For the first time since 1998, and for only the second time in the nearly 100-year history of its most iconic model, Jaeger-LeCoultre has squeezed a world timer into the Reverso. The result is the Reverso Tribute Geographic, which features a demure primary dial with an outsize date on one side and an exquisite world time display on the other.

The Geographic is available in a stainless steel case with a blue dial or as part of a 150-piece limited edition in 18k rose gold featuring a chocolate brown dial. Both models share the same dimensions, which are unfortunately a bit on the large side.

Initial thoughts

There’s a lot to like about the Reverso Geographic. Reversos like this that hide a complication on the second dial are deeply appealing to me, and carry with them the thrill of keeping a secret. It also gives the watch a split personality, enabling the wearer to choose the dial that matches their mood.

While I immediately liked the concept of the Geographic, I was slightly disappointed to see the dimensions, which match those of the Reverso Tribute Chronograph launched in 2023.

At 49.4 mm long by 29.9 mm wide, the Geographic is among the larger Reversos, meaning it loses some of the intended vintage charm. That said, the size is a consequence of its functionality – a smaller case size would make the world time display unreasonably small.

One of the things I liked about the Tribute Chronograph that also applies to the Geographic is the fact that it’s very much a sleeper in the sense that at first glance there’s nothing to suggest it’s anything more than a simple Reverso (other than perhaps the size).

The primary dial features a simple sunburst finish in navy blue or chocolate, for the steel and rose gold models, respectively. Things don’t get interesting until you flip the watch over, revealing a Cottier-style world time display with a laser-engraved and hand-enameled map in its center.

The Geographic is powered by the new cal. 834. The technical specs (manual winding, 4 Hz rate, and 42-hour power reserve) suggest it shares architecture with other Reverso models, but it features an integrated world time complication and a new, patented big date mechanism.

Jaeger-LeCoultre has lost some if its sterling reputation for value in recent years. The Geographic retails for €19,000 in steel, which is decent value-wise. It will no doubt appeal to fans of the Reverso and those looking for an interesting and unexpected world timer.

Around the world

Simply put, the world time display is gorgeous. The focal point is the enameled world map at its center, which features 141 laser-cut hollows depicting the world’s oceans as seen from the north pole. Each hollow has been enameled by hand using a syringe, with the dark blue enamel representing water.

The longitude lines of the map line up with the city names engraved around the edge of the dial. Since the map and city disk are fixed, the city names are oriented mostly upright, improving legibility.

The 24-hour ring rotates clockwise between them, with day and night hours coloured light and navy blue, respectively. The time zone ring rotates continuously, but can be set in one-hour increments using a discreet pusher at the top of the case. Due to its striking looks, I can imagine owners of this watch wearing it with the world time display facing up a significant portion of the time.

But part of what makes the world time display so striking is its size, which results in the only major weakness of the Geographic: its large case.

Since the proportions of the Reverso are largely fixed, the width of the case directly impacts its length. The Cottier-style world time display, originally designed for round watches, takes up all the width of the case and then some, with some of the city names curving over the case edge.

Integrated world time movement

The Reverso Geographic is powered by the new cal. 834. Part of what makes the movement new is the fully integrated world time display; by opting for an integrated design rather than a module, the designers were able to keep thickness to a minimum.

In addition to the world time readout, the cal. 834 features a patented big date mechanism on the primary dial. This mechanism was updated in 2021, and was engineered from the ground up for the Reverso’s iconic rectangular case using side-by-side date discs on the same plane, a design that improves the elegance and legibility of the date display.

The hours and minutes are set via the crown, while the date is advanced via a recessed case pusher next to the crown (don’t lose that stylus). The relationship between the primary time display and the world time can be adjusted in one hour increments using a concealed pusher at the top of the case, keeping the case lines clean and continuous.

Key Facts and Price

Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Tribute Geographic
Ref. Q714845J (steel)
Ref. Q714256J (18k pink gold)

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

Movement: Cal. 834
Functions: Hours, minutes, small seconds, big date, and world time
Winding: Manual
Frequency: 28,800 beats per hour (4 Hz)
Power reserve: 42 hours
Strap: Casa Fagliano calfskin leather and canvas-and-calfskin straps included

Limited edition: Ref. Q714256J (18k pink gold) limited to 150 pieces
Availability: At boutiques only
Price: €19,000 in steel, including VAT

For more, visit Jaeger-lecoultre.com.