This novelty draws inspiration from the achievements of the 1990s while setting new standards.
In 1994, the Jaeger-LeCoultre watchmaking manufacture released 500 of its Ref. 270.2.73 watches with the world's first rectangular minute-repeater movement. The watchmaker Eric Coudray worked on its development, famed for his complicated movements, especially his multi-axis spherical tourbillons.
The Ref. 270.2.73 in its pink-gold case was once revolutionary. It's long been an enticing collector's item but still considered undervalued. The limited edition Reverso Répétition Minutes resurfaces at auctions from time to time. The 56th watch out of the limited edition 500 pieces was sold at Antiquorum for EUR 33,750 in June this year.
The watchmakers at Jaeger-LeCoultre decided to celebrate the minute repeater's evolution in September by releasing an anniversary Reverso collection — the iconic 2021 model marking the Reverso's 90th anniversary. The Reverso Tribute Minute Repeater builds on the achievements made in the 1990s while setting new standards.
Firstly, this watch is rarer and more expensive, with just 10 pieces priced at EUR 250,000. Secondly, this model allows you to observe all the workings of the minute repeater. The hammers and gongs are usually the only exposed parts (just think of the Zeitwerk Minute Repeater by A. Lange & Söhne or the H. Moser & Cie.
Endeavour Concept Minute Repeater Tourbillon). This watch offers an unobstructed view of the chiming mechanism in its entirety. The watch owner can change which intricate parts are on show by flipping the Reverso's swiveling case to the other side.
The same time is displayed on both dials but each side creates a different atmosphere. The "musical" front dial invites you to appreciate the depths of the movement with the upper bow-shaped bridge sweeping from 11 o'clock to 7 o'clock and the pink-gold gongs against the vertical striped backdrop and parts on the lower level.
The flip side of the movement has a more low-key look. Attention is drawn to the combination of exposed balance and elements with the traditional sober Côtes de Genève finishing.
A new version of the Jaeger-LeCoultre caliber 944 showcases its strengths in the Reverso Tribute Minute Repeater. The manually wound movement was used in the Reverso Répétition Minutes à Rideau — the model which was introduced in 2011 for the Reverso's 80th anniversary.
The same movement was enlisted this year for the Reverso's anniversary. However, there's a secondr milestone to mark on this occasion. This year also marks the 150th anniversary of Jaeger-LeCoultre's first minute repeater. The caliber 944 movement housed in its pink-gold case measuring 51.1 × 31 mm has a 35-hour power reserve.