Okay, so, about that Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Tribute Monoface, the boutique edition, let me tell you how I got involved with this watch.
It all started a while back, I was casually browsing some watch forums. I wasn’t really looking for anything specific, just killing time, you know? Then I stumbled upon a thread discussing the new Reverso Tribute models. People were talking about the ideal proportions, how it’s similar to the 1931 original, and the different versions available, like the monoface and a steel duoface tourbillon. I’ve always admired the Reverso, it’s such an iconic piece, and seeing those discussions sparked my interest.
So, I did a little digging. I found out that JLC had removed the old 5k Reverso Classic Medium Thin from their catalog and replaced it with this Tribute version, which was now priced around 8k. That’s a significant jump, and I could see why some people were upset about it on the forums.
But here’s the thing, I wasn’t just looking for any watch. I wanted something that could be worn on many occasions. I attend many business meetings per week, and I also want the watch to be suitable for family time. So, the watch has to fit these needs. I started to think this JLC watch could be it. I also noticed that people were saying JLC offers very good value for the money. After all, I want to know what I am getting when I pay for a watch.
I decided to visit a local watch store that carried JLC. I wanted to see the Reverso Tribute in person, try it on, and get a feel for it. The moment I held it in my hands, I was impressed. The craftsmanship was evident, and the watch felt substantial yet elegant on my wrist. It wasn’t too flashy, but it definitely had a presence.
I spent a good amount of time chatting with the salesperson, asking about the movement, the accuracy, and the different strap options. He showed me the blue dial version, which I found particularly striking. It had a sunburst finish that played with the light beautifully. I tried on both the leather strap and the metal bracelet, and while the bracelet looked great, I ultimately preferred the comfort and classic look of the leather.
Now, I’m a practical guy. I like to test things out before making a big purchase. So, I did something a bit unconventional. I asked the salesperson if I could wear the watch for a day. I explained that I wanted to see how it felt during my daily routine, how it performed in different situations, and whether it lived up to my expectations. To my surprise, he agreed!
- I wore the watch to work the next day. It felt comfortable on my wrist, even after hours of typing and meetings.
- I took it to the gym, and while I wouldn’t normally wear a dress watch while working out, I wanted to see how it handled a bit of sweat and movement. It held up fine, no issues there.
- I even wore it while playing with my kids in the park. It survived a few bumps and scrapes, and the sapphire crystal remained scratch-free.
Over the next few days, I monitored the watch’s accuracy. I noticed some variations in the readings, sometimes it lost a few seconds, and sometimes it was spot on. I found a post online saying the most it lost was 5.1 seconds per day, and it tracks in my test. I guess it depends on how you wear it and the temperature. Overall, it seemed to keep time reasonably well, within a few seconds per day, which is perfectly acceptable for a mechanical watch.
After a week of wearing the Reverso Tribute, I was sold. It was everything I was looking for in a watch: stylish, versatile, well-made, and reasonably accurate. Plus, it had that unique Reverso flip mechanism, which is just cool. It was an iconic piece, just like what those people on the forums said.
So, I went back to the store, returned the demo watch, and bought my very own Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Tribute Monoface. It’s been on my wrist ever since, and I couldn’t be happier with my decision.
Click to consult