Review Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Tribute Duoface Fagliano

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This year, Reverso celebrates the 90th years anniversary. An exceptional design that not only survived the test of time but has become one of the most recognisable designs in watchmaking history. For the occasion, the Grande Maison launched several festive pieces. Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Tribute Duoface Fagliano Reference Q398256J was one of the first releases and continues a fruitful collaboration with the legendary Argentinian maker of bespoke polo boots, Casa Fagliano.

One of the most iconic designs of the Art Deco current, the Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso was dedicated to the ‘sporting gentleman’. Only Cartier share this longevity (and precedes it with a decade) and elegance in sports watches. Some interesting facts about the mighty Reverso can be found here: Reverso: Timeless stories since 1931 – The story of craftsmanship.

Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Tribute Duoface Fagliano

Reference Q398256J is a spectacular and bold burgundy red dial, gold case and burgundy strap representing the teaser of what Jaeger-LeCoultre prepared for this year, the watch being launched in December 2020. As a long fan of the Duoface, I was, as expected, completely conqured by these daring colours. Last year I have reviewed the steel blue version of Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Tribute Duoface and it is a great pleasure to present you also this gold one.

Eternal Reverso

It is hard, if not almost impossible to say something new or original about the Reverso and its case. With cases praised for decades, the Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Tribute Duoface Fagliano comes in very familiar a pink gold one measuring 47 x 28.3 x 10.3 mm. Even the crown bears the same ultra-traditional embossed logo.

Being a Duoface, we can find the hidden switch for the second timezone presented on the second face. This is an already proved design and works like a charm.

A star of this show is represented by the sporty and summerly strap inspired by the distinctive canvas-and-leather boots made by Casa Fagliano for summer polo. This combo of materials in this powerful colour gives the mighty Reverso an even more daring and strong appearance.

The polished pin buckle is manufactured in pink gold and features the lovely Jaeger-LeCoultre logo in an embossed and brushed representation.

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Traditional up to the last detail

Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Tribute Duoface Fagliano brings the same familiar faces. The classic sunburst with dauphine hands and printed info on a burgundy background.

The beauty of this dial is the ability to metamorphose its colour depending on the surroundings and light. Under a strong sun, this will shine with a bright red shade while the darker environment will transform it in dark blood colour ar even almost black. I love the adaptability of the dial while keeping the excellent legibility.

The applied indexes, manufactured in gold are faceted, just as the dauphine hands, keeping the legendary classic style of this watch face. And it is not the only traditional element of this watch.

The flip of the watch face reveals the exquisite second face. Dressed with the time-honoured Clous de Paris guilloché, this face expresses two complications: the second time zone and the 24 hours/night&day display. As on the first face, the applied elements and the hands enjoy the warmth of the pink gold.

Considerations about the movement

Reverso Tribute Duoface Fagliano brings nothing new on the movement side – Calibre 854A/2. This calibre features a (slow for these days) 3Hz balance wheel offering 42 hours of power reserve. So even on this characteristic, the Reverso remains a traditional. Due to the two faces design, the movement is not visible. Jaeger-LeCoultre displays the bare movement on their website.

Calibre 854A/2 is a hand-wound movement with exceptional feedback. The set and winding are effortless and playing with the second-time-zone set is fun.

Nothing new, and still…

Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Tribute Duoface Fagliano is not a wild novelty. Other than its daring colour and the interesting strap made by Casa Faglianio, this Reverso brings nothing mindblowing. And still, this Reverso manages to be fabulous. The very classic and known elements make it stand out, a bit helped by the strong colour shade. The fact that is a classic/conservatour design makes me desire it less? By all means no. Moreover, I actually consider it as a missing piece in my collection that sadly I will have to skip.

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I enjoy this size a lot for its always comfortable and good looking wrist presence. The bold colour makes it stand out, without being tiresome, or worse, vulgar. I love what Jaeger-LeCoultre is doing with its latest Tributes ( I will also present you the latest green version) and I wish they will keep and continue this line as long as possible. I have a personal strong connection to Reverso and especially Duoface, a love story that I wish will never end.

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Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Tribute Duoface Fagliano Technical Specification and Price

Reference: Q398256J

Functions

Front: Hours, minutes, small seconds.
Reverse: Second time-zone, 24-hour day/night indicator

Movement

Manually wound mechanical movement, Jaeger-LeCoultre Calibre 854A/2;
21,600 vibrations per hour
Power reserve: 42-hour
Jewels: 19,
Barrel: 1,
Height: 3.80 mm

Case

18-carat pink gold
Dimensions: 47 x 28.3mm x 10.3mm
Water resistance: 3 bar

Dial

Front:
- Burgundy-red lacquer,
- Applied golden hour markers,
- Dauphine hands.
Reverse:
- Silvered grey and velvety Clous de Paris guillochage,
- Applied golden hour markers,
- Dauphine hands

Strap & Buckle