Sunday Morning Showdown: Cartier Tank Américaine Vs. Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Classic Monoface Small Seconds

Good morning, Fratelli, and welcome to a new Sunday Morning Showdown. Grab a cup of coffee or tea, something sweet, and sneak up somewhere next to the Christmas tree. This week, we’ll put two watches up against each other that could both perfectly serve as Christmas dinner watches. They’re both rectangular with silver dials and blue hands, but that’s about where the similarities end. Thomas will defend the Cartier Tank Américaine, while Daan will do the same for the recently updated Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Classic Monoface Small Seconds.

Let’s see which of these two rectangular watches from the Richemont Group will emerge victorious in this battle. But first, we’ll take a look at what happened last week.

Last week, on Sunday Morning Showdown…

Jorg and Mike faced off in a battle between two icons. In one corner was the second-gen Speedmaster First Omega in Space, and at the other was the Zenith Chronomaster Original. Both watches feature a beautiful dark blue sunburst dial, three sub-dials, a contrasting chronograph seconds hand, and a great legacy. Ultimately, the result was quite close. The Zenith Chronomaster Original, with its legendary El Primero movement, won with 53% of the votes, but the First Omega in Space wasn’t far behind with 47%. And that happened even though the Zenith is almost €2,000 more expensive. Let’s see how this week’s showdown turns out.

Daan: Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Classic Monoface Small Seconds

Good morning, everyone, and to you, Thomas. I’m delighted to kick off this battle with my defense of the newly updated Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Classic Monoface Small Seconds. I own the now-discontinued Reverso Classic Medium Duoface Small Seconds, which has very similar dimensions. I’m glad that for the updated Reverso Classic Monoface, JLC went with the medium size first. Its dimensions are very close to those of the original Reverso from 1931, and I think it’s the perfect size for it, especially for my 17cm wrist.

Sure, there isn’t much news to share about the updated Reverso Classic Monoface. The only apparent difference is the change in the guilloché pattern in the center of the main and sub-dial. Instead of a checkered pattern, there’s now a pattern based on what a stack of coins looks like. As some people in the comments under Lex’s introduction article complained, everything remains the same except for the dial finishing. But why would JLC change something that’s already this good?

Make it truly yours

The Reverso’s characteristic feature is its swiveling case, of course. You give it a firm push to the right with your thumb, and it clicks out of its cage. Then, you can play with it as long as you like, flip it back and forth, and finally click it into place again. Everything about it feels sturdy; there’s no play whatsoever, and the clicks are so satisfying every time.

And the great thing is, with the blank canvas on the back, you can make it even better and truly yours. Choose to engrave your initials, a specific date/text, or go for a completely custom design. You can go as crazy as you can imagine. Watch out, though, because that flipping mechanism is already hard to leave alone while it’s on your wrist, let alone when you add such a personal touch to it.

The sports watch turned dress watch

Of course, the JLC Reverso was introduced as a sports watch. However, due to its classic design, people often categorize it as a dress watch. I think that’s one of the most significant advantages of the Reverso over the Tank Américaine. With the sportier Casa Fagliano-designed leather and canvas straps, you can turn the Reverso into an informal everyday piece. However, you can always dress it up with a more formal strap style.

The Tank Américaine, on the other hand, will always be more of a dress watch than a daily wearer. I mean, it does a great job at being elegant and charming, but I wouldn’t wear it with informal attire. I also can’t get over the fact that Cartier still hasn’t introduced a medium size for the current Tank Américaine. JLC might offer too many sizes of the Reverso, but at least there’s always one that fits your wrist perfectly.

Sure, there is a price difference between today’s two contenders. This Reverso costs €8,050, while the stainless steel Tank Américaine can be yours for €6,800. However, for an additional €1,250, you receive an uncommon swiveling mechanism and a significantly more versatile watch. To me, that’s totally worth the extra cost. What about you, Thomas?

Thomas: Cartier Tank Américaine

Good morning, Fratelli and Daan! And thank you, Daan, for the buildup. That’s an awfully pricey fidget toy you have there! That said, I am happy to admit that I, too, love the feeling of flipping over a JLC Reverso.

Now, neither of these watches is a version you would buy for its horological prowess. Both brands have fancier versions for those into fine horology. Technically and movement-wise, there is little of major interest going on here, so let’s talk style. After all, I reckon that’s what potential buyers are most likely to be after.

The Cartier Tank Américaine: more versatile than you think

You point to the Reverso’s versatility as a former sports watch, Daan. It reminds me of Andrea Pirlo, a former elegant sportsman turned classy, aging gentleman. Indeed, the Reverso aged like fine wine.

But here’s the thing: the Reverso looks very stern and serious. As a result, it works with formal attire and with smart-casual attire (like yours, Daan). However, in more experimental, expressive, or informal wear, it pales in comparison to the Cartier.

Yes, the Cartier Tank Américaine looks dressy, aristocratic, and serious. But pair it with ripped, faded jeans, a white tee, and sneakers, and it transforms. Suddenly, it becomes an expression of individuality and style. It no longer seeks to blend in. Rather, it shines as a beacon of refinement and good taste. Whereas the JLC is always stuffy and conformist, the Cartier lets you take it wherever you want.

Un peu de joie de vivre

Okay, I won’t embarrass myself with faux français. Morgan Saignes, our former photographer, can attest that I try to speak French and fail miserably. You know you’re not doing great when you address your French colleague in French, and he replies in English. Apparently, “homme-de-carate” isn’t what you call a guy doing karate… Don’t ask.

But I do know “joie de vivre”! It’s the joy of living, or the art of enjoying life. The Cartier Tank Américaine perfectly captures this sentiment. It feels funkier, with its heavily curved and elongated case. I would even say it appears slightly goofy, with its stretched proportions around a tiny handset. It has a touch of Salvador Dali to its aesthetic.

Allow me to illustrate my point. Imagine two guys. One is an accountant, perfectly groomed and always donning the gray suit. His days are spent in Microsoft Excel and QuickBooks, and his evenings…well…his evenings are too. The other is a painter with a crooked mustache and a weird hat. He spends his days making art and his nights in Parisian bistros, tipsily winking at the ladies passing the terrace. Which of these two characters wears a Reverso, and which wears a Tank Américaine? I rest my case. Oh, and I apologize to all accountants; that was a cheap shot. I am fully aware that if it weren’t for you, my Parisian artists would likely be broke.

Cast your vote!

There you have it — a style-first Sunday Morning Showdown with two absolute icons of watch design. Which is your favorite? Cast your vote, and share your motivations in the comments section below!