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The Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Tribute Monoface ‘Or Deco’ Series leans further into the model’s Art Deco soul with precious metals, Milanese bracelets, and gem-set elegance. From expressive cocktail-inspired executions to cleaner precious-metal editions, this latest series celebrates the Reverso in its most elegant form!

There are very few watches in Jaeger-LeCoultre’s history that carry the same cultural weight as the Reverso. As we know, the Reverso was originally created in 1931 for polo players who needed a watch that could withstand the impacts of the sport. The swivelling case design was a unique approach in safeguarding the dial, allowing players to wear the watch while playing, before quickly flipping the case back around to read the time when needed.

This design became more than just a practical solution, and as the years went by, it achieved icon status not only for Jaeger-LeCoultre, but also as one of the most recognisable designs in watchmaking. With the Reverso’s clean geometry, rectangular form, and distinctive gadroons, this timepiece became one of the purest expressions of Art Deco design in watchmaking.

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This connection to Art Deco has stayed relevant and has been central to the identity of the Reverso timepiece. The sharp lines, balanced proportions, and elegant restraint are all reflective of a design era defined by symmetry, structure, and sophistication. As we have seen over the years, Jaeger-LeCoultre has continued to reinterpret the Reverso in many different ways, bringing exceptional craftsmanship into one signature design. However, with all these new additions, one thing has remained clear: the 1930s design that made the Reverso so recognisable in the first place is still very much at the heart of the collection.

Now, Jaeger-LeCoultre is releasing a new Reverso Tribute Monoface “Or Deco” series, recalling the golden age of gem-set cocktail watches born from the Art Deco movement. This new collection combines precious metals, finely grained dials, the ever-popular Milanese gold bracelets, and gem-set executions to bring a more jewellery-like expression to the Reverso, all while preserving the clean architectural design that defines this Art Deco-inspired model.

A total of five new pieces are being introduced. Firstly, we have the Reverso Tribute Monoface Small Seconds ‘Or Deco Cocktail’, which is presented in three versions: 18K pink gold (750/1000) with rubies, and 18K white gold (750/1000) with either emeralds or blue sapphires, with each model being limited to 30 pieces. Then we have the Reverso Tribute Monoface Small Seconds ‘Or Deco’, presented in 18K white gold (750/1000), while the last edition is the Reverso Tribute Monoface ‘Or Deco Solo Tempo’ in 18K pink gold (750/1000).

Reverso Tribute Monoface Small Seconds ‘Or Deco Cocktail’

The Reverso Tribute Monoface Small Seconds ‘Or Deco Cocktail’ is the most jewellery-like expression in this latest series of Reversos. The three timepieces in this cocktail collection feature precious stones, which lean heavily into the glamour of the Art Deco era. The three models are presented in full gold cases, paired with the stunning Milanese mesh bracelet. The case for all three models retains the Reverso’s signature rectangular architecture, measuring 45.6mm x 27.4mm and just 7.56mm thick, making it slim enough to sit elegantly on the wrist while still carrying the strong visual identity of the collection.

The first model is presented in 18K pink gold (750/1000), and it features 46 baguette-cut rubies, totalling approximately 1.34 carats, set between the gadroons above and below the dial. These also help to “amplify the Reverso’s rectilinear geometry, while creating a vivid contrast with the polished gold case and Milanese bracelet.”

Personally, I loved the pink gold Reverso with the Milanese combination released last year, as did most of the watch community, so naturally, this for me is the pick of the three models. The way the baguette-cut rubies enhance the soft tones of the pink gold case and bracelet gives the watch a richer, warmer character without taking away from the elegance of the Reverso’s design.

The other two models presented are in 18K white gold (750/1000). These two editions feature either 46 baguette-cut emeralds, totalling approximately 0.95 carats, or 46 baguette-cut blue sapphires, totalling approximately 1.36 carats. By integrating emeralds and sapphires into the design, both models bring a different feel to the Reverso’s Art Deco frame. These models still carry the same refined cocktail watch personality, but the different stone choices allow each model to stand apart with its own distinct character.

Reverso Tribute Monoface Small Seconds ‘Or Deco’

Alongside the above gem-set editions, Jaeger-LeCoultre has also introduced a more understated take on this Art Deco concept with the Reverso Tribute Monoface Small Seconds ‘Or Deco’ in 18K white gold. Limited to 200 models, it shares the same base architecture as the more elegant Cocktail models, but this version strips away the gemstones for a more understated aesthetic, going back to the Reverso’s original Art Deco design language.

The white gold case, silver-coloured grained dial, polished gadroons, and matching Milanese bracelet give the watch a cooler, and I feel more restrained, personality compared to last year’s pink gold version.

