The Best Entry-Level Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Is The Downsized Tribute Duoface Small Seconds

If I asked you to draft a list of iconic dress watches, it probably wouldn’t take you long to come up with some answers. And it would not be unreasonable to assume that the Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso would be on that list. And it would not be strange to assume that it would also be one of the first watches you mention. With its distinct shape and style and a tremendous history, the Reverso is one of the industry’s most celebrated watches. But what if I make the question a bit more specific: what would be the Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso for you? That’s where it gets somewhat more difficult, because many enthusiasts recognize the Reverso’s iconic value without considering which model would suit them best. I can say I have found my answer with the new Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Tribute Duoface Small Seconds. It proves that bigger is not always better.

Last year’s focus on the Reverso showed the many great options Jaeger-LeCoultre has with its most famous watch. You will probably remember the impressive Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Tribute Monoface Small Seconds in pink gold on the stunning Milanese mesh bracelet. It was a statement that didn’t go unnoticed during last year’s Watches and Wonders. But that was only one of the many highlights in a year specifically focused on the Reverso. It is still my favorite, although the white-gold version added to the collection this year turns down the volume nicely. But in reality, those two watches stretch my budget beyond my personal reach. That’s where other great stainless steel options come in.

What are you looking for with a Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso?

When it comes to Reversos, there are always many options. Finding your favorite is almost like solving a puzzle. In terms of style, there are two options: the Reverso Classic and the Reverso Tribute. I personally prefer the look of the Tribute featuring applied markers over the Reverso Classic with its Arabic numerals.

In addition, I love the look of the Tribute models with a small seconds at 6 o’clock. Lastly, there is the choice between a Monoface and a Duoface model. For me, one of the biggest attractions of the Reverso is the Duoface configuration with two dials that display different functions. Switching between the two is fun and makes full use of the signature case mechanism.

With those pieces of the puzzle in place, the next question is an easy one. Do you prefer a complicated Reverso with a calendar, chronograph, or tourbillon? I prefer the simple option of a regular Duoface Small Seconds. With these models, the “Recto” (front) side displays the local time and the “Verso” dial displays the home time, and a sub-dial at the bottom serves as a 24-hour (night-day) display. It makes this the perfect stylish travel watch and a great dress watch. It leaves one piece of the puzzle on the table: the right size. If you are familiar with the Reverso, it is the most important puzzle piece of all.

A smaller Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Tribute Duoface Small Seconds

As Lex explained in his review of the pink-gold Reverso Tribute Duoface Small Seconds, rectangular watches look and feel completely different on the wrist than round ones. With the Reverso, it is mostly the case length that determines whether it is a good fit for the wrist. It’s also the crux of this hands-on review.

The two versions of the Reverso Tribute Duoface Small Seconds that were introduced last year feature a 28.3mm × 47mm × 10.3mm stainless steel case. In last year’s review, I explained that, at 47mm, these watches are not for people with small wrists. While I am perfectly able to wear them, the wish for a slightly different version was very much present.

It is sparked by my wish to wear smaller watches nowadays. But maybe even more importantly, the Reverso is at its best when it is modestly sized. That’s when the retro elegance shines brightly. Lastly, these models make a great fit for a variety of wrist sizes. That’s why we were happy to see a new, smaller model added to the collection. Funnily enough, it was quietly added to the line-up. When we found out, we obviously wanted to find out whether this new model hits the sweet spot.

The details of the new Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Tribute Duoface Small Seconds

Let’s go over the details first. The stainless steel case measures 25.5mm × 42.9mm × 9.23mm. Compared to the bigger model that is a significant difference. The proportions are spot-on, and with a 4.1mm shorter length, it is a much better fit for all wrists. Another fun detail is that this new Reverso is also thinner at 9.23mm than both the larger stainless steel model (10.3mm) and the gold model (9.613mm). Straight out of the box, the watch just looks good, really good.

The case is paired with a white opaline front dial, featuring contrasting applied faceted markers and beautiful dauphine hands that indicate the hours and minutes in local time. Additionally, a small-seconds register sits at the 6 o’clock position, placed beautifully against the railroad minute track.

Flip the case, and you will be greeted by a stunning sunray blue reverse dial with a large central display for home time. The sub-dial at the bottom serves as a 24-hour (night-day) display. Lastly, you will see the words “night” and “day” neatly flanking the sub-dial. Of the three stainless steel options, I like this the best. The opaline white front dial looks super crisp, while the blue reverse dial adds style and flair. Finishing the look is a gray calfskin leather strap that matches both sides perfectly.

The trusted in-house JLC caliber 854

The watch is powered by the same JLC caliber that also powers the other Duoface models. The in-house 19-jewel manual-winding movement consists of 160 parts, operates at a frequency of 21,600 vph, and offers a 42-hour power reserve. Operating the caliber is easy. By pulling out the crown, you can adjust the local time. A small slider set into the top case band adjusts the time, including the 24-hour indicator on the reverse dial. I love how the slider is hidden when you wear the watch. Only when you release the case from the cradle does it show itself.

Wearing the Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Tribute Duoface Small Seconds

Immediately after I put the smaller Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Tribute Duoface Small Seconds on the wrist, I knew this was a winner. And the consensus in the Fratello office was that this is the sweetspot for the Duoface Small Seconds. The gray calfskin (18/16mm) strap matches the two dials nicely. On top of that, we also tried the watch on a gray Casa Fagliano strap, which is the option I prefer. It fits both formal and informal situations perfectly. On top of that, the combination of leather and fabric looks stunning.

Once on the wrist, I quickly fell in love with the white front dial. I am not necessarily the biggest fan of white dials, but this opaline dial quickly made its way onto my list of favorites. The combination of the crisp white dial with the black railroad track and applied indices creates a wonderfully clean look. The razor-sharp dauphine hands complement that look nicely, and the applied logo with the brand name underneath is the perfect sign-off.

If you flip the case, you will find that the sunray blue dial is a very welcome contrast. The blue-gray color is wonderful and offers a completely different look. It makes it fun to switch things up and change the watch’s look. I found myself regularly going back and forth between the white and blue dial. Obviously, they serve a function, but if you are not traveling, both can be set to display the same time.

Final thoughts on the new Jaeger-LeCoultre Duoface Small Seconds

On top of being the best Duoface Small Seconds model in terms of looks, the smaller size is also easy to get used to. It simply fits my wrist perfectly. Thanks to the rectangular shape and the smooth transition to the straps, the bracelet-like presence works best in this smaller size. As already mentioned, it didn’t just fit my 18.5cm perfectly. All the Fratello team members tried the watch it looked good on all of them without any exception. It shows the brilliance of this smaller model and makes you wonder why Jaeger-LeCoultre quietly added them to the collection.

At €14,700, this small Duoface Small Seconds is slightly cheaper than the larger models at €15,400. It makes this the perfect entry-level Reverso for many fans, including yours truly. I was seriously impressed, and it shows that sometimes smaller means better in the world of watches. It makes this Jaeger-LeCoultre Duoface Small Seconds the perfect Reverso for me. After asking myself that question for a long time, I finally found an answer.