Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Tribute Duoface Tourbillon

The Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Tribute Duoface Tourbillon brings a bold new dimension to one of horology’s most revered icons. A contemporary reimagination of the classic Reverso, this piece showcases Jaeger-LeCoultre’s profound commitment to precision, innovation, and artistry—all encapsulated in an exquisitely crafted steel case that redefines elegance. Introducing dual time zones within a single, ultra-thin form, the Reverso Tribute Duoface Tourbillon masterfully blends aesthetics and functionality, catering to the collector with a keen appreciation for both fine mechanics and iconic design.

The Reverso’s journey from its 1931 roots as a robust yet stylish polo watch has been a storied one. Beyond the aesthetic allure of its reversible design, each Reverso movement is created in a unique tonneau shape to match its case—a design principle that maintains the iconic silhouette while allowing for an interior elegance that only reveals itself upon closer inspection.

Now presented in a steel case, this version of the Reverso Tribute Duoface Tourbillon introduces a fresh, contemporary aesthetic. The steel casing—cool and refined—adds a striking contrast to the model originally released in 18k pink gold, enhancing the watch’s timeless appeal. Within its sleek profile, the Reverso Tribute Duoface Tourbillon offers a dual time zone functionality that effortlessly bridges art and engineering, crafted for the world-traveling connoisseur who appreciates refined aesthetics.

The Duoface concept, developed by Jaeger-LeCoultre in 1994, is designed to display two contrasting dials, each showing a separate time zone, controlled by a single mechanism. By combining this dual display with a tourbillon visible on both dials, Jaeger-LeCoultre’s artisans have achieved a technical marvel without increasing the calibre’s thickness—a feat that demonstrates the exceptional craftsmanship at La Grande Maison.

Achieving such an intricate feature as a dual-sided tourbillon required a complete rethink of the tourbillon design. Jaeger-LeCoultre’s engineers replaced the traditional upper bridge with a peripheral ball-bearing system, eliminating the need for the outer cage and maintaining the watch’s thin profile. To center the balance wheel and spring in the tourbillon, the Maison also used its patented S-shaped hairspring. These adjustments result in a tourbillon that integrates perfectly into the slim profile of the watch’s Calibre 847, which measures a mere 3.9mm in thickness, contributing to an overall watch thickness of just 9.15mm.

This tourbillon, a refined complication usually hidden within watch mechanisms, takes centre stage on both faces of the Reverso Tribute Duoface Tourbillon, highlighting the technical achievement while maintaining the Reverso’s trademark elegance. This exceptional feat allows the wearer to appreciate the technical beauty and craftsmanship of the watch from either face.

On the front, the Tribute Duoface Tourbillon displays a classic, understated dial with a sleek grey sunray finish. This face exudes a quiet elegance, with the tourbillon visible through a small aperture, inviting a deeper appreciation for the watch’s inner workings. The reverse side, however, offers a bold contrast with its partially open-worked design, showcasing the second time zone with a rich texture and dynamic play of light and shadow. The reverse dial features hand-beveled bridge edges and surfaces adorned with a Clous de Paris guilloché pattern, executed by Jaeger-LeCoultre’s Métiers Rares atelier.

The Reverso Tribute Duoface Tourbillon is a piece rooted in Art Deco design yet thoroughly modern in execution. Its refined tonneau-shaped case recalls the original 1931 model, designed to withstand the demands of polo, while its contemporary updates bring an edge of modern elegance. This new iteration in steel aligns with the historical spirit of the Reverso while reaffirming Jaeger-LeCoultre’s dedication to innovation in both aesthetic and technical design.