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The elegance of simplicity – Reverso Tribute dials
The process of making the sunray dials is an intricate and delicate one. First, the dial base is galvanised to give a metallic sheen and protect the underlying brass from oxidation; next, a fine metal brush traces very fine, almost imperceptible lines on the surface in a sunray pattern that intersects at the precise centre of the dial. This is what gives the characteristic variation of hue when light falls on the dial from different angles. Finally, unless the dial is to be lacquered, the surface is varnished and polished to a smooth sheen that enhances the subtly textured sunray effect.
For coloured dials, lacquering is a complex craft that requires a high degree of skill. Up to four layers of coloured lacquer are applied to create the desired intensity and tone, followed by up to 20 layers of translucent lacquer, which adds visual depth and permanently fixes the colour. Every layer is applied by hand and each application must dry under ideal conditions of heat and humidity before the next can begin. Finally, the lacquer is varnished with a brilliant finish then polished by hand to mirror-like perfection, adding a sense of intensity and depth to the colour.
The new 2023 dials feature all of the signature design elements of the Reverso Tribute, with the hours marked by applied indexes rather than numerals, and the 12 marked by a double index. Their faceted shape echoes the form of the Dauphine hands and adds visual depth to the dial surface. In the lower half of the dial, the circular track of the small seconds display provides a counterpoint to the linear geometry of the dial and case. Harmonising with the sunray brushing of the dial, a dramatic sunray pattern on the inside of the carrier is visible as the case is flipped over.
In keeping with Reverso tradition, the solid metal back of the reversible case is an ideal canvas for personalisation. The owner can choose to keep this personalisation hidden, as a private pleasure, or to turn the case over so that the back becomes the front of the timepiece.
Reconnecting Reverso to its sporting roots
Jaeger-LeCoultre’s collaboration with Casa Fagliano has reconnected the Reverso to its roots in the world of polo, where Fagliano is celebrated for its fine handmade boots. A package of two straps is offered with each pink gold Reverso Tribute Small Seconds – made to Fagliano’s signature design in canvas-and-calf and all-calf, in colours that complement the new dials. Creating a unified aesthetic and strong sense of style that underlines the timeless modernity of the Reverso design, they are fitted with pin buckles that allow for swift and easy strap changes.
Calibre 822 – Epitomising Jaeger-LeCoultre’s philosophy of product integrity
The Reverso Tribute Small Seconds is powered by the manually wound mechanical movement, Calibre 822. With 108 components, this mechanically elegant and well-proven movement offers a power reserve of 42 hours. Like all Jaeger-LeCoultre calibres, its components are finely finished and decorated, even though they are hidden beneath the solid metal case-back.
Designed expressly for the Reverso, every element of Calibre 822 is produced and assembled within the Manufacture. In keeping with Jaeger-LeCoultre’s philosophy of product integrity, whereby the shape of a movement should be appropriate to that of its case – an approach established in the earliest years of the Manufacture – its architecture has been designed in a tonneau shape that closely follows the rectangular form of the Reverso case.
