Experience the Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Classic Monoface Small Seconds Medium Stainless Steel Watch – An Unexpected Yet Predictable Innovation



A Traditional Reverso Keyboard Blended with Modern Elements

Take a closer look at the Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Classic Monoface Small Seconds watch. What do you see? That's right – a watch you might not expect to be anything special. But it is. This medium-sized Reverso watch retains all the iconic features of the traditional Reverso, while incorporating some modern improvements. We'll get our hands on it to see exactly what these improvements are and how this dual-sided watch feels to wear.

The Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Classic Monoface Small Seconds watch is a true classic. The dial decoration, small seconds hand, Arabic numeral hour markers, and the iconic blued steel sword-shaped hands are all classic elements of the traditional Reverso watch. However, this watch, seemingly born with these features, is not. For example, the familiar dial is adorned with a new guilloché pattern. The delicate guilloché pattern at the center of the dial is inspired by the ribbed edges of stacked coins. As the watch turns, the delicate embossed texture shimmers in the light. This pattern extends to the small seconds subdial at 6 o'clock, surrounded by vertically brushed hour and minute markers. Jaeger-LeCoultre's dial designers have recently focused on creating a variety of richly textured dials, such as those in different Polaris models. In this new Reverso watch, the subtle fusion of textures creates a striking, layered, and highly legible visual effect.

Looking for the latest news on the Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Classic Monoface Small Seconds steel watch? While the dial pattern may be refreshed, the Arabic numeral hour markers and blued steel sword-shaped hands retain the enduring elegance of the Reverso collection. The final dial design has undergone only extremely subtle adjustments, hardly a complete overhaul. Nevertheless, this stainless steel Reverso Classic Monoface Small Seconds watch exudes a classic feel while incorporating a distinctly modern aesthetic.

This watch is also relatively new. At first glance, the classic single-sided small seconds watch faithfully retains the versatile design proportions that have always characterized the Reverso collection. Its polished stainless steel case, adorned with the signature triple fluting, measures 40.1 mm long, 24.4 mm wide, and 7.56 mm thick. This proportion was first applied to last year's Reverso Tribute single-sided watch, hence Fratello classifies it as a medium-sized timepiece.

In this context, every tenth of a millimeter is crucial.

For a rectangular watch, even a difference of one-tenth of a millimeter is more significant than for a round watch. The angular design of the Reverso watch, to some extent, clashes with the natural shape of the human wrist. A perfect fit is only achieved when these two shapes overlap in an imaginary matrix. If you've ever tried to find a Reverso watch that perfectly fits your wrist but never quite succeeded, you'll understand what I mean. A smaller case is easier to wear, but for most people, wearing a small Reverso watch on a large wrist isn't aesthetically pleasing. The smaller Reverso Classic Monoface Origin watch, measuring 32.5 mm in length and 16.3 mm in diameter, is already quite compact; to make matters worse, it houses a quartz movement.

The larger classic model, with a case length of 45.6 mm and a width of 27.4 mm, might not be the most comfortable fit on the wrist. However, wrist circumference isn't the only factor determining a watch's suitability; wrist shape is also crucial. The good news is that the medium size of 40.1 × 24.4 mm seems just right.

Wearing the medium-sized Reverso Classic Monoface Small Seconds steel watch.

One of the great advantages of Reverso watches is their exceptional tactile feel. Yes, you can handle the case repeatedly, never tiring of it. Jaeger-LeCoultre recently upgraded the case's shape and structure. The 50-piece case feels solid, and the flipping motion is smooth and stable. Be careful when flipping and sliding it; do not press it down after flipping it, as many people do. After all, this movement, born in 1931, deserves our respect and care.

The case back is like a canvas, allowing the wearer to freely express their creativity. Personally, I preferred the lacquered engraving of initials, but Jaeger-LeCoultre no longer offers this standard option. Instead, you can choose from a range of engraving patterns via the online configurator.

This classic single-sided small seconds watch comes with a supple black calfskin strap designed by Casa Fagliano. The strap is interchangeable and features a simple yet practical elegant pin buckle. I imagine polo players would prefer a pin buckle over a folding clasp, and although I don't play polo, I think so too. The pin buckle complements the watch's rugged style and practicality.

Another striking tactile feature of this Reverso watch is its manually wound Caliber 822 movement. This tonneau-shaped movement comprises 108 parts and is only 2.94 mm thick. Its steady 21,600 vibrations per hour provides a 42-hour power reserve, meaning you'll need to periodically touch and turn the small crown to replenish it.

Final Summary on the Jaeger-LeCoultre Classic Monoface Small Seconds Watch

My "dilemma" with the Reverso watch is long-standing. Four years ago, I wrote an article about my experience wearing a Reverso. At the time, I wore a 45.6 × 27.4 mm Reverso Classic Small Seconds watch and eventually realized that I needed to treat this watch as a sports watch and pair it with various outfits to break free from its inherent image as a dress watch. This approach proved effective. While the watch is on the larger side, it truly changed my perception of the Reverso.

The Jaeger-LeCoultre (JLC) collection also has a strong competitor to the Classic Monoface – the Reverso Tribute Monoface. This watch, which only displays hours and minutes, also features a 40.1 × 24.4 mm stainless steel case and is powered by the same 822 movement. However, it features larger dauphine hands instead of traditional blued steel hands, and the dial uses applied hour markers instead of Arabic numerals. It also comes with a strap with a folding clasp. However, this Reverso is priced at a hefty €9,700. Based on the specifications, I believe the extra cost of the folding clasp is equivalent to €1,650. Considering this, if you prefer a more traditional style rather than the more modern and powerful Tribute model, the Classic Monoface Small Seconds is undoubtedly a better choice. What do you think? Classic or Tribute?

Brand: Jaeger-LeCoultre
Model: Reverso Classic Monoface Small Seconds
Reference: Q3868520
Dial: Silver case with a new coin-edge guilloché pattern, vertically brushed hour markers and seconds hand, printed Arabic numerals, classic blued steel sword-shaped hands.

Case Materials: Stainless steel, polished surface, fluted, 50 parts, rotating Reverso mechanism
Case Dimensions: 24.4 mm (W) × 40.1 mm (L) × 7.56 mm (D)
Crystal: Sapphire crystal
Case Back: Stainless steel
Motor: Jaeger-LeCoultre 822: Manual winding, 21,600 vibrations per hour (3 Hz), 42-hour power reserve, 108 parts, 19 jewels
Water Resistance: 30 meters (3 bar)
Strap: Black calfskin (18/16 mm), designed by Casa Fagliano, with stainless steel pin buckle