Reverso evolves through new sizes, calibres, and design enhancements.
For much of the 20th century, wristwatch design was shaped by a cultural preference for restraint. Above all, watches were instruments of precision and markers of refinement, designed to sit discreetly on the wrist. Men’s watches typically measured between 30 and 34 mm, reflecting ideals of elegance and proportion, while women’s timepieces were often conceived as intimate, jewellery-like creations, sometimes even smaller. The Reverso, created in 1931, embodies this philosophy. Its rectangular case, born from a functional brief, naturally lent itself to compact dimensions, becoming a canvas for both masculine sophistication and feminine expression. Over time, evolving lifestyles and aesthetics led to a gradual increase in watch sizes, favouring a stronger presence on the wrist. Today, however, a renewed sensitivity to comfort, authenticity and timeless design is bringing smaller proportions back into focus, reconnecting with a more classical vision of watchmaking. As a tribute to this heritage, Jaeger-LeCoultre revisits some of the most emblematic Reverso models through a selection of smaller, more refined interpretations.
- Reverso Classic Small Monoface: 2 versions are available – one in steel with an alligator strap or steel bracelet and one in 18k pink gold (750/1000) with an alligator strap.
- Reverso Classic Small Duetto: 3 versions are available – two in steel, one set with diamonds on the verso, with an alligator strap or steel bracelet with an additional alligator strap and one set with diamonds on both sides, with a blue alligator strap or steel bracelet, offered with an additional alligator strap. The last version is offered in 18k pink gold (750/1000), set with diamonds on the verso, available with an alligator strap or 18k pink gold (750/1000) bracelet with an additional alligator strap.
- Reverso Classic Monoface ‘Origin’: With their gadroons set with diamonds on the recto, presented in steel with an interchangeable blue alligator strap or with a steel bracelet.
- Reverso Tribute Duoface Small Seconds: Crafted in steel, featuring an interchangeable strap in black calfskin and grey canvas with a double-folding buckle.
Signature Design Codes, Subtly Refined
Immediately recognised by their swivelling case and Art Deco lines, both Small models are presented in steel or 18K pink gold (750/1000). On the front dials, the Reverso Small models’ timeless signatures are maintained: a guilloché sunray pattern in the central rectangle appears to extend seamlessly into the markings on the chemin de fer minutes track. The textured pattern and vertically brushed dial forms the backdrop to the crisply defined Arabic numerals.
The Reverso Classic Small Monoface is complemented by alligator straps: the 18k pink gold (750/1000) version comes with taupe alligator and the one in steel with blue alligator strap or the option of a polished five-row steel bracelet. Adding a subtle touch of refinement, the ‘JL’ logo on the dial is now applied rather than transfer printed.
As with all Monoface models, the blank metal caseback invites personalisation with engraving or lacquer work, to celebrate a treasured memory or express individual style – an element that the owner can keep private or display to the world, according to which way the case is turned.
Offered in steel or 18k pink gold (750/1000), the Reverso Classic Small Duetto features a subtly modernised dial with new tone-on-tone applied numerals and ‘JL’ logo creating a harmonious and nuanced three-dimensional effect. The reverse dial also gains a sleeker and more contemporary look: the absence of numerals for 12 and 6 amplifies the sunrayed effect of the circular centre, while applied ‘double sunray’ indexes reinforce the pattern of the guilloché outer section. Underlining the Maison’s commitment to craftsmanship, more than 20 steps are required to create the two dials. While the Reverso Duetto traditionally features diamond-set gadroons on the reverse side of the case only, a new ‘Double Set’ option in steel is set with brilliant-cut diamonds on both sides of the case.
The Reverso Classic Small Duetto is offered with a strap package comprising a blue alligator strap and a steel bracelet (steel case) and a taupe alligator strap and 18k pink gold bracelet (pink gold case). All models feature Jaeger-LeCoultre’s signature interchangeability system, enabling an effortless and rapid change of style with fingertip operation.
Introduced in 2025, the Reverso Classic Monoface ‘Origin’ pays homage to the proportions and aesthetics of the first feminine Reverso, created in 1931. A new interpretation features diamond-set gadroons, enhancing the play of light on the dial finishes and case. Presented in a steel case, with the option of a blue alligator strap or polished steel bracelet, it features the unique attribute of all Monoface models: a blank metal caseback that can be personalised with engraving or lacquer. It can be worn in two ways: with the decoration hidden and the dial showing or with the case flipped over and worn like a piece of jewellery, with the time hidden until the wearer wishes to see it.
For 2026, the Reverso Tribute Duoface Small Seconds has been reinterpreted with smaller case dimensions of 42.9 mm x 25.5 mm, creating a new ‘medium’ size that is closer to the original Duoface models of 1994. With this return to a classical size, the silvered-coloured opaline front dial is complemented by a blue-grey reverse dial that displays the second time zone – a colour new to the Duoface line that is enhanced by sunray satin-brushing and the polished steel of the case. Fitted with the manually wound Calibre 854, the Reverso Tribute Duoface Small Seconds is presented with a black calfskin, designed by Casa Fagliano, featuring Jaeger-LeCoultre’s signature interchangeability system for an effortless change of style.
Enhanced Reliability and Precision
Among the 1,400 calibres designed and produced in-house by the Manufacture Jaeger-LeCoultre since 1833, many have achieved notable longevity, thanks to their reliability and precision. However, even on these ‘pillar’ movements, the Manufacture’s engineers are constantly making improvements in a quest for enhanced performance.
The new versions of Calibre 846 – fitted in the Reverso Classic Small Monoface – and Calibre 844 in the Reverso Classic Small Duetto represent a total of 16 changes to the mechanisms. Among them, a new silicon escapement increases the movement’s efficiency by reducing friction, while also enhancing robustness and precision by reducing the negative impact of magnetism. With an increase in the barrel diameter – achieved without increasing the overall size of the calibre – power reserves have increased from 38 hours to 50 hours.
The latest versions of these four emblematic Reverso models perfectly represent Jaeger-LeCoultre’s commitment to safeguarding the collection’s unmistakable identity, evolving in new aesthetic directions that keep it eternally modern and constantly improving mechanical performance and precision.