A fake Reverso Tribute Small Seconds 1931 copies the Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Tribute Small Seconds, a rectangular manual-wind watch with a small seconds subdial at 6 o'clock and a case that flips to show a solid back. The original case measures 45.6 mm from lug to lug by 27.4 mm wide, and most replica makers copy those numbers. Dial choices include burgundy, green, blue, and black, each with a sunray or lacquer finish and applied baton markers.

The 1931 tag points to the birth year of the Reverso line, not a separate reference. Jaeger-LeCoultre sold the first Reverso in 1931, and the Tribute family borrows that date for its vintage styling. Replica listings use the same label to signal the old-school look.

What defines the Reverso Tribute Small Seconds 1931?

Three features separate this Reverso from other models: the small seconds hand, the size, and the strap. The subdial sits at 6 o'clock and replaces the center seconds hand you see on a Reverso Classic. The case stays under 28 mm wide, so it fits a medium wrist without overhang. A Casa Fagliano leather strap with a pin buckle comes on the original, and replica sellers often ship a similar canvas or calf strap.

Case and swivel

The case is a two-part rectangle with a sliding mechanism. The inner body flips 180 degrees inside the outer frame. On a good replica the action runs smooth with no rattle, and the caseback shows engraved lines or a solid polished surface.

Dial and hands

The Tribute Small Seconds uses baton hands and applied markers. The subdial has a circular snailed finish on some dial colors. On a fake, printed markers look flat under light and the subdial ring can sit a hair too high or too low.

Movement

Jaeger-LeCoultre fits the calibre 822, a hand-wound rectangular movement with a 42-hour power reserve. Because rectangular movements are rare outside Switzerland, replica makers drop a round movement into the case with a spacer. Common choices include a Seagull ST17, a Miyota 8N33, or a decorated clone of an ETA 6498.

How to judge a fake Reverso Tribute Small Seconds 1931

Judge the watch in four areas: the case, the swivel, the dial, and the movement. Ask for photos at an angle and a short video of the flip action. A seller who refuses these requests hides flaws.

• Case size: measure the length and width. Anything past 46 mm by 28 mm feels too big for the design.
• Thickness: the original sits about 8.5 mm thick. Thick cases (10 mm and up) come from a round movement and a tall spacer.
• Swivel: the flip should need a light push and snap into place. Loose hinges show up after a few weeks of use.
• Engraving: check the caseback text. Soft, shallow letters point to a cheap casting.
• Dial print: look at the subdial ring and the Reverso text. Fuzzy edges or wrong fonts are easy to spot with a loupe.
• Strap: stitching should run straight and the leather should feel firm, not plastic.

Common flaws in replica Reverso watches

Cheap versions share a set of problems. The subdial sometimes sits at 5 o'clock instead of 6, or the seconds hand stutters because the movement has low torque. Casebacks come with the wrong engraving depth or the wrong font for the model year.

Another flaw is the crown. A correct Reverso crown is small and sits flush with the case band. Oversized crowns or crowns with a wrong logo break the look. Water resistance is a claim to treat with care, since most replica cases seal worse than the original 30 m rating.

What do prices look like?

Cost tracks the movement and the finish. A quartz or basic automatic version costs less than a hand-wound clone with a decorated movement and a sapphire crystal. Ask which factory built the watch and which movement sits inside before you pay.

Expect a wide range from budget builds to top-tier replicas with real sapphire and a Swiss-made ETA base. The top end of the replica market aims to match weight, thickness, and dial color to the original.

FAQ

Does the swivel work on a fake Reverso?

Yes, most replica Reversos flip because the case design depends on it. The hinge quality varies. Test the action in a video before you buy.

Can you tell a fake Reverso by the caseback?

In many cases, yes. The original engraving is crisp and deep. Replica engraving looks shallow, and the font can be wrong. A jeweler with a loupe will spot the difference fast.

What wrist size fits the 45.6 mm case?

The lug-to-lug length is the key number. A 45.6 mm length suits wrists from about 6.3 inches to 7.5 inches. Smaller wrists see overhang, larger wrists find it small.

Is the 1931 Reverso Tribute Small Seconds a limited edition?

The Tribute Small Seconds comes in several dial colors, and some colors are harder to find. Replica versions copy the common colors and skip the rare ones. Check the dial code if you want a match.