Following the resounding success of the Reverso Tribute Monoface Small Seconds ‘Or Deco’ in 18K pink gold (750/1000) in 2025, Jaeger-LeCoultre expands this distinctive expression of the Reverso with the introduction of five new models:
- The Reverso Tribute Monoface Small Seconds ‘Or Deco Cocktail’: a trio of gem-set variations, in 18K pink gold (750/1000) with rubies, or 18K white gold (750/1000) set with either emeralds or blue sapphires
- The Reverso Tribute Monoface Small Seconds ‘Or Deco’: available in 18K white gold (750/1000)
- The Reverso Tribute Monoface ‘Or Deco Solo Tempo’ in 18K pink gold (750/1000), resized and a return to the essence of time
Five ‘Or Deco’ novelties
Recalling the golden age of gem-set cocktail watches born from the Art Deco movement, first seen in the 1920s and truly coming into their own during the 1930s, the Reverso Tribute Monoface Small Seconds ‘Or Deco Cocktail’ is presented in three versions: in 18K pink gold (750/1000) with rubies and 18K white gold (750/1000) with either emeralds or blue sapphires – each model is an edition limited to 30 pieces.The baguette-cut stones for each timepiece, set between the gadroons above and below the dial, amplify the Reverso’s rectilinear geometry and create a vivid contrast with the polished gold case and Milanese bracelet, complemented by the subtle texture and matte effect of the grained dial.
The baguette-cut stones, set between the gadroons above and below the dial, heighten the Reverso’s signature rectilinear geometry while reinforcing its vintage character. The gem-setters of Jaeger- LeCoultre’s Métiers Rares™ atelier use rail setting – an ‘invisible setting’ technique perfected in the 1930s – to create an unbroken line of colour and light. Requiring extreme precision to achieve loupe-perfect straight edges and to lock the stones securely in place while ensuring that their surfaces are exactly level with each other, rail setting involves forming a framework of tracks (rails) a fraction of a millimetre wide in the gold beneath what will be the level of the stone. The gem-setter then slides the stone onto the track and folds a minute amount of gold over its edge to secure it before sliding the next stone into place. Through the rail setting technique, the gem-setter’s challenge lies in delicately folding the gold of the case over the 46 baguette-cut blue sapphires without compromising the stones. Each stone is set edge-to-edge and secured thanks to the rail and the case’s gold, creating a continuous flow of light with no other points of support. Each gem-setting technique demanded meticulous work; however, due to its inherently fragile attributes, the emerald was the stone that required the most specialised attention. Its delicate nature necessitated extreme precision in handling and setting, ensuring every facet of its vibrant beauty was preserved and perfectly showcased without risk of damage. Set in a case measuring 45.6 mm x 27.4 mm with a slim profile of 7.56 mm, the Reverso Tribute Monoface Small Seconds ‘Or Deco Cocktail’ novelties are powered by the same hand-wound Calibre 822 as featured in the 2025 original Reverso Tribute Monoface Small Seconds ‘Or Deco’, a movement that still features a small seconds display at 6 o’clock on the dial and provides a power reserve of 42 hours. The same movement, which is shaped to echo the lines of the rectangular case, was also designed, produced, and assembled entirely in-house.
Completing the new ‘Or Deco’ series for 2026, the Reverso Tribute Monoface Small Seconds ‘Or Deco’ is now presented in 18K white gold (750/1000), as well as the original 18K pink gold (750/1000). The cool, monochromatic effect is enhanced by the subtle visual shift from the soft and powdery texture of the grained silvery-grey dial to the high shine of the polished 18K white gold (750/1000) Milanese bracelet and matching case. Set in a case measuring 45.6 mm x 27.4 mm with a slim profile of 7.56 mm, the Reverso Tribute Monoface Small Seconds ‘Or Deco’ in 18K white gold (750/1000) is fitted with the hand-wound Calibre 822, which offers a power reserve of 42 hours.
