Jaeger-LeCoultre Toasts The Glamour Of The Cocktail Watch Era With Five New ‘Or Deco’ Creations

Few watches in horology enjoy the enduring status of the Reverso. Born in 1931 to withstand the rigours of polo matches played by British Army officers in India, the swivelling-cased masterpiece has evolved far beyond its sporting origins to become one of the most recognisable expressions of Art Deco design. Over nearly a century, the Reverso has served as a canvas for artistic expression, mechanical innovation and timeless elegance, all while remaining instantly identifiable.

For 2026, Jaeger-LeCoultre deepens the creative universe of the Reverso Tribute collection with five striking new additions to the Reverso Tribute Monoface ‘Or Deco’ family. Following the success of the Reverso Tribute Monoface Small Seconds ‘Or Deco’ launched in 2025, the manufacture now introduces a trio of gem-set cocktail-inspired creations, a new monochromatic white-gold version and a more compact Solo Tempo model that returns to the essence of timekeeping. Together, these novelties celebrate the Reverso's remarkable versatility, proving once again that an icon can continue to evolve without ever losing its identity.

The stars of the new collection are undoubtedly the Reverso Tribute Monoface Small Seconds ‘Or Deco Cocktail’ models. Inspired by the dazzling cocktail watches that emerged during the golden age of Art Deco in the 1920s and 1930s, these creations bring a distinctly jewellery-inspired dimension to the Reverso. Presented in three limited editions of just 30 pieces each, the watches are available in 18K pink gold adorned with rubies, and in 18K white gold set with either emeralds or blue sapphires. Each timepiece is framed by 46 baguette-cut gemstones positioned between the Reverso's signature gadroons, amplifying the rectangular geometry that has defined the model since its inception. The vibrant gemstones create a striking contrast against the polished gold case and Milanese bracelet, while the subtly textured matte-grained dial offers a sophisticated backdrop that allows the gemstones to take centre stage.

The Art of Invisible Gem Setting

While the gemstones immediately capture attention, the true magic lies in the craftsmanship behind them. The artisans of Jaeger-LeCoultre's Métiers Rares™ atelier employ an intricate rail-setting technique, often referred to as an "invisible setting", first perfected during the Art Deco era. The process demands extraordinary precision, with microscopic rails crafted beneath the gemstones. Each baguette-cut stone is then carefully slid into place and secured by folding minute amounts of gold over its edge. The result is an uninterrupted ribbon of colour and light, with each stone appearing to float seamlessly beside the next.

Among the three gemstone variations, the emerald version presented the greatest challenge. Naturally more fragile than sapphires or rubies, emeralds require exceptional care during handling and setting to preserve their vibrant colour and flawless appearance. The outcome is a masterclass in gem-setting that perfectly complements the Reverso's architectural lines.

Despite their jewellery-like appearance, these are serious mechanical watches at heart. Housed within the 45.6 mm x 27.4 mm case, which maintains a remarkably slim profile of just 7.56 mm, the Cocktail models are powered by Jaeger-LeCoultre's hand-wound Calibre 822. Designed specifically to follow the contours of the rectangular case, the movement is conceived, produced and assembled entirely in-house. The calibre features a small seconds display at six o'clock and delivers a power reserve of 42 hours, ensuring that beauty and functionality remain perfectly balanced.

Monochromatic Sophistication in White Gold

Joining the collection is a new Reverso Tribute Monoface Small Seconds ‘Or Deco’ crafted entirely in 18K white gold. Where the Cocktail editions embrace colour and exuberance, this model takes a more restrained approach. Its silvery-grey grained dial creates a subtle visual transition into the highly polished white-gold case and Milanese bracelet, resulting in a seamless monochromatic aesthetic.

The interplay between matte and polished surfaces adds depth and refinement without disturbing the watch's minimalist purity. Elegant, understated and undeniably contemporary, it offers a different interpretation of the same Art Deco spirit. Like its gem-set siblings, it measures 45.6 mm x 27.4 mm, is just 7.56 mm thick and houses the manually wound Calibre 822 with a 42-hour power reserve.

For those who appreciate restraint, Jaeger-LeCoultre introduces the Reverso Tribute Monoface ‘Or Deco Solo Tempo’. Embodying the philosophy of "less is more", this new model strips the design back to its essentials. The small seconds display has been removed, creating a cleaner dial layout that places greater emphasis on proportion, texture and balance.

More importantly, the case has been resized to echo the dimensions of the earliest Reverso models from the 1930s. Measuring 40.1 mm x 24.4 mm, it offers a more compact and versatile presence on the wrist, making it equally appealing to men and women. Rendered entirely in pink gold and free from additional ornamentation, the Solo Tempo demonstrates the power of simplicity. It retains the same slim 7.56 mm profile and is powered by the manually wound Calibre 822, providing a 42-hour reserve.

The Return of a Bracelet Steeped in History

One of the defining elements of the ‘Or Deco’ series is its beautifully executed Milanese bracelet. Its origins stretch back to 13th-century Milan, where a similar weaving technique was originally used to create chain-mail armour. Centuries later, Renaissance goldsmiths adapted the method for precious jewellery, and by the 1930s Milanese mesh had become synonymous with Art Deco elegance. Interestingly, its journey mirrors that of the Reverso itself. Both enjoyed immense popularity during the Art Deco era, faded from fashion during the mid-20th century and experienced remarkable revivals during the 1970s before returning once again to contemporary relevance.

For the new ‘Or Deco’ collection, Jaeger-LeCoultre approached the bracelet as an integral design element rather than an accessory. More than ten metres of gold thread are required to create each bracelet, resulting in a silky-smooth, highly flexible structure that drapes around the wrist like a second skin. The manufacture even developed a specialised attachment system to ensure seamless integration between case and bracelet, while a newly designed sliding clasp allows for infinitely adjustable sizing and exceptional comfort.

A Celebration of Reverso's Endless Versatility

Nearly a century after its debut, the Reverso continues to demonstrate an extraordinary ability to reinvent itself. Whether adorned with vibrant gemstones, rendered in sleek monochromatic white gold or distilled to its purest expression through the Solo Tempo, the new ‘Or Deco’ collection showcases the many personalities hidden within the iconic swivelling case.

Balancing vintage glamour with modern refinement, technical precision with artistic craftsmanship, and masculine and feminine sensibilities in equal measure, these five novelties reaffirm why the Reverso remains one of watchmaking's most enduring design icons. With the 2026 ‘Or Deco’ collection, Jaeger-LeCoultre proves that true classics never stand still they simply find new ways to shine.