Reviewing the Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Tribute Calendar
The Reverso watch is Jaeger-LeCoultre’s signature timepiece, characterized by a rectangular case that swivels. Although the Reverso is now recognized as one of the finest dress watches in the luxury market, its origins are rooted in sports as it was developed for polo players back in 1931. The clever swivel mechanism allowed players to flip the watch case during dangerous polo matches so that the fragile crystal on the dial side could be safely tucked away while the tougher metal caseback was exposed to potential mallet knocks.
Since then, Jaeger-LeCoultre has greatly expanded the Reverso collection to include an immense assortment of models in varying sizes, materials, styles, and complications. In 2016, Jaeger-LeCoultre celebrated the Reverso’s 85th Anniversary by launching the commemorative Reverso Tribute Calendar, which is the watch we’ve chosen to highlight. Keep on reading for everything you need to know about the Reverso Tribute Calendar by Jaeger-LeCoultre.
Reverso Tribute Calendar Q3912420
Stunning in its design, the Reverso Tribute Calendar ref. Q3912420 features an 18k rose gold case that measures 49.4mm in height by 29.9mm wide and is 12mm thick. In true Reverso fashion, the design is unquestionably Art Deco, accented with grooved horizontal lines at the top and bottom of the case.
This particular anniversary Reverso includes two dials. The first dial (known as the recto dial) is home to Dauphine-style hour and minute hands at the center, flanked by the day and month windows above and a date and moonphase subdial below. The beautiful silver-toned grained opaline dial is punctuated with hand-applied rose gold faceted hour markers, including double markers at 12 o’clock.
If we rotate the case, we’re treated to yet another dial, rendered in a striking back-anthracite shade. The outer segment is decorated with a Clous de Paris hobnail guilloché pattern. This additional dial (known as the verso dial) serves to indicate a second time zone, complete with a day and night indicator illustrated by an artful rendition of the sun and moon in a rotating disk. This dial also features Dauphine hands and hand-applied faceted indices, crafted in matching 18k rose gold.
The Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Tribute Calendar ref. Q3912420 is paired with a brown alligator strap, which is furnished with an 18k rose gold folding deployant clasp.
Jaeger-LeCoultre Caliber 853
To power the Reverso Tribute Calendar, Jaeger-LeCoultre chose the manual-winding Caliber 853, which is an oblong-shaped movement that can fit into the distinct rectangular Reverso case. Given that Jaeger-LeCoultre is known as “the watchmaker’s watchmaker,” this movement is, of course, entirely designed, produced, and assembled in-house at the company’s ateliers in Le Sentier, Switzerland.
The movement drives the time, day, date, month, and moonphase indications on one dial and the second time zone and day/night indicator on the other dial. And even if the movement is not visible to the wearer, Jaeger-LeCoultre spared no time and effort in its finishing and decoration. Following in the traditions of haute horlogerie, Caliber 853 benefits from chamfered edges, countersunk jewels, mirror-polished screws, and bridges decorated with Geneva Stripes.
Caliber 853 operates at a frequency of 21,600 beats per hour and supplies the watch with 45 hours of power reserve when fully wound.
The Reverso Legacy
Jaeger-LeCoultre reserves its “Tribute” title for models that faithfully carry the spirit of the 1931 Reverso while also meeting the expectations of today’s luxury watch buyers. And the Reverso Tribute Calendar certainly fits the bill with its ultra-luxurious and mechanically complex interpretation of Jaeger-LeCoultre’s groundbreaking swivel-cased watch.
From its contemporary-sized 18k rose gold Art Deco case to its duoface dials powered by one single movement, the Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Tribute Calendar is an exquisite timepiece that not only boasts an intriguing history but is also made by one of the grandest Swiss watchmakers of all time.
Gray and Sons is proud to have a pre-owned Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Tribute Calendar Q3912420 in stock, ready to ship. Don’t miss your opportunity to own this hard-to-find luxury dress watch – get in touch with us today.
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