Watches and Wonders 2025: Jaeger-LeCoultre shines spotlight on the Reverso

Jaeger-LeCoultre’s proves the Reverso’s endearing appeal with new references that highlight both technical and artistic know-how 

Launched nearly a century ago in 1931, the Reverso is not only Jaeger-LeCoutlre’s most iconic creation but also one of the watchmaking world’s most recognisable silhouettes. 

The watch’s reversible case was first created to cater to the rigorous abuse that watches would often suffer on the wrists of polo players. This swivelling mechanism hides the watch's fragile face, exposing the case back instead. While sapphire crystal faces are much more robust these days, what remains are the endless possibilities of what can go on the back of the case, from the sleek and minimalist to the elaborately decorated and technically creative.

At this year’s Watches and Wonders, the watchmaker focuses on bringing this titan to the fore with nine new iterations of the Reverso. Among the handful inducted into the series are the Reverso Duoface Small Seconds, a classic interpretation of the possibilities of a double-sided watch, and the Reverso One Precious Flowers, where the case back becomes a canvas for exceptional decorative arts.

As the name suggests, the new Reverso Duoface Small Seconds utilises both sides of the case, essentially bringing two watch faces to a single timepiece. This means that the timepiece can simultaneously keep track of time in two different time zones. The front dial, in blue or black, features the small seconds function, while the reversed side has a 24-hour indicator. 

The manual-winding Calibre 854 housed inside the 47 x 28.3 mm has a 42-hour power reserve. 

While the Douface Small Seconds hones in mechanical know-how, the Reverso One Precious Flowers hones in on artistic savoir-faire. 

This exquisite floral design, one green and the other purple, is helmed by Maison’s Metiers Rare Atelier, an in-house workshop dedicated to decorative arts. Beautiful bouquets of arum lilies adorn the reverse side of the case, meticulously realised in grand feu champleve enamel, with black lacquer added in the green version. The pieces are then embellished with more than two carats of diamonds, adding to the artistry of the design. 

The hour and minute hands tick across the dial side of the piece, powered by a manual movement with a 50-hour power reserve. The rose gold piece measures 40 x 20 mm and is paired with matching shiny alligator straps in green or purple. Both versions are limited to 10 pieces only. 

Also see: Watches and Wonders 2025: Zenith’s 160-year legacy captured in blue ceramic trio