In the spirit of ‘less is more’, the uncluttered details and essential dimensions of the Reverso TributeMonoface ‘Or Deco Solo Tempo’ make a bold statement of style. Dispensing with the small seconds display refines the dial to its essence, while the smaller case takes this new Reverso closer than ever to the dimensions of the 1930s originals (39 x 21 mm).With its monochromatic pink gold aesthetic, free of ornamentation and measuring 40.1 mm x 24.4 mm, it is a perfect fit both physically and stylistically for wrists of all sizes, male and female alike. The slender, 7.56 mm case is fitted with Jaeger-LeCoultre’s manually wound Calibre 822, which ensures a power reserve of 42 hours.
As Jaeger-LeCoultre continues to explore and expand the creative universe of the Reverso, the addition of the ‘Or Deco’ series to the Reverso Tribute collection underlines the timeless beauty and great versatility of its Art Deco design. Blending vintage glamour and confident modernity, the new watches are destined to become contemporary classics.
The constantly evolving style of a design icon
Reverso, an icon: Created in 1931, the Reverso was designed to meet the demands of the newly fashionable ‘sporting gentleman’. A challenge was set by polo-playing military officers in India during the British Raj of 1858-1947 to create a watch that could withstand the rigours of the polo field. Reverso was the answer – a masterful integration of form and function. Quickly adopted by tastemakers from all walks of life, the Reverso soon transcended its original sporting purpose as new variations appeared – for both men and women. However, its iconic double-sided case and distinctive Art Deco lines have remained constant, making the Reverso one of the world’s most recognisable wristwatches. Over the decades, many variations of the Reverso have been created, both stylistic and mechanical, without ever compromising its identity. The distinctive and timeless design accounts for much of the Reverso’s enduring appeal – and for its recognition as an icon of Art Deco style.
Milanese mesh, a story behind the style: With a flat and silky-smooth finish, Milanese mesh is made by twisting fine threads of metal together in a particular way to form a double layer of densely interlocking small links. Because it requires no pins to join any sections, it is as flexible as a ribbon and highly durable. Milanese mesh originated in 13th-century Milan (from which it takes its name) as a type of chain mail armour. Renaissance goldsmiths then developed precious metal versions of the mesh for jewellery. However, the craft remained almost unknown outside Italy until the 1920s, when German jewellers mastered the technique.
Over the past century, the story of Milanese mesh has surprising parallels with that of the Reverso: as the epitome of Art Deco style, both became the height of fashion in the 1930s. Then, in the mid-20th century, as tastes and lifestyles changed, their popularity waned – before both enjoyed great revivals in the 1970s. Milanese mesh was ‘reborn’ for watch bracelets perfectly in tune with the ’70s aesthetic and the Reverso was rediscovered by the Milan-based watch distributor Giorgio Corvo, prompting a full relaunch by Jaeger-LeCoultre. Coinciding with the revival of mechanical watchmaking after the ‘quartz crisis’, the Reverso’s star ascended rapidly. Meanwhile, Milanese mesh again fell out of fashion until recently, when its crossover style – vintage-modern, sporty-elegant, masculine-feminine – sparked the latest revival.
Rather than simply adding a Milanese mesh bracelet to an existing design, each watch in the ‘Or Deco’ series was conceived and designed as a cohesive whole, with a unified all-gold aesthetic achieved through a mix of shades and textures. The finely grained dial provides a subtle counterpoint to the polished shine of the case, bracelet and applied hour indexes. The brushed finish of the 18K gold (750/1000) integrated buckle provides further contrast with the shiny polished Milanese mesh.
The slim profile of the Milanese bracelets was carefully studied to best complement the slender form of the 7.56 mm-thick Reverso case: the thickness of the gold thread – and consequently, the size of each mesh link – were crucial to attaining the most harmonious balance. To achieve a visually seamless case- to-bracelet integration, a specialised attachment link was developed: the barrette passes directly through the links, rather than using a traditional tube structure, and the lug holes were redesigned to accommodate it. The integrated sliding buckle was also designed from scratch. On the wrist, the bracelet feels as smooth, soft and sinuous as a second skin – fitting perfectly thanks to the infinitely adjustable sliding clasp, and beautifully balanced thanks to the weight of the gold.
The five novelties, unveiled in the sillage of the Reverso Tribute Monoface Small Seconds ‘Or Deco’ with Milanese link bracelet, perfectly highlight the Reverso’s unique adaptability to evolve over time – balancing contrasting qualities: sporty or elegant, contemporary or retro; masculine or feminine, and often a blend of several attributes at once.
