Having reintroduced its reversible chronograph in steel or gold last year, Jaeger-LeCoultre (JLC) now does one better with the Reverso Tribute Chronograph in pink gold – with the case, dial, and movement bridges in pink gold.

Featuring the double-sided display of the iconic design, the new chronograph has a solid gold dial laser-engraved with fine horizontal lines, while the open-worked dial on the reverse reveals the pink gold bridges adorned with Côtes de Genève.

Initial thoughts

The original Reverso Chronograph was launched in 1995, equipped with one of the first manually-wound integrated chronograph movements developed post-Quartz Crisis (I can only think of the Piguet cal. 1180 that was earlier), making it notable piece of horological history. The 1995 original was a limited edition of 500, so the revival of the movement last year, while not imaginative, was a good thing.

The new Reverso Tribute Chronograph is a distinct variation of last’s year model that is no doubt superior thanks to its all-old execution, in contrast to regular-production version that features a movement with conventional rhodium-plated brass bridges. The use of a gold movement also brings to mind Reverso models of the 1990s and 2000s that employed similarly precious movements.

Everything about the new Reverso Tribute Chronograph is appealing, except the price of US$66,000. It’s almost twice as expensive as the standard model in pink gold, which is difficult to justify even considering the gold components and appealing aesthetics. That’s particularly so since JLC is historically a brand best known for its value-minded complications.

Double-sided and all gold

In terms of dimensions, the new chronograph remains the same. Done in the classic Reverso style with three horizontal gadroons framing the dial, the 18k pink gold case is 49.4 mm by 29.9 mm in diameter and 11.14 mm in thickness.

The dial on the front is solid gold and decorated with a linear horizontal pattern that’s laser engraved, with solid gold hands and applied markers to match. A black lacquered railroad minute track provides contrasts.

The flip side contains a second dial that is open-worked to show off the pink gold bridges below. The open-worked scales comprise a central 60-second counter and the 30-minute retrograde counter below.

The manually-wound in-house cal. 860  is also identical mechanically, but its bridges and base plate are in 18k pink gold. The movement has 52 hours of power reserve, and beats at 28,800 beats per hour (4 Hz).

Key Facts and Price

Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Tribute Chronograph
Ref. Q389256J

Diameter: 49.4 mm x 29.9 mm
Height: 11.14 mm
Material: 18k pink gold
Crystal: Sapphire
Water resistance: 30 m

Movement: Cal. 860
Functions: Hours, minutes, chronograph with retrograde 30-minute counter
Winding: Manual
Frequency: 28,800 beats per hour (4 Hz)
Power reserve: 52 hours
Strap: A tan calf leather strap; a black alligator strap

Limited edition: 250 pieces
Availability: At Jaeger-LeCoultre boutiques only
Price: US$66,000

For more, visit jaeger-lecoultre.com.

Correction November 18, 2024: The original 1995 Reverso Chronograph was one of the first manual-wind chronographs of the modern era, but not the first.