The watch keeps the Reverso’s 45.6mm x 27.4mm x 7.56mm thick profile, retaining that elegant aesthetic on the wrist. The dial also features the Reverso’s signature clean and balanced design, with applied hour markers, dauphine hands, and the small seconds display at 6 o’clock. The dial’s finely grained textured detail adds to the overall character of the watch, giving the otherwise restrained silver-toned execution a little more depth and warmth.

Reverso Tribute Monoface ‘Or Deco Solo Tempo’ 

The Reverso Tribute Monoface ‘Or Deco Solo Tempo’ is all about bringing this new series of Reversos back to its simplest expression, all while keeping the new design language intact. Jaeger-LeCoultre has taken last year’s stunning 18K pink gold Reverso with the pink gold Milanese mesh bracelet and created a more elegant expression out of it, presenting a cleaner two-hand layout and a smaller case size that sits closer to the proportions of the original 1930s Reverso models.

The watch measures 40.1mm x 24.4mm while keeping the same 7.56mm thickness as the rest of this “Or Deco” series. I like the addition of a smaller Reverso carrying the elegance of the pink gold and Milanese mesh bracelet combination into Jaeger-LeCoultre’s normal line-up. By removing the 6 o’clock seconds sub-dial, it does lose a bit of character, but what it gains is simplicity and a more elegant expression of an iconic design.

Manually Wound Jaeger-LeCoultre Calibre 822

Powering these new Reverso Tribute Monoface “Or Deco” models is the manually wound Jaeger-LeCoultre Calibre 822, a movement that fits perfectly with the elegant and traditional character of the collection. The movement measures just 2.94mm thick, which plays a major role in keeping the case profile to a slim 7.56mm.

The Calibre 822 offers a power reserve of 42 hours, while operating at a frequency of 3Hz / 21,600VpH. The movement displays the hours, minutes and small seconds, and in the case of the Reverso Tribute Monoface ‘Or Deco Solo Tempo’, removes the seconds feature from the calibre. Even though it’s hidden from view, it plays a large role in not only making these Reversos wearable thanks to the slim profile, but also keeping the collection in line with the traditional charm of a manually wound rectangular timepiece.

Initial Thoughts

This new Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Tribute Monoface ‘Or Deco’ Series feels like a natural continuation of what made last year’s pink gold Milanese bracelet edition so well received. Rather than changing the core design of the Reverso, Jaeger-LeCoultre has leaned further into the model’s Art Deco roots, using precious metals, finely grained dials, Milanese bracelets, and gem-set details to bring out a more elegant, jewellery-like side of the collection.

The ‘Or Deco Cocktail’ models are certainly the most expressive of the series, especially my favourite, the pink gold with rubies, which stands out thanks to the way the gemstones enhance the natural warmth of the pink gold case and bracelet. Adding a “standard” 18K white gold model and a smaller-sized pink gold edition of the hit that was released last year gives this new series a few different ways for collectors to enjoy the Reverso’s Art Deco design language.

These timepieces don’t reinvent the icon, but rather celebrate what makes it so special. From the timeless rectangular architecture, the Art Deco elegance to a design that still feels stunning on the wrist today, as it did in the 1930s!

Reference: Reverso Tribute Monoface Small Seconds ‘Or Deco Cocktail’ Ref. Q713211J

Specifications:

Australian Retail Price: Price Available Upon Request

Availability: Limited to 30 models. Available now through Jaeger-LeCoultre boutiques, or to enquire, please head to Jaeger-LeCoultre.com.au

Reference: Reverso Tribute Monoface Small Seconds ‘Or Deco Cocktail’ Ref. Q713311J

Specifications:

Australian Retail Price: Price Available Upon Request

Availability: Limited to 30 models. Available now through Jaeger-LeCoultre boutiques, or to enquire, please head to Jaeger-LeCoultre.com.au

Reference: Reverso Tribute Monoface Small Seconds ‘Or Deco Cocktail’ Ref. Q713311J

Specifications:

Australian Retail Price: Price Available Upon Request

Availability: Limited to 200 models. Available now through Jaeger-LeCoultre boutiques, or to enquire, please head to Jaeger-LeCoultre.com.au

Reference: Reverso Tribute Monoface Small Seconds ‘Or Deco’ Ref. Q713312J

Specifications:

Australian Retail Price: AUD $82,500

Availability: Limited to 30 models. Available now through Jaeger-LeCoultre boutiques, or to enquire, please head to Jaeger-LeCoultre.com.au

Reference: Reverso Tribute Monoface ‘Or Deco Solo Tempo’  Ref. Q716216J

Specifications:

Australian Retail Price: AUD $67,000

Availability: Available now through Jaeger-LeCoultre boutiques, or to enquire, please head to Jaeger-LeCoultre.com.au