Originally introduced in 1931 as one of the first sports watches, the Reverso was designed for polo players with a unique rotating case that could flip 180 degrees to shield the crystal during games. As watch styles evolved, becoming bulkier and more rugged, the Reverso transitioned into a highly respected dress watch, admired for its timeless Art Deco design.
Today, it stands as one of the most iconic dress watches, alongside the Cartier Tank, Rolex Day-Date. JLC now offers many Reverso variations in different sizes, colours, materials, and complications, but the brand’s latest model is the closest in design to the original 1930s version.
The latest addition to the Reverso lineup is the Reverso Tribute Monoface. In Jaeger-LeCoultre terms, “Monoface” means the watch has a single dial, with a plain caseback on the reverse, just like the original models from the 1930s. In contrast, “Duoface” Reversos feature a different dial on each side.
Before this release, JLC’s collection already included 20 Monoface Reversos, but they were either in a smaller, female-oriented 35.78 x 21mm size or a larger 45.6 x 27.4mm case. There were also a few in a mid-size 40.1 x 20mm, but these leaned more feminine, featuring quartz movements and diamond-set dials.
The new Reverso Tribute Monoface features a fresh case size of 40.1 x 24.4mm, inspired by the original Reverso from 1931, which measured 38 x 24mm. While it’s unclear why JLC didn’t replicate the original dimensions exactly, the Tribute Monoface now stands as the closest homage to those classic measurements, making it an ideal unisex option in the lineup.
However, it’s not just the size that will appeal to Reverso enthusiasts. The Monoface is powered by a traditional Calibre 822 hand-wound movement, rather than a quartz movement.
The dial replaces the more familiar Arabic numeral indices with sword-like baton indices, reminiscent of the very first Reverso models. In this version, these indices are applied and rhodium-plated instead of printed. The dauphine hands echo those from the 1931 models, along with the dial’s railway minute track and the iconic gadroons on the case.
Discover your Perfect Luxury Timepiece and Enjoy Special Privilege only at The Time Place Boutique.
The watch comes in two styles: one featuring a silvered opaline dial paired with a tan strap, and the other showcasing a sunray blue dial with a matching blue band. Both calfskin leather straps are crafted by the renowned bootmaker Casa Fagliano and feature a combination of smooth and Saffiano finishes.
Discover our Jaeger-LeCoultre collections online or visit The Time Place boutique for more information.
