Red Santa Watch for Christmas: Preview Of The New Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Tribute Duoface Fagliano Burgundy
Editor’s Note: Don’t have time to be reading the Editor’s Note, do we? Short-attention span, have we? Just need a quick watch fix? This preview of the new Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Tribute Duoface Fagliano Burgundy is a GET TO THE POINT (GTTP) review with all the info you want / need to know QUICK. Let’s get to the point.
What is it: The new Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Tribute Duoface Fagliano Burgundy ref. Q398256J
Why: In lead up to Reverso’s 90th anniversary celebrations next year
When released: 15 December 2020
Where: Just like the Burgundy Reverso Tribute Small Seconds from earlier last year, this one is also a boutique only edition. This particular one is a limited edition of 190 pieces
Who is it for: For lovers of the timeless Art Deco design style, for those who want something off the beaten track, for the fashionable ‘sporting gentleman’, for those who like to have two-time zones on their timepieces, and for those who are simply in awe of the brilliance behind JLC’s masterpieces
How does it do: It’s a beaut, no doubt. Is is something very different, no? But hey, when it ain’t broken, don’t fix it.
When the last Reverso Tribute Small Seconds ref. 397846J was released, it did create quite a few waves and justifiably so.
And personally, as much as I was keen in adding a Burgundy watch to my collection, compared to the sunburst blue dial of 2018’s ref. 3978480, this one felt a bit flat.
But now the new ref. Q398256J Duoface features a burgundy dial with sunburst pattern on one side, and it is a beauty. All I wish now is for them to release a Duoface with blue and red dials in steel (though I don’t think that’s gonna happen). Maybe a steel version of the ref. Q398256J would be more likely, but that said, the combination of Burgundy and a pink gold case is simply mesmerising.
Missing: Not much, it’s pretty great, though like I said, a more pocket friendly stainless steel version would be welcome. That and increased shock & magnetism resistance, and higher water-resistance of more than 30m would be nice.
Basic Specs: The new Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Tribute Duoface Fagliano Burgundy features the 3.8mm thick manually wound mechanical movement, Jaeger-LeCoultre Calibre 854A/2 that comprises of 160 complements and 19 jewels, beats at the frequency of 3Hz (21’600 vibrations per hour) and boasts of an okay 42-hour power reserve.
The movement is encased inside a 47 x 28.3mm x 10.3mm 18-carat pink gold case. The watch case houses two dials, with one side featuring that nice Burgundy-red lacquer with applied golden hour markers and dauphine hands, while the second reverse featuring the same old silvered grey and velvety Clous de Paris guilloche with applied golden hour markers and dauphine hands. As elegant as this guilloche work is, it’s becoming repetitive in silver and I wish the brand could venture beyond silvers and charcoals for this.
Reverso Tribute Duoface Limited Fagliano 
Reverso Tribute Duoface Limited Fagliano 
Reverso Tribute Duoface Limited Fagliano
Overall the functions of hours, minutes, small seconds, second time zone, and a 24-hour day/night indicator are shown. The timepiece is complemented by a bi-material cordovan leather and canvas strap on a 18-carat pink gold pin buckle that is designed and hand-crafted by Casa Fagliano.
Takeaway: The new Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Tribute Duoface Fagliano Burgundy is a stunning piece of wrist wear that when you consider the times design and execution, its price of $37’400 AUD seems somewhat inexpensive.
To find out more about the new Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Tribute Duoface Fagliano Burgundy and other JLC watches, please head to the website here. All images unless otherwise stated are courtesy © JAEGER-LECOULTRE 2020 / Copyright “©Jaeger-LeCoultre”. All rights reserved.
