This week, we review five outstanding models from one of the most talked-about brands of recent years.
Jaeger-LeCoultre made waves with its 2025 releases and once again impressed at Watches and Wonders 2026. However, many remarkable watches have appeared outside of the largest annual exhibition. Over the past three years, the brand from Le Sentier has introduced numerous intriguing models. Thus, we decided to highlight our five favorites among the recent JLC releases. Choosing just five was quite a challenge, given the abundance of worthy options.
We noticed that Jaeger-LeCoultre sometimes releases new models quietly, without much fanfare. These are not merely new dial variations of existing models. Not long ago, JLC discreetly added a reduced version of the Reverso Tribute Duoface Small Seconds to the collection. It was a smart move that many of us welcomed. Sometimes it raises the question of why the brand doesn't give some of its excellent watches the attention they deserve. We decided to look at the best Jaeger-LeCoultre releases of recent years and pick five favorite models.
Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Control Chronometre Perpetual Calendar
Let's start with one of my favorite new releases from Watches and Wonders 2026. The Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Control Chronometre Perpetual Calendar is part of a new series of watches with an integrated bracelet. This model was a surprise on the first day of the exhibition and received high praise from both fans and critics. Among the three new models, this perpetual calendar captivated me at first glance.
The Master Control Chronometre Perpetual Calendar features an elegant 39 mm case with a thickness of 9.2 mm, and a thoughtfully designed bracelet that sits comfortably on the wrist. The watch dial is executed with perfect balance, making the perpetual calendar very easy to read. Typically, I don't like cluttered perpetual calendar dials, but this model is an exception.
Perfectly Balanced Perpetual Calendar Dial
The blue-gray dial with a sunray finish looks elegant. Each of the sub-dials has enough space, creating a harmonious look. I particularly like the moon phase indicator, made in the same silvery-blue tones as the other elements of the watch - it's a real design move.
Inside is the JLC 868 caliber with automatic winding, operating at a frequency of 28,800 vph and providing a power reserve of up to 70 hours. The movement is COSC-certified as a chronometer and bears the brand's High Precision Guarantee (HPG) mark. Thanks to its superb finishing, it looks impressive.
With the new Master Control Chronometre series, Jaeger-LeCoultre has brought a fresh perspective to the segment of watches with integrated bracelets, and fans of the brand have appreciated it. The Master Control Chronometre Perpetual Calendar is our absolute favorite among the three models and the top choice in this list, priced at €49,400.
Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Tribute Monoface Small Seconds
In second place is last year's model - the Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Tribute Monoface Small Seconds in rose gold. When these watches were introduced at Watches and Wonders 2025, they immediately became one of the most talked-about novelties of the exhibition. And more than a year later, they haven't lost their appeal. The main highlight of the model is the magnificent rose gold mesh bracelet, which completely changes the perception of the classic Reverso compared to the strap versions.
JLC designers combined a rose gold case measuring 27.4 x 45.6 x 7.56 mm with a textured gold dial, applied hour markers, and sharp dauphine hands. The small seconds sub-dial is located at the 6 o'clock position, adding an elegant detail, while the brand logo completes the look. The bracelet is crafted from 16 meters of fine golden wire and features a practical integrated clasp with smooth adjustment, ensuring a perfect fit on the wrist.
Not for Everyone, but Hard to Ignore the Genius
Inside the case is the manual caliber 822 with a power reserve of 42 hours and a frequency of 21,600 vph. The movement's thickness is just 2.93 mm, which allowed the watch to maintain a thin profile and remain highly comfortable.
This model is not for everyone, but its bold design is hard to exclude from such a list. You might prefer the white gold version, quietly released this May, as mentioned at the beginning of the article. However, since the rose gold version received the most response, we chose this model (€48,400) as the second favorite.
Jaeger-LeCoultre Duometre Chronograph Moon
"Jaeger-LeCoultre is a remarkable watch brand, but as a manufacturer of movements, 'Le Grand Maison' from Le Sentier is perhaps even more impressive." The Duometre series is a striking example of unique craftsmanship. We could have chosen the crazy Duometre Heliotourbillon Perpetual, recently presented in a platinum case on a bracelet, but we settled on the more restrained Duometre Chronograph Moon.
These watches revive the Duometre concept first introduced in 2007. For those unfamiliar, the Duometre movement features two independent barrels and two separate transmission systems, united by one escapement. This ensures stable timekeeping without affecting the complications' operation. Such technology, first applied by Jaeger-LeCoultre in 1881 in the caliber 19/20RMSMI for pocket watches, is highly valued by purists for separating chronometry functions from complications.
