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In this insightful review, amanico, a seasoned collector, delves into the Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Tribute Small Seconds Green from the 2021 collection. His analysis extends beyond a mere product description, offering a critical comparison with previous Reverso Tribute models and a nuanced perspective on its design choices. This article provides invaluable context for understanding the evolution and appeal of JLC's iconic Reverso line.
As you can imagine, I was impatient to discover the 2021 edition Reverso Tribute Small Seconds, with its green dial. The wait is finally over, and I got answers to my questions, when I saw the first official pictures.
The Reverso Tribute Small Seconds is a line I know quite well, since 2018, with the launch of the Blue, and 2019 with the arrival of the Burgundy. So my interrogations were not about the case dimensions, which are the same for the three watches: 45, 6 x 27, 4 x 8, 5 mm. Nor about the movement, by the way, which is identical to the two former " Tribute Small Seconds ", the good old and well known manual winding Cal 822/2, made of 108 parts, with a power reserve of 42 hours.
I will make a few comments about the case size and the movement, to focus on the main interest of this watch, its dial.
As for the case proportions, two things:
- I would have loved to see the case of the Reverso Tribute Duo in steel, issued in 2016, which, for me, is perfect for such a watch. The " Tribute Duo is 42, 8 x 25, 5 mm big and 9, 15 mm high, which is very close to what I consider as THE perfect size for a Reverso and almost identical to the Reverso GT ( such as the Soixantième, the Tourbillon, the Perpetual Calendar, the Geographique, the Perpetual Calendar and the Minute Repeater, the famous series in rose gold ).
- Though, as it is, the case is nicely proportioned, and the watch can easily be worn on relatively small wrists, under 17 cm, without any problem. And this size is consistent with the two other " blue and red sisters " of the family. I just think that a smaller case would add some refinement to an already very classy watch.
To be complete with the case, it is water resistant to 30 meters. The price to pay for a relatively thin watch?
As for the movement, a short comment. The Cal 822 is a movement I like a lot, as I consider it a bit like the rectangular brother of the famous Cal 849. Niely decorated, this is the kind of movement I would love to see through the verso side of this watch. Jaeger Lecoultre opted for a solid recto, though, to offer the possibility to its owner to personalize it with an engraving. Why not.
A detail I would have loved to see is a revisited Cal 822, with a longer power reserve, as they started to do it on some of their round shaped movements.We'll have to wait a bit more for that, I guess.
Now, the pièce de choix, the raison d'être of this watch, its dial:
This year Reverso Tribute Small Seconds is not the first to come with a green dial, as we had, in 2015, the Grande Reverso Ultra Thin 1931 London Boutique Edition, which was a limited edition of 26 pieces to celebrate the opening of the Londonian Flagship, and, also, the Holder Enamel Green, without forgetting the Kuwait Edition.
Among them, the closest to the Tribute Small Seconds Green is the London Boutique Edition, of course, with its sober green dial, signed " Reverso " but which came with a bigger ( 46, 8 x 27, 4 mm ) and thinner case ( 7, 27 mm ), and an engraved verso, featuring Big Ben.
Here are the two dials, side by side:
A picture of the Londonian Reverso engraving:
And, as we are at it, the recto:
You will notice the different hues. On the London Edition, the green is flatter. I love the Reverso Signature a lot, a detail I would appreciate to more often see.
The official press files picture:
On the Tribute Small Seconds, the green is richer, with a lot of different shades, depending on the light conditions and angles. You will go from a slightly dark green to an olive green, it really is surprising. Its soleillé finish gives it more preciousness, elegance, too.
As I feared, this green edition is as tough to take in pictures as the former blue and burgundy were, due to the lacquer. The best way to give you a faithful idea of the hue is to take a photo with the daylight. With an artificial light it is really challenging:
The Three Reverso Tribute Small Seconds:
Now the big question is which one I prefer among the three Tribute Small Seconds.
I loved the Blue, the Burgundy was my favorite, now, with the Green, I don't know anymore...
Against the Green, I must say that a lot of brands played this chromatic card, this year. Even if Jaeger Lecoultre didn't wait till this year to issue a green dialed watch, I am not a fan of trends, and I had a negative feeling when I saw it on the press files pictures.
In reality, I changed my mind, because of its rich hue, its elegance and its chameleon character. Another watch to be seen " in the flesh " before any final judgement.
Two other details which please me a lot: The strap, designed by Fagliano, matching with the color of the dial, and the fact that it is not a Boutique Exclusivity, nor a limited edition.
Now, you can understand why I am " waving " between the Burgundy and the Green. If only we could always have these kinds of problems!
Looking forward to reading your comments and thoughts,
Best,
Nicolas
