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Watches 24

Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Tribute Geographic: A Contemporary Dual-Time Travel Companion

In 2025, Jaeger-LeCoultre expanded its Reverso lineup with the Reverso Tribute Geographic—a modern interpretation of a world-time travel watch originally introduced in the late 1990s. This release was part of the brand’s showcase at Watches and Wonders, highlighting a range of high-complication, artisan, and classically inspired timepieces. Among these, the Reverso Tribute Geographic reflects a blend of functional horology and refined design, reviving the travel complications of the earlier Reverso Geographique models in a more cohesive and minimalist execution.

This article provides a detailed examination of the Reverso Tribute Geographic, including its technical specifications, design evolution, dual-time complication, case construction, and its positioning within the broader Reverso collection.

Historical Background: Revisiting the Geographic Complication

The Reverso line by Jaeger-LeCoultre has been a mainstay of the brand’s portfolio since its introduction in 1931. Originally designed as a sports watch for polo players with a reversible case to protect the dial, it has since evolved into a platform for a wide range of complications and artistic expressions.

One such variant was the Reverso Geographique, introduced in the late 1990s and early 2000s. These earlier models were notable for incorporating world-time displays, enabling the wearer to keep track of multiple time zones—a feature useful for international travelers and global professionals. The reference 270.2.58 in pink gold, for instance, featured a complex dual-dial layout, including a city ring and time zone selector on the reverse side.

Though functional, the earlier Reverso Geographique models presented a dial arrangement that was more segmented and data-heavy, with multiple registers and sub-dials. While this allowed for comprehensive world-time functionality, it also resulted in a design that leaned more toward utility than minimalism.

The 2025 Reverso Tribute Geographic represents a reimagining of this concept, retaining its travel-oriented features while simplifying the aesthetic and improving legibility.

Design and Dimensions

The new Reverso Tribute Geographic is presented in two primary variations: a stainless steel model and a limited edition of 150 pieces in pink gold. Both feature a rectangular case measuring 49.4mm by 29.9mm with a thickness of 11.4mm.

These dimensions, while larger than some traditional Reverso Monoface models, remain within the realm of practicality for dual-sided watches. The size allows for legible dial layouts on both the front and reverse sides while maintaining wearability under a cuff.

The design language follows that of the Reverso Tribute collection, which draws inspiration from earlier Reverso watches. Key visual elements include:

– Applied hour markers  

– Gadroons on the case flanks  

– Dauphine-style hands  

– A small seconds sub-dial at 6 o’clock on the front face

These traditional design cues are complemented by a large date display at 12 o’clock, integrated into the upper portion of the dial and set over the Jaeger-LeCoultre logo and signature. The front dial is finished with a subtle sunburst texture—blue in the stainless steel model and brown in the pink gold edition.

The Reversible Case and Rear Dial Features

One of the hallmark features of the Reverso is its rotating case, which protects the primary dial and reveals a second functional display on the reverse side. In the case of the Reverso Tribute Geographic, the rear dial displays a secondary time zone and features a stylized map of the Northern Hemisphere surrounded by a lacquered ocean backdrop.

This rear dial incorporates a day/night indicator to assist with setting the second time zone. It also allows the wearer to view the relationship between their home time and the selected secondary time zone, a practical feature for global travelers.

The world time is set using a sliding mechanism built discreetly into the top edge of the reversible case. This “secret slider” enables the adjustment of the secondary time zone in discrete hourly increments, aligning the rear display with the wearer’s local reference time on the front dial. The control system is designed to be intuitive and user-friendly, reducing the number of steps required for adjustment.

The lacquered finishing on the rear dial and the hand-applied geographic motif enhance the aesthetic appeal while preserving functionality. This design prioritizes legibility and elegance, allowing for both practical timekeeping and an elevated visual presentation.

Movement: Caliber 853

The Reverso Tribute Geographic is powered by the Jaeger-LeCoultre Caliber 853, a manual-winding movement engineered and assembled in-house. This movement supports hours, minutes, small seconds, dual time zone indication, and a large date display.

