Despite the introduction of only a few new models, 2021 was a landmark year for Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso. From the exquisite enamel of the Reverso Tribute Enamel Hokusai “Kirifuri Waterfall” to the mind-blowing complications of the Reverso Hybris Mechanica Caliber 185, Jaeger-LeCoultre marked the 90th anniversary of the Reverso collection by pushing the boundaries of both mechanical and aesthetic design.
In its latest release, the brand returns to more familiar territory, presenting a new minute repeater model focused more on showcasing the visual artistry of this complication than on introducing completely new concepts to the series. The new limited Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Tribute Minute Repeater brings a meticulously designed skeleton style with dual dials and a complex minute repeater complication to the clean art deco lines of the Reverso series with impressive finish depth.
The polished pink gold case of the Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Tribute Minute Repeater maintains the classic art deco design of the series, albeit with larger dimensions - 51.1 mm by 31 mm. The overall case thickness is a manageable 11.4 mm, allowing the sloping lugs and the fluted rotating central case section to remain balanced and well-proportioned in the initial images.
The slide trigger activating the chimes at the 10 o'clock position has also been redesigned from previous Reverso minute repeater models, receiving a smoother, low-profile shape with a coin edge surface for extra grip. Since this model features dual dials, the idea of a caseback for the Reverso Tribute Minute Repeater is somewhat misleading, yet both dials are naturally equipped with sapphire crystals. Conceptually, the Reverso Tribute Minute Repeater is far from a sports design, as evidenced by its minimal 30-meter water resistance.
Although both dials of the Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Tribute Minute Repeater are fully skeletonized, each takes on a noticeably different character.
The main dial is the more complex and adventurous of the pair, with a web of skeletonized bridges highlighting the complexity of the minute repeater complication. The top bridges and minute repeater gongs are crafted from pink gold matching the case and are finished with vertical brushing, Côtes de Genève, and blued screws to visually separate them from the centrifugal regulator and open mainspring barrel below.
Long, dagger-like applied faceted indices in pink gold and the outer chemin-de-fer minute track maintain the standard Reverso layout over this intricate skeletonized display, while the silver dauphine hands handle timekeeping duties. However, even with these large indices and contrasting hands, the main dial appears difficult to read in initial images.
The second skeletonized dial on the reverse side is visually more restrained and single-layered, with a simpler layout of the skeletonized dial showcasing the core timekeeping functions rather than the complex minute repeater complication.
As on the main dial, the reverse side uses signature indices, minute scale, and dauphine hands, but here all elements are crafted from uniform pink gold, which stands out more prominently against the mechanism. Plates, bridges, and the balance cock are finished with a consistent Côtes de Genève pattern, while elements like the gold balance wheel, gold gear train, engraved text with gold inlay, and blued screws create strong focal points in the images. The deeply engraved logo plaque at the 6 o'clock position also stands out among other elements, with the texture adding a sense of visual depth to this less complex layout.
In terms of performance, the Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Tribute Minute Repeater's redesigned in-house manually-wound Calibre 944 movement with minute repeater primarily plays to the strength of its complication. The Calibre 944 offers a power reserve of less than 35 hours at a frequency of 21,600 vibrations per hour. Jaeger-LeCoultre pairs the traditionally luxurious design with an equally classic deep cognac-brown alligator leather strap.
It may not be the most revolutionary Reverso model of 2021, but the limited Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Tribute Minute Repeater has every reason to be considered one of the most attractive, thanks to its beautifully executed skeletonized design and romantic minute repeater complication.
Only 10 pieces of the Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Tribute Minute Repeater will be produced, and the watch is available now through official dealers at a price of 250,000 euros. For more details, visit the brand's website.