A replica Reverso Tribute Small Seconds is a copy of the Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Tribute Small Seconds, a rectangular watch with a reversible case and a subdial at 6 o'clock. The genuine watch measures 45.6 mm by 27.4 mm and runs calibre 822, a hand-wound movement with a 45-hour power reserve. Copies match the case outline and the dial layout. They do not match the movement, the case thickness, or the flip hinge. Those three points set the price and the quality of any copy.
Sizes and Movement of the Original
The Reverso arrived in 1931 for polo players who needed a case that turned over and protected the glass. The Tribute line keeps that design. Steel Tribute Small Seconds models measure 45.6 mm vertical, 27.4 mm wide, and about 8.5 mm thick. Water resistance is 30 m, or 3 bar.
Calibre 822 has 108 parts, 21 jewels, and a rate of 21,600 vibrations per hour. Power reserve is 45 hours. The small seconds hand sits at 6 o'clock. The caseback is solid steel and takes an engraving.
Replica Price Levels
- Quartz copies: $40 to $120. The seconds hand ticks in one-second steps.
- Entry automatic copies: $150 to $300. Chinese movement, printed dial text, thicker case.
- Higher tier copies: $350 to $700. Closer case profile, better dial finish, automatic movement with a running small seconds subdial.
These numbers come from seller listings, not from a central market. They move with the factory, the batch, and the currency.
What Copies Get Right
- Case outline and the 45.6 by 27.4 mm footprint.
- Subdial position at 6 o'clock.
- Dial colors: blue, green, burgundy, black, silver.
- Text on the dial, including the brand name.
What Copies Get Wrong
- Movement. Calibre 822 is hand-wound. Most copies use a quartz module or an automatic movement with a subdial gear train.
- Thickness. A copy runs 1 mm to 2 mm thicker in most listings.
- Flip hinge. The original carriage rotates inside the frame with no play. Copies show gaps at the top and bottom rails.
- Dial finish. Sunray brushing on the original is fine and even. Copies use a coarser stamp.
- Caseback engraving. Letters on the original have depth and sharp edges. Copies are shallow and rounded.
Checks Before You Buy
- Ask for case thickness with a caliper photo.
- Ask for a video of the flip. The carriage should turn 180 degrees and lock.
- Watch the seconds hand. A tick per second means quartz.
- Tilt the dial under a light. Look for a smooth sunray line.
- Compare caseback engraving to press photos from Jaeger-LeCoultre.
No copy uses a Jaeger-LeCoultre calibre 822. A listing that claims a Swiss movement inside a Reverso Tribute copy is not accurate. Ask for movement photos with the caseback open, and ask for the seller's return terms in writing.