Quick answer
A replica Reverso Tribute Duo is a copy of the Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Tribute Duoface. The genuine watch holds two dials in one case. The case flips on a carriage. A replica copies the flip case, the two dials, and the rectangular shape. Most replicas sell for $180 to $800. They do not carry a Jaeger-LeCoultre movement. Jaeger-LeCoultre does not make them.
What the genuine watch is
Jaeger-LeCoultre launched the Reverso in 1931. The Tribute line updates the 1931 case. The Tribute Duoface Small Seconds is one model. Reference Q3988482 uses stainless steel. Case size is 47 mm by 28.3 mm. Thickness is 10.3 mm. Lug width is 20 mm. Water resistance is 30 meters. The front dial has hours, minutes, and small seconds. The back dial has a 24-hour second time zone. Both dials sit on one movement.
Movement in the real watch
Calibre 854A/2 drives the Tribute Duoface Small Seconds. It is a manual-wind movement. Power reserve is 42 hours. Frequency is 21,600 vibrations per hour. Component count is 160. The movement has two sets of hands on one gear train.
How replicas differ
- Movement: most replicas use a Chinese hand-wind or automatic movement. Some use a Seagull base. A few top builds copy the 854A/2 layout.
- Case: the flip carriage is the hardest part to copy. Low-grade replicas have loose hinges and gaps at the caseback.
- Thickness: many replicas run 11.5 mm to 13 mm. The real watch is 10.3 mm.
- Dial: the guilloche pattern on the genuine dial is cut, not stamped. Replicas use stamped or printed texture.
- Hands: genuine hands are polished steel or blued. Replica hands can show tool marks.
Price bands
Entry replicas cost $180 to $300. These use mineral glass and a low-grade movement. Mid-tier replicas cost $300 to $500. These add sapphire glass and a better case. Top-tier replicas cost $500 to $800. These copy the case profile and the dial layout close to the original. Prices vary by seller and by model.
Checks before you buy
- Ask for the case size. A Tribute Duoface should measure 47 mm by 28.3 mm.
- Ask for the movement type. Manual wind matches the original. Automatic does not.
- Ask for the thickness. Numbers above 11 mm are not close to the real watch.
- Ask for photos of the flip mechanism. Look for a flush fit when the case is closed.
- Check the second time zone. The back dial should track 24 hours, not 12.
Note: a replica is not a Jaeger-LeCoultre. It has no brand warranty and no service support from the maker. Resale value is low.