With its elegant Art Deco style and dual-function dials, the Reverso Tribute Chronograph returns to the sporting origins of this model, created in the 1930s in India to be worn during fierce polo matches, by reviving a function closely linked to sport. And it does so by drawing direct inspiration from the first chronograph launched in 1996, the Reverso Chronographe Retrograde equipped at the time with the 829 calibre, for Jaeger the first chronograph movement in a rectangular case and the first integrated hand-wound chronograph to be produced ex-novo in the era following the quartz crisis. An important movement that celebrated the brand's rediscovery of grand complications at that time.
In the Reverso Tribute Chronograph, available in pink gold or steel, the presence of the chronograph (on the second side of the rotating case) is subtly revealed by the pushers almost integrated into the case middle and barely perceptible so as not to compromise the elegance typical of this model.
The first side is dedicated to an essential hour and minute dial with a soleil finish. In the steel version, it has a blue-grey hue, obtained by means of the ALD (atomic level deposition) process, which allows very thin layers of titanium oxide to be deposited. In the rose gold version, on the other hand, the background of the dial is black, with great emphasis on the warm tone of the metal.
Turning the case shows the more complex second side, entirely skeletonised with a view of the movement. The central hand indicates the chronograph seconds, while at 6 o'clock is the retrograde chronograph minute counter. At the end of the first 30 minutes, the hand instantaneously returns to zero and the chronograph continues counting.
Like its illustrious predecessor, the calibre 829, the new 860 is an integrated manual movement. Again, the challenge was to accommodate circular chronograph counters in a rectangular case while maintaining maximum readability. With a column wheel and horizontal coupling, it beats at a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour and boasts a 52-hour power reserve.
Each version comes with two straps, in canvas and leather or entirely in leather, made by Casa Fagliano, an Argentinian polo boot manufacturer. The interchangeable buckle facilitates replacement.
Prices24,400 euros (steel); 42,700 euros (pink gold).
