by Martin Green
Ninety years: that deserves a party! Dinner for One, anyone?
Like Freddie Finton’s butler James, the geriatric co-star of this boozy cult film shown on continuous loop in northern Europe during the festive season, I prefer most of my drinks neat. And most of my watches as well. Less is so often more, especially with the Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso.
With two or three hands, the Reverso puts its pure, 1930s self on display, highlighting that it is still a formidable watch despite the many decades that have passed since its birth. Miss Sophie (May Warden) could surely relate to that.
The exception to my “less is more maxim” with regard to the Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso is the brand’s Duoface model. Since its introduction in 1994, I have found it captivating.
The fact that a single, manual-wind movement powers hands on both sides of the watch – to set one side, the crown is turned counterclockwise – is precisely the mechanical magic that made me fall in love with the world of watches all these years ago.
Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Tribute Duoface Fagliano
In celebration of the Reverso’s ninetieth birthday in 2021, Jaeger-LeCoultre introduced a new Duoface variation as a teaser of things to come.
Mixing the best with the best
The name of this Reverso Tribute model already reveals that it combines the best with the best when it comes to the Reverso variations, offering that pure, classic style making the Reverso both a statement and an understatement, the two faces doubling the impact.
The Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Tribute Duoface Fagliano shows off its slim profile of 10.3 mm
I am usually not a fan of collaborations, but the one between Jaeger-LeCoultre and the legendary Argentinian maker of bespoke polo boots Casa Fagliano makes sense.
And there is a direct link with the history of Reverso, which was initially developed for polo players. But what I appreciate even more is the consistency of the collaboration. Both brands are rather modest, preferring to have their products speak for them. In this case, slightly louder than usual as the burgundy-colored dial is very expressive, especially in combination with the pink gold case.
This is not the first Tribute Duoface on which the brands have collaborated: in 2017 Jaeger-LeCoultre launched a stunning example with a two-tone Cordovan strap and a grey-colored dial.
The two faces of the Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Tribute Duoface Fagliano
In essence, this new watch follows the same concept with a sunburst dial on one side and a clous de Paris – or hobnail – guilloche on the other. This provides yet another aspect to why I love the Duoface so much: each dial has a character of its own, offering two watches for the price of one.
Better or just different?
While the Reverso Tribute Duoface Fagliano might not bring much new to the table, it’s still very welcome. Jaeger-LeCoultre reports that this introduction is a small amuse bouche to the main courses to come over the next 12 months as the Reverso celebrates its ninetieth.
Or to put it in a way that James and Miss Sophie might better express: this is the mulligatawny soup with sherry before the North Sea haddock with white wine and chicken with champagne.
I also appreciate a brand that takes its collaborations slow and steady. This suits Jaeger-LeCoultre and especially the Reverso, which has always been very consistent in its design. The red makes it a bit more daring as does the strap that combines canvas and Cordovan leather.
Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Tribute Duoface Fagliano
These elements make an overall stylish watch with a bit of a rebellious touch. While it is not “better” than previous Tribute Duoface models, they add a different flavor that suits the model very well.
With that in mind, Jaeger-LeCoultre will probably have little difficulty allocating the 190 pieces of the Reverso Tribute Duoface Fagliano, which is available exclusively through its boutiques. That is if clients are not going to wait for things to come.
With this watch being “just” a teaser, Jaeger-LeCoultre is bound to have some spectacular models in store for us later this year to celebrate the Reverso’s 90th anniversary.
Same procedure as every year, James? I think not.
For more information, please visit jaeger-lecoultre.com/eu/en/watches/reverso/reverso-tribute-duoface-medium.
Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Tribute Duoface Fagliano on the wrist
Quick Facts Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Tribute Duoface Fagliano Limited Edition
Case: pink gold, 47 x 28.3 x 10.3 mm
Movement: manually wound Caliber 854A/2, 3 Hz/21,600 vph frequency, 42 hours power reserve
Functions: hours, minutes, seconds on the front; second time zone, 24-hour day/night indication on the back
Limitation: 190 pieces
Strap: two-tone Cordovan leather and canvas designed and handcrafted by Casa Fagliano
Remark: 8-year warranty
Price: $23,900/€23,300, available only in Jaeger-LeCoultre boutiques
You may also enjoy:
90 Years Of The Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso
Why I Bought It: Jaeger-LeCoultre Tribute To Reverso 1931
The Making Of A Custom-Engraved Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Classique
Why I Bought My Wife An Engraved Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Classique
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