. It’s also nice for an Australian city to get a nod like this from international brands like Mr Porter and JLC. Mounted on a Casa Fagliano calf leather strap and featuring an ultra-clean silvered guilloche dial with Arabic numerals, blued hands and a small seconds at 6 o’clock, it’s hard to find a fault with this release (except for maybe the A$3,000 premium over an unengraved Reverso Classic Monoface Small Seconds…)Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Classic Monoface Small Seconds Sydney pricing & availabilityThe Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Classic Monoface Small Seconds Sydney is exclusively available online from Mr Porter. JLC and Mr Porter have described it as a “limited edition”, but they haven’t shared how many they’ve made – however, the previous run of New York, London and Hong Kong Reversos are now no longer available, so we suspect it is truly limited. Price: A$20,000.BrandJaeger-LeCoultreModelReverso Classic Monoface Small Seconds SydneyReference NumberJLQ385852ECase Dimensions45.6mm (L) x 27.4mm (W)Case MaterialStainless steelWater Resistance30 metres, screw-down crownCrystal(s)SapphireDialSilvered guilloche dial, Arabic numerals, blued handsStrapCasa Fagliano calf leather strap with pin buckleMovementJaeger-LeCoultre 822/2, hand-woundPower Reserve42 hoursFunctionsHours, minutes, small secondsAvailabilityAvailable exclusively from Mr PorterPriceA$20,000
30.11.23