Jaeger Le-Coultre Reverso Tribute Nonantième marks 90 years since the introduction of the iconic reversible rectangular timepiece that has proven that timelessness is the mark of class since its inception in 1930. The Reverso reference with its hundreds of iterations is unquestionably a fine and classy dress watch, it also happens to be one of the oldest timepiece to remain in production today; other honourable mentions include two timepieces from Cartier, the Santos (1911) and the Tank (1919) with a similar rectangular form as the Reverso. The JLC Tribute Nonantième is no ordinary Reverso, it had to be special for the remarkable occasion in the brands 189 year history; The 18k pink gold timepiece features the brands first ever jumping hour compilation to be enclosed within a the iconic and largely unchanged case for now 90 years.
More on the alluring jumping hour complication, which gained popularity during the Art Deco movement in the 1930s and it is indeed fitting to see Jaeger-LeCoultre mark the 90th anniversary of the Reverso with the Reverso Tribute Nonantième (19th in french) featuring this charming complication. Watches with a jump hour complication have an hour hand that does not slowly sweep between the hours. Instead, it points exactly at the current hour and jumps to the next hour as soon as the 60th minute of the current hour has elapsed.
As mentioned earlier, for the first time, the iconic reference features a semi-jumping digital hour complication framed in a figure-eight formation, the minutes are displayed on a secondary rotating disc that is partially concealed by a handsome three-quarter plate engraved with stars and lacquered in blue. Furthermore, the day-night indicator is a visual delight with textured details that showcases the craftsmanship of JLC Métiers Rares Atelier.
Jaeger Le-Coultre Reverso Tribute Nonantième.
On the reverse face, the Nonantième reverts to an entirely classic approach with the signature elegant aesthetics of the Reverso; a silver sunray-brushed dial incorporates celestial aesthetics in its Art Deco-inspired architecture, featuring dauphine hands, applied golden baton markers, a Grande date at 12 o’clock, and a moon phase aperture within the small seconds' dial.
What I admire most about this highly complicated and decorated Reverso is that nothing on the reverse face reveals what is to be unfolded on the primary face, a truly unique and understated timepiece.
The rectangular case size is 49.4 mm by 29.9 mm with a height of 11.72 mm, it does wear a little thick under shirt cuffs, but considering the number of complications of the Cal. 826, it is am impressive feat. The 18k rose gold case adds an undeniably reassuring weight to the timepiece, and those familiar with JLC know how elegant the brands rose gold mix is, especially fitting for a classic model such as the Reverso.
The timepiece is limited to 190 units globally and is only available through selected Jaeger Le-Coultre boutiques; sure to be a collectable in years to come.
For those who are keen to learn more about the Jaeger Le-Coultre Reverso, you can read my post on my visits (yes, I visited multiple times) to The 90th Anniversary Reverso Timeless Stories Since 1931 Exhibition in Hong Kong; A travelling exhibition that showcased at Shanghai, Hong Kong & Paris in 2021.
SPECIFICATIONS.
Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Tribute Nonantième
Ref. Q711252J
Diameter: 49.4 mm by 29.9 mm
Height: 11.72 mm
Material: 18k pink gold
Crystal: Sapphire
Water resistance: 30 m
Movement: Cal. 826
Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds, big date, and moon phase on the front; semi-jumping hours, minutes, and day-night indicator on the reverse
Frequency: 21,600 beats per hour (3 Hz)
Winding: Hand wind
Power reserve: 42 hours
Strap: Alligator with gold pin buckle
Limited edition: 190 pieces
Availability: Only at boutiques
Price: USD$40,500 / AUD$60,000
For more, visit Jaeger-lecoultre.com
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dress well, drink well. live well
L.M
