Celebrating the 90th anniversary of Reverso, Jaeger-LeCoultre presented this spring/summer the Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Tribute Nonantième. Using a Suisse/Belgique regionalism, the grand maison baptised the this Tribute Reverso with Nonantième (ninetieth), while in French the number would be quatre-vingt-dixième.
As several times mentioned, the Reverso sports an impressive lifespan of over ninety years. Jaeger-LeCoultre took special care of this line this year, releasing several pieces that celebrate various sides of it. The mighty Reverso was presented in high jewellery version (Cordonnet and One Precious Flowers), magnificent enamel paintings (Hidden Treasures), Minute Repeater, Duoface, Duetto, Small Seconds and in a Hybris Mechanica version.
Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Tribute Nonantième
In an unexpected set of events, I was able to get the Nonantième in the last days before Christmas. So what better time to present it if not now? Armed with a camera, Diana and I have gone hunting for a few shots.
The story of Reverso was countless times told, here on Watch I Love and everywhere. But a short version is worth the time, every time. Reverso: in search of a watch to withstand the harshness of the Polo matches, a few gentlemen commissioned some watches designed by a French engineer for Jacques-David LeCoultre. The idea of having the watch pivoting was not only brilliant but very practical. Due to the art-deco (I might say time-specific) design, unusual beauty and robustness, the Reverso established itself as an incontestable icon that reincarnates in various mechanical complications and/or artistical crafts.
Nicknamed “the ninetieth”, the Reverso Tribute Nonantième combines the beauty of the reversing case with notable mechanical complications.
Reverso case: ninety years of swivelling
Reverso Tribute Nonantième comes in a precious pink gold case measuring 49.4 by 29.9 mm with 11.72mm thickness. The proportions make it a solid choice for any wrist size. Diana had no accommodation issues on her small wrist and I enjoyed fully the slightly large size (in comparison with my small Duoface).
The rectangular case design remained practically unchanged for decades. While the dimensions and proportions suffered to accommodate complications or practical needs, the swivel principle was well cemented by the 1931 patent.
Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Tribute Nonantième presents its traditional flat crown with an embossed logo and date corrector on one side and a recessed pusher for moon phase correction on the other side. Playing with the swivelling system can become addictive, I personally enjoy it a lot.
The watch comes with a comfortable black leather strap with pin buckle in a familiar design – pink gold with a large embossed JLC logo.
Traditional also on the dial side
Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Tribute Nonantième comes with a classic looking recto face: dauphine gold hand hoovering a superb soleie brushed dial. The applied indexes, pointed baton-shaped – so familiar, sit over a printed squared minute railtrack.
The date indication has the highest position. Presented with a rounded double frame, the date features quite large numerals. The aperture is well proportioned with the rest of the watch face.
The moon-phase indication and the small seconds share the same round recessed subdial. Here, the background presents its own sun-ray brushed pattern. The moon and the stars receive extra care: detailed in relief moon face, surrounded by big stars and faraway constellations (or star clouds).
The second face presents a half-full metal face. A disproportioned figure-eight shape reveals the time in semi-jumping hours in the upper small round aperture – a first for Reverso.
The lower and larger round surface presents a superb enamel area with shining stars. The central indication is responsible for the night/day display. The semicircular aperture with a central tip counts the minutes on a black-on-white printed disc. This interesting face view is adorned with a guilloche style knurled frame.
A new hand-wound movement
Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Tribute Nonantième is powered by the manufacture designed and produced Calibre 826. This movement seems to be derived from the Duoface’s calibre 853/854.
As the design of the Reverso imposes, the hand-wound calibre is not visible on the back. But we can expect exquisite decorative touches. On the technical side, the Tribute Nonantième and its Calibre 826 is a relative slow beater, only 3Hz.
The 230 parts movement offers 42 hours of power reserve. Some might argue that is quite insufficient for such a piece. But I find no trouble in winding the watch daily. Moreover, I find it refreshing to take care of it in the evening, as a short moment of relaxation – winding the watch leave it aside for the night.
Wristed with a king
I find the Reverso Tribute Nonantième a well-balanced piece from several perspectives. First, one gets a superb anniversary piece at a more attainable price point. It offers enough mechanical wonders to pay a respectable tribute to its heritage. Its iconic design makes it virtually appropriate for any wrist size and (almost) any occasion.
This particular Reverso might be slightly bigger in comparison with other models, but due to its showcased complications, it makes a good figure on the wrist. Any wrist…
Releasing a higher complicated watch but still not extremely complicated (in mechanics and aesthetics, as well), but in relatively larger numbers (130 pieces), the grand Maison allowed a wider audience to enjoy this beauty. I couldn’t be happier about it – an extreme version of this watch (more refined mechanics and maybe a more spectacular aspect) would be desirable but would also be drastically reduced in numbers.
I congratulate Jaeger-LeCoultre for this wonderful piece. I enjoyed it immensely and I am happy to be able to showcase it to you in more than just desk photos. Happy birthdays dear Reverso!
Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Tribute Nonantième Technical Specifications
Reference: Q711252J – Limited edition of 190 pieces
Functions
- Front display: Hours, minutes, small seconds. Grande Date. Moon phases
- Back display: Digital semi-jumping hour, minutes on a disc. Night-day indication
Movement
- Manually wound Jaeger-LeCoultre Calibre 826
- Frequency: 21,600 beats per hour (3 Hz)
- Power reserve: 42 hours
Case
- Material: Pink gold
- Dimensions: 49.4 x 29.9 mm
- Thickness: 11.72 mm
- Water resistance: 30 metres
Strap
- Black alligator with pink gold pin buckle
Reverso Tribute Nonantième Gallery
