Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Tribute Chronograph Q389848J

The Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Tribute Chronograph Q389848J takes one of watchmaking’s most recognizable designs and transforms it into an exceptionally sophisticated mechanical chronograph. Its stainless steel swiveling case measures 49.4mm x 29.9mm and just 11.14mm thick, with the front presenting a beautifully restrained blue-grey sunray dial featuring applied baton markers, Dauphine hands, and the clean Art Deco geometry that has defined the Reverso since 1931. Flip the case over and the personality changes completely, revealing an intricate openworked chronograph display with exposed movement architecture, blue chronograph hands, and a retrograde 30-minute counter. The concept draws inspiration from Jaeger-LeCoultre’s groundbreaking Reverso Chronographe of 1996, combining the sporting origins of the Reverso with the Maison’s expertise in high complications.

At its heart is the fully integrated, manually wound Jaeger-LeCoultre Calibre 860, a shaped rectangular movement developed, manufactured, and assembled entirely in-house. The movement operates at 28,800 vibrations per hour and provides approximately 52 hours of power reserve while simultaneously driving two separate time displays and the chronograph. Its column-wheel chronograph uses a horizontal clutch, while the unusual retrograde 30-minute counter sweeps across an arc before instantly returning to zero at the end of each half hour. Even more impressive, the movement must drive the hour and minute hands on opposite sides in opposite mechanical directions so that both displays appear to rotate clockwise to the wearer.

The Q389848J is particularly special because the Reverso’s famous reversible case is no longer simply a protective mechanism or a way to display a second conventional dial—it becomes an integral part of the complication itself. The understated front can be worn as an elegant time-only Reverso, while a flip of the case exposes the mechanical spectacle of the chronograph, including beautifully finished bridges with Côtes de Genève and hand-beveled details. Jaeger-LeCoultre pairs the watch with interchangeable Casa Fagliano-designed straps, further referencing the Reverso’s original connection to the world of polo. The result is a watch with two dramatically different personalities: classic Art Deco elegance on one side and serious haute horlogerie engineering on the other.

Reference: Q389848J

Dated: Ability to extend to 8 year warranty

Bracelet: Blue Canvas JLC Strap, and black leather JLC Strap

Case: 49.4mm x 29.9mm - Stainless Steel

Movement: JLC 860 - Manual - 52 Hour Power Reserve

Functions: Hours and minutes on both dials, Chronograph with retrograde 30-minute counter

Accessories: Outer/inner boxes, booklet, and warranty card

Crystal: Sapphire

Bracelet size: 7.75”

Case has no wear with stickers still attached. Strap has no wear with little to no creasing. Dial, hands, and crystal have no wear. Runs within spec.

Jaeger-LeCoultre, founded in 1833 in Switzerland's Vallée de Joux, began as a small workshop established by Antoine LeCoultre. Driven by innovation and precision, LeCoultre's company quickly gained recognition for its high-quality timepieces and movement production. In 1903, a partnership with Parisian businessman Edmond Jaeger led to the formation of Jaeger-LeCoultre, combining Swiss watchmaking expertise with French elegance.

Throughout the 20th century, Jaeger-LeCoultre solidified its position as a leader in watchmaking innovation. The company's milestones include the creation of the world's thinnest pocket watch (1925), the self-winding Atmos clock (1928), the iconic Reverso watch (1931), and the Master Memovox alarm wristwatch (1950). Today, Jaeger-LeCoultre continues to operate as a true "Manufacture," designing and producing its timepieces entirely in-house, while maintaining its legacy of innovation and exceptional craftsmanship.