Okay, so, I’ve been eyeing the Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Tribute Chronograph for a while now. I mean, who wouldn’t? It’s a classic, right? A watch for mature people and, finally, I feel like I’m mature enough to wear a Reverso. So I decided it was time to pull the trigger and get myself a nice imitation of this beauty.
First things first, I started by doing some digging online. Not for the original, mind you, but for a decent replica. I wanted something that looked the part but didn’t break the bank. After reading a bunch of forum posts and browsing through some less-than-reputable websites, I finally stumbled upon a vendor that seemed promising. The photos looked good, and the reviews, while a bit sparse, weren’t terrible. The simpler design with metal back plate is really attractive.
I reached out to the vendor, asking a few questions about the watch’s movement, materials, and overall quality. You know, the usual stuff. They were surprisingly responsive and answered all my questions in a reasonable timeframe. So I decided to order one. They actually had a few variations, and I went for the one that most closely resembled the original reference Q389848J, which is the chronograph model. I always think chronograph is very difficult to fit into a rectangular-shaped watch.
After placing my order, the waiting game began. It took about two weeks for the watch to arrive, which is pretty standard for these kinds of things. When the package finally showed up, I eagerly ripped it open like a kid on Christmas morning.
My first impression? Not bad, not bad at all. The watch had a nice weight to it, and the overall build quality seemed decent. The stainless steel case felt solid, and the leather strap, while not genuine alligator, was still pretty comfortable. Of course, it’s not a real Jaeger-LeCoultre, so there were a few minor imperfections here and there. A little glue residue near the lugs, and the chronograph pushers felt a bit mushy, but nothing too egregious.
I started wearing the watch regularly, and honestly, it’s been a great conversation starter. Most people just assume it’s the real deal, which is kind of fun. I’ve worn it to work, out to dinner, and even to a couple of formal events. It really is a versatile piece. As many people say, the Reverso has always seemed an excellent half of a two watch collection.
Now, I know what you’re thinking: “Why buy a fake?” Well, for me, it’s about the aesthetic. I love the design of the Reverso, but I’m not in a position to drop tens of thousands of dollars on a watch. This imitation gives me the look I want without the hefty price tag. And honestly, I think most people who wear the original one also value the quality. Also, Jaeger-LeCoultre watches are generally considered to be a good investment and tend to retain their value well over the years, especially certain models.
The Metrics
- Original Reverso Dimensions: 38mm (height) x 24mm (width) x 6mm (thickness)
- New Reverso Tribute Monoface Dimensions: 40.1mm (height) x 24.4mm (width) x 7.56mm (thickness)
- My Imitation: Roughly 40mm x 24mm x 8mm – It’s a bit thicker than the original, but it actually feels good on the wrist.
Overall, I’m happy with my purchase. This imitation Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Tribute Chronograph is a stylish and affordable alternative to the real thing. It’s not perfect, but it gets the job done and looks great on my wrist. So if you are also a big fan of the imaginary watch collection, go for it.
Click to consult