JLC Reverso Tribute Tourbillon Duoface Review

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Amanico provides an in-depth, hands-on review of the Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Tribute Tourbillon Duoface, offering real-world photos and critical insights beyond initial press releases. He thoughtfully compares it to earlier Reverso tourbillon models, evaluating its design, proportions, and finishing, particularly focusing on the tourbillon's placement and aesthetic impact.

When the Reverso Tribute Tourbillon Duoface was unveiled, in the first days of September, I couldn't see it, and I had to do with press pictures, to write a quick review on it.

Here is the link to this review:

www.watchprosite.com

So, two weeks ago, I asked the Manufacture to let me see this new Reverso in the metal.

The first impressions were positive, even though I am far from being a strong fan of Tourbillons which make a hole in the dial. I much prefer when they are part of the dial / movement, such as the Reverso Platinum Skeleton Tourbillon from 2004, for example, or when the Tourbillon in on the verso side, like the Reverso Nr 2 Platinum Tourbillon.

The Reverso Skeleton Tourbillon From 2004:

The Reverso Platinum Nr 2 Tourbillon, now:

With the Reverso Tribute Tourbillon Duoface, I have the two sides of the watch. One which is not my taste, the recto, because of the reason mentioned above, and the other one which is very much my taste, the verso, because of the reason mentioned above... Even if we have a flying tourbillon, here, with a very clean look which oozes quality.

When you handle this Reverso, you will be positively impressed by its proportions, which are the same than the Tribute Small Seconds ( 45, 5 x 27, 4 mm ), just 0, 5 mm thicker ( 9, 15 mm versus 8, 50 mm ), which remains quite thin for a tourbillon watch.

The other good thing is the very pleasant density of the platinum case. On the wrist, a marvel.

The last question I had, when I discovered the watch through the press file, was the level of decoration and finishings.

I was intrigued by the official picture of the verso, which showed a movement whose parts were highly contrasted. In the real life, as you can judge from these pictures, it is not the case at all. We are very close from the decoration and finishings of the Reverso Platinum Nr 2 Tourbillon Cal 848,at the difference of the Tourbillon which is not " flying ", of course.

The official press file picture of the Tribute Tourbillon Duoface movement:

The Cal 848:

The Cal 847 of the new Reverso Tribute Tourbillon Duoface, taken by myself:

The two dials are superb: The now well known " sun ray " blue, on the recto, and the delicious silver grained on the verso are eye catching.

You will have to pay some attention to discover that the verso reserves a discrete place to a night and day indicator, too.

A last precision: This Reverso Tribute Tourbillon Duoface is limited to 50 pieces.

So to sum my feelings on it, I find it is a qualitative Reverso, nicely made, which is worth a serious consideration for those who are looking for a nice Reverso Between the Tribute Small Seconds and the Tribute to Gyrotourbillon, but it won't replace, in my heart, the Reverso Platinum Nr 2 nor the Reverso Tourbillon Skeleton, just because of this hole in the dial. But THAT is just the reflection of my personal tastes on that matter.

Looking forward to reading your comments and thoughts,

Best.

Nicolas

Key Points from the Discussion

The Duoface design allows the tourbillon to be admired on either side while still displaying the time, offering a versatile viewing experience for the owner and others.
Some collectors prefer a solid dial with the tourbillon visible only on the verso side, similar to the Reverso Platinum Nr 2, appreciating a more restrained aesthetic on the front.
The Reverso Tribute Tourbillon Duoface shares some features with the Tribute Gyrotourbillon, though the latter remains a distinct and highly coveted piece for many collectors.
The author expresses a preference for tourbillons that are integrated into the dial/movement or placed on the verso, rather than those that create a 'hole' in the dial.
The watch's proportions, identical to the Tribute Small Seconds but slightly thicker, are praised for remaining quite thin for a tourbillon, and the platinum case offers a pleasant density on the wrist.

The Discussion

jml_watches

Jan 1, 2019

Hi Nice Reverso - but also way out of my budget sadly. I'm with you on the dial - I'd have liked a solid dial with maybe a subseconds. Then have the pleasure of being able to flip it over and see the movement. I also think I still prefer the Platinum Nr 2 - great restrained dial & fabulous movement to look at when you flip it over. Still also struck by the first tourbillion in the 60th anniversary series in a rose gold case & silvered dial. But as you note seeing it in the flesh can change every

robsallnow

Jan 1, 2019

and it's great however my personalised version would have the gold coloured tourbillon section replaced with a silver colour. Perfect

robsallnow

Jan 1, 2019

I don't like the silver/gold mix in watches....I'd only take this one with a 90% discount

Mitch K

Jan 1, 2019

I do know that some watchmakers favor the tourb only on the back (to be enjoyed only by the owner at his or her leisure. That said, I still like to enjoy the tourb in a "conference setting" which might mean a more accessible tourb to admire as desired without taking off the watch or manipulating the case. The advantage of this piece is the duoface so that the tourb can be admired on either side and still have the time. A perfect combo IMHO. It does seem to be a cousin to the Tribute Gyro with si

amanico

Jan 1, 2019

Now, when there is a " cut of " in the dial, I am less fan. Even if there, the nicely made flying tourbillon is quite appealing. Thanks for your feedback, Mitch. And yes, like you, the Tribute Gyro is my favorite, but it is hard to compare both of them. Best! Nicolas

Mitch K

Jan 1, 2019

It would be an interesting feat to design a Gyro hidden behind the dial. This piece does have some features of the Gyro 4 but there is little comparison. This would not distract me from dreaming of the Tribute Gyro.

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