Key specifications include:

– Power reserve: Approximately 42 hours  

– Frequency: 21,600 vibrations per hour (3 Hz)  

– Number of jewels: 19  

– Functions: Local time, secondary time zone, large date, day/night indicator

The movement is composed of high-grade components and decorated to fine watchmaking standards. Though not visible due to the dual-dial configuration, the movement exemplifies the brand’s technical expertise in creating compact, manually wound calibers capable of supporting multiple complications within the constrained dimensions of the Reverso case.

Case Materials and Finishing

The Reverso Tribute Geographic is available in two case materials:

1. Stainless Steel: Offers a contemporary and understated look, paired with a deep blue front dial and matching leather strap. The steel case is polished and brushed to emphasize the contrast between surfaces and edge lines.

2. 18k Pink Gold (150-piece limited edition): Paired with a warm brown sunburst dial and complementary leather strap, the pink gold model accentuates the luxurious appeal of the Reverso collection. The contrast between the lacquered black elements on the rear dial and the warm tones of the pink gold case further enhances its visual sophistication.

Each case is constructed with water resistance of up to 30 meters, sufficient for daily wear but not intended for sports or aquatic use.

Strap and Wearing Experience

Both versions of the Reverso Tribute Geographic are equipped with high-quality leather straps that match the tone of the dial and case material. The straps are designed to integrate seamlessly with the Reverso’s distinctive case shape and are fitted with deployant clasps for secure fastening.

The curved lugs and rectangular shape allow the watch to sit comfortably on the wrist, distributing weight evenly despite the dual-sided construction. While the watch may appear large on paper due to its length (49.4mm), the narrow width and thickness contribute to a relatively ergonomic profile.

Positioning within the Reverso Lineup

The Reverso Tribute Geographic represents a mid-to-high-tier offering within the Reverso collection, combining heritage design with functional complications. It sits above the time-only and Duoface models but below the ultra-complicated Hybris Mechanica and Hybris Artistica references.

Notably, the Tribute Geographic distinguishes itself from the Reverso Duoface through its more intricate dial work, lacquer finishing, and the inclusion of the large date complication. It offers added value for those seeking a travel-focused Reverso with artistic and mechanical refinements.

As part of the broader 2025 Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso introductions, this model aligns with the brand’s strategy of reinforcing its position as a leader in rectangular watchmaking and dual-time complications. Other Reverso models showcased at Watches and Wonders include the Minute Repeater, enamel dial tributes, and more accessible Tribute Duoface variants.

Price and Availability

The Reverso Tribute Geographic is priced at:

– USD 21,200 for the stainless steel model  

– USD 34,900 for the 18k pink gold limited edition (150 pieces)

The watches are available through authorized Jaeger-LeCoultre boutiques and select retail partners globally. Due to the limited production of the pink gold edition, availability may vary depending on region and demand.

The pricing reflects the incorporation of dual-time complications, artisanal finishing, and the complexity of constructing reversible cases with multi-layered dials.

Summary of Features

Model Name: Reverso Tribute Geographic  

Case Sizes: 49.4mm x 29.9mm x 11.4mm  

Case Materials: Stainless steel or 18k pink gold (limited edition)  

Dial Colors: Blue (steel), brown (pink gold)  

Movement: Manual-winding Jaeger-LeCoultre Caliber 853  

Functions: Hours, minutes, small seconds, dual time zone, day/night indicator, large date  

Water Resistance: 30 meters  

Strap: Leather with deployant clasp  

Price: USD 21,200 (steel), USD 34,900 (pink gold)

Conclusion

The Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Tribute Geographic combines heritage design with modern utility. Through its dual-dial layout, intuitive time zone functionality, and refined aesthetics, it exemplifies the Reverso collection’s enduring appeal as both a design icon and a platform for functional complications.

Its reintroduction of the “Geographic” theme from earlier Reverso models brings added travel utility to the Tribute range, while updated materials, sunburst finishing, and lacquer detailing reflect Jaeger-LeCoultre’s continued commitment to craftsmanship.

Positioned as a premium offering within the Reverso lineup, the Tribute Geographic adds depth and diversity to the collection, reinforcing the brand’s leadership in rectangular and dual-time horology.

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