New Duometre Caliber
For the Duometre Chronograph Moon model, a new caliber 391 was created from scratch, retaining the basic principles of the Duometre concept. This is a fully integrated monopusher chronograph with moon phases and a day/night indicator. Additionally, the watch is equipped with two power reserve indicators and a foudroyante second. When the chronograph is started, the second hand makes six steps per second, ensuring accuracy up to 1/6th of a second.
The dial features a combined 12-hour/60-minute chronograph counter at the 2 o'clock position, which also includes a moon phase indicator. The main time is displayed on a dial at the 10 o'clock position with a day/night indicator. Two small skeletonized windows in the shape of smiles reveal the gorgeous movement.
The back of the watch showcases finishing craftsmanship comparable to the best names in the industry. The Duometre Chronograph Moon is available in rose gold and platinum. We particularly like the platinum version with a stunning salmon dial. In 2024, its price was €97,000, and now, considering price increases, it has likely exceeded the €100,000 mark. The exact cost is provided upon request, but this doesn't diminish the model's outstanding qualities.
Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Hybris Artistica Calibre 179
Jaeger-LeCoultre also creates exceptional tourbillons. A striking example is the stunning Reverso Hybris Artistica Calibre 179, which debuted at Watches and Wonders 2025. These are true "unicorns" - only 10 pieces were produced. Describing the entire story of these watches can take a while, but for complete understanding, we recommend checking out Thomas's review and a large number of photos showcasing the craftsmanship involved.
Exceptional Craftsmanship
The watch is a Reverso Duoface, meaning each dial displays its own time zone, and the reverse side features a 24-hour indicator. At the 6 o'clock position, there's a fast gyrotourbillon making a full rotation in 16 seconds, while the outer cage completes a revolution in one minute. Combined with the semi-spherical balance spring, this creates a spectacular effect.
The manual caliber 179 provides a 40-hour power reserve and is housed in a white gold case measuring 31 x 51.1 x 13.63 mm. The model is distinguished by exceptional finishing from the brand's Metiers Rares masters. It starts with extensive skeletonization, allowing observation of the intricate mechanics. The dials are coated in blue lacquer, and the reverse side is done in the same color scheme with deep skeletonization.
The detailed hand finishing of each component is astounding: the tourbillon cage beveling alone takes 14 hours of work. Despite the technical complexity, the watch remains a stylish Reverso, which is valued by fans. At release, the price was $565,000, and now the cost is provided upon request.
Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Tribute Duoface Small Seconds Models
The fifth and final choice on our list is the Reverso Tribute Duoface Small Seconds models. After the major premieres, it's nice to remember the simple genius of the classic Reverso. These watches combine two 2025 models and a recently added reduced version, quietly released.
We wrote about the return of the Reverso Duoface last year. In the year dedicated to the Reverso, these two models almost went unnoticed, but the return of the 1994 classic was a significant event for fans. Both versions have a stainless steel case measuring 28.3 x 47 x 10.3 mm. With a 47 mm lug-to-lug length, they are quite large, so owners with slender wrists should consider the dimensions.
Classic Design Returns
On the front side is a Reverso Tribute-style dial with a sunray pattern in black or blue. The hour markers are applied with faceted appliques, and the hours and minutes are shown with dauphine hands. At the 6 o'clock position is a sub-dial for seconds. On the reverse side is a silver dial with a large central home time indicator and a 24-hour indicator (night/day) at the bottom. The markers and hands match the style of the front side. The words "night" and "day" are placed on either side of the sub-dial.
Inside is the manual caliber 854 with 19 jewels, consisting of 160 parts, operating at a frequency of 21,600 vph and providing a 42-hour power reserve. Two easily interchangeable straps designed by Casa Fagliano are included. However, due to the case size, these models (€15,400) are not for everyone.
To our surprise, Jaeger-LeCoultre recently added a reduced version with a case measuring 25.5 x 42.9 x 9.23 mm. The front side is finished in white opaline, while the reverse is in sunray blue, completely changing the watch's perception. Thanks to its compact size and harmonious color combination, this model (€14,700) has become a favorite among many WatchTested team members and is the final choice on our list.
Final Thoughts on Favorite Jaeger-LeCoultre Releases of Recent Years
Here is our top 5 of the latest Jaeger-LeCoultre releases, clearly demonstrating why the brand from Le Sentier is so highly regarded. Of course, this is just a small part of the available models. We could easily compile another list of five equally impressive watches. Now we'd like to hear your opinion: which recent Jaeger-LeCoultre releases do you like the most? Share in the comments which model you would choose or which watches from the brand are your favorites!