Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Tribute Geographic mechanical blue dial leather strap 49 x 29,9 mm

Introduction:

Since its creation in 1931, the Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso has embodied elegance and watchmaking innovation. Designed to meet the needs of polo players, this iconic watch is distinguished by its patented reversible case (CH159982), designed to protect the dial from shocks during matches. Quickly adopted by personalities from all over the world, it went beyond its role as a sports watch to become a style icon, recognizable by its Art Deco design and rectangular case.

Over the decades, the Reverso evolved while retaining its identity. In the 1990s, Jaeger-LeCoultre innovated by integrating new complications, specially adapted to the rectangular format of the watch. The introduction of the Duoface concept in 1994 marked a turning point, making it possible to have two separate dials with different functions. This technical and aesthetic evolution reinforces the unique character of the Reverso.

Today, the Reverso Tribute Geographic perpetuates this heritage with the world time complication, designed for modern travelers, while retaining the timeless essence of the collection: refined elegance combined with unparalleled technical mastery.

The world on the wrist

The Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Tribute Geographic in steel (ref. Q714845J) is a contemporary expression of a timeless design. Its rectangular stainless steel case retains the Art Deco spirit that characterizes the collection, while integrating modern elements. The front dial, in a deep sunburst blue, reflects the light elegantly and contrasts harmoniously with the dauphine hands and applied hour-markers. The large date, framed in polished metal matching the case, fits perfectly into this rectilinear composition, while the small seconds, housed in a circular subdial, brings a touch of balance to the dial.

The back of the watch, a true technical and aesthetic masterpiece, reveals the world time complication, a tribute to frequent travelers. In fact, the simultaneous display of the 24 main time zones, thanks to the rotating 24-hour ring, not only offers optimal readability but also a touch of romance and escapism. This complication, inspired by the work of the Genevan watchmaker Louis Cottier in 1931, reflects the quest for standardization of time that began in 1884 with the creation of the Greenwich meridian.

The back dial, inlaid in the polished surface, features details in shades of blue that stand out delicately from the cool tones of the steel. Three concentric rings make up the display, offering remarkable visual depth: the outer ring engraved with the names of cities, the window with the 24-hour ring serving as a day/night indicator, and finally, in the center, a finely crafted world map. The oceans are laser-engraved on a smooth steel disk, while the continents and meridians, left in relief, are coated with hand-applied lacquer. This artisanal process creates a subtle three-dimensional effect, enhancing the visual elegance of this watch.

Designed for versatility, the Reverso Tribute Geographic is equipped with two interchangeable straps by Casa Fagliano, the famous Argentine polo boot manufacturer. The first, in blue leather and canvas, is reminiscent of summer polo boots, while the second, in blue calfskin, offers a more classic and refined look.

This model combines the art of precision watchmaking with the timeless style of the Reverso, offering its owner the opportunity to travel with elegance and sophistication.

The movement and complications

The heart of the Reverso Tribute Geographic beats to the rhythm of the Jaeger-LeCoultre 834 hand-wound mechanical caliber. Entirely designed, produced and assembled within the Manufacture, this integrated movement reflects the philosophy of the Grande Maison: to favor form calibers, perfectly adapted to the emblematic rectangular contours of the Reverso. It is a real technical challenge when it comes to adapting complications generally designed for round movements to a rectangular architecture.

With 209 components, the 834 caliber offers a 42-hour power reserve and incorporates two major complications: world time and large date. Unlike conventional devices where the 24-hour display remains static and the city disk rotates, Jaeger-LeCoultre has redesigned the mechanism to improve readability and design. Here, the city names remain fixed, while the rotating ring indicates the time zones. This choice, unprecedented in the watchmaking world, allows for intuitive and elegant reading of world time.

To ensure fast and precise adjustment, the 24-hour ring advances in one-hour increments thanks to a discreet pusher, ingeniously concealed between the horns on the top of the case. This innovative design ensures easy handling and effortless adjustment, even during frequent trips.

Another technical feat is the large date, which benefits from a mechanism patented in 2021 (patent CH715152). Instead of using two stacked disks, as is traditionally done, the Manufacture's engineers have placed two disks side by side: one for the units and the other for the tens. After the number 9, a hook drives the tens disk to display the two-digit numbers in a perfectly aligned manner. This system guarantees a remarkable visual harmony, eliminating the offsets often observed on classic watches.

This complex architecture reflects Jaeger-LeCoultre's constant commitment to watchmaking innovation. A true distillation of craftsmanship and technical mastery, the steel Reverso Tribute Geographic celebrates the brand's quest for excellence, while remaining true to the spirit of the Reverso collection: combining timeless elegance with mechanical sophistication.