Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Classic Duoface Small Seconds Owner Review : Classic, stunning and dressy

To complete my collection, I was missing a dress watch. So I turned (like its dial) to the Reverso! It's one of the most iconic watches in this category, even though, ironically, it was originally designed for sports. It was created in response to a polo player's request to be able to flip the dial of his watch to avoid damaging the crystal during matches. Born in the late 1930s, it has stood the test of time to become a horological icon. What gives it this status are its connections to history, architecture, design, and engineering. It's also one of the few watches that follows a specific architectural style, in this case, Art Deco (another example would be the watches from the Nomos brand, which are inspired by the Bauhaus style). This is recognizable in the cylindrical shape of the lugs and the case. The case also features three gadroons, typical of this style (the three grooves at the top and bottom of the case). This model is a Reverso Duoface, meaning it has two dials (for two time zones; a pusher allows you to set the hour hand on the second dial), powered by a single movement. On the front, the dial is light silver and rectangular. The interior is guilloché, the exterior is mirror-polished, and there is a subtle guilloché border at the edge. The Arabic numerals are black transfers, and the slim sword hands are blued. On the back, the dial is the inverse of the front. It is black and circular. The interior is mirror-polished, the exterior is guilloché, and there is a subtle mirror-polished border at the edge. There are no Arabic numerals, but rather baton hour markers. The sword hands are thicker and coated with Luminova. From the movement to the case, everything is made in the Vallée de Joux manufacture. The entire watch is certified by the in-house “1000 Hours” test, a rigorous protocol that far exceeds COSC standards. The original leather strap, easily interchangeable, comes from the Casa Fagliano collection. This Argentinian workshop is renowned for its polo boots, whose leather is particularly supple and durable. The clasp is a three-folding type. In terms of the experience, this is a watch that awakens the senses. After being dazzled by all the small details of the two dials and the harmonious proportions dictated by the golden ratio, one is charmed by the sound of the clicks when winding it or turning it over. Then, one can't help but turn it over several times in a row, making sure the lug clicks. It's, in a way, a “fidget spinner for well-to-do adults.” As for the downsides, I'd say first that I'm not a big fan of the manual winding. Since I don't wear it every day, I have to wind it and set the time each time. Furthermore, the seconds hand doesn't stop when you pull out the crown. This makes setting the time all the more difficult. In addition, the mirror-like polish of the case is a real drawback: micro-scratches are very visible. Specs: Front: Hour, Minute, Small seconds Back: Second time zone, 24-hour indicator Diameter: 28 mm (Height 47 mm) Thickness: 10 mm Power reserve: 42 hours Year: 2019 Ref: Q3848422 Water resistance: 30 m Caliber: 854A/2 Manual winding