The replica Reverso Tribute Small Seconds 1931 recreates Jaeger-LeCoultre's Art Deco rectangle: a 45.6 x 27.4 mm swivel case, a small seconds subdial at 6 o'clock and a hand-wound movement. A true 1:1 copy matches those proportions, flips on a working hinge and prints the dial to the same spacing as the original. Anything shorter, thicker or glued shut is a different watch wearing the same name.
What is the Reverso Tribute Small Seconds 1931?
Jaeger-LeCoultre launched the Reverso in 1931 for polo players who needed a case that could turn over to protect the glass. The Tribute line keeps that 1931 geometry: a long rectangle with a sliding carriage, straight lugs and a stepped bezel. The Small Seconds version moves the running seconds to a subdial at 6 o'clock and leaves the rest of the dial quiet.
Specs at a glance
- Case size: about 45.6 mm lug to lug by 27.4 mm wide, roughly 8.5 mm thick
- Movement: hand-wound caliber 822/2, about 42 hours of power reserve, 21,600 vph
- Dial: grained or sunray finish, applied baton indices, railroad minute track
- Small seconds: subdial centered at 6 o'clock
- Water resistance: 30 m, splash only
- Strap: narrow leather, about 20 mm at the lugs
Which details separate a 1:1 replica from a cheap copy?
- Case ratio: low-grade copies stretch the rectangle or thicken the bezel, which breaks the Art Deco line.
- Swivel action: the carriage should slide and flip with light pressure, then lock flat without rattle.
- Dial printing: the minute track should stay crisp under a loupe, with no bleeding into the grained surface.
- Hands: baton hands carry a polished bevel and a satin top face.
- Caseback: the flip side should show the same guilloche texture and engraving depth as the original.
Movement choices in replica Reverso watches
Most replica Reverso Tribute Small Seconds 1931 watches run one of three movements: a quartz module, a Chinese automatic, or a hand-wound clone. Hand-wound is the correct answer for this model because the original has no rotor. A hand-wound copy also keeps the case thin, which matters on a rectangle that already sits close to the wrist.
Check the winding feel. A clean movement winds with steady resistance and no grinding. If the crown spins free or the hands jump while you set the time, the movement is the weak point of the build.
Case proportions and wrist fit
A 45.6 mm rectangle wears larger than a round watch of the same measurement because the corners catch light and extend past the wrist bone. On a 6.5 inch wrist it covers most of the flat top surface, which is the intended look. Buyers with wrists under 6 inches tend to prefer the smaller Reverso Classic instead.
Straps and how they change the look
The Reverso Tribute Small Seconds 1931 shipped on alligator, and the strap carries much of the vintage feel. A stitched calf strap in brown or tan reads more casual and hides scuffs better. Match strap thickness to the lugs, since an overstuffed strap will not sit flush against the case.
Frequently asked questions
Does the swivel case actually flip on a replica?
On a genuine 1:1 build, yes. The carriage slides up, the case flips 180 degrees and the solid back faces out. Lower grades often glue the case in place, so test the action before you buy.
How can I tell a low-grade Reverso replica?
Look at the bezel steps, the index alignment and the engraving on the solid back. If the rectangle looks squat, the indices drift off the minute track, or the caseback engraving is shallow and fuzzy, the build is not a 1:1.
Is the case solid steel or plated?
The better copies use 316L stainless steel throughout, the same base alloy as the original. Plated cases show brass at the edges within months of daily wear.
What should I check on the small seconds subdial?
The subdial should sit centered at 6 o'clock with even spacing to the minute track. The hand should be short and thin, not a leftover seconds hand from another model.
Care and maintenance
Wipe the case with a soft cloth after wear and keep the watch away from water, since 30 m of resistance only covers splashes. Wind it at the same time each day and store it flat when not in use. A hand-wound Reverso with a clean dial and an intact swivel will hold its look for years.