Short answer
The Reverso Tribute Calibro 822 replica is a copy of a Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Tribute fitted with the hand-wound Calibre 822. Almost no replica runs that movement. Most run a different hand-wound or automatic caliber inside a case that copies the outside. At arm's length the case, dial and swivel look close. The movement, engraving and case finishing do not. Prices run from about $180 to $600 depending on factory and batch.
What Calibre 822 is
Jaeger-LeCoultre builds Calibre 822 in house. It is manual wind, runs at 21,600 vibrations per hour (3 Hz), and holds a power reserve of about 45 hours. The movement sits in Reverso cases with a small seconds hand at 6 o'clock. JLC has used the 822 family across Reverso lines since the 1990s, which is why the name appears on many references.
What replicas copy
- Rectangular case, listed on the Tribute Small Seconds at about 45.6 mm lug to lug and 27.4 mm wide.
- Swivel cradle that flips the case 180 degrees.
- Dial layout: applied markers and a small seconds subdial at 6.
- Leather strap on a pin buckle.
What replicas do not copy
Movement architecture. The real 822 shows a set bridge shape, perlage and Geneva stripes, and an engraved JLC logo. Most replica movements are generic calibers with printed or acid-etched decoration. Some are automatic units with the rotor removed or hidden.
Case finishing. Genuine Reverso cases use polished and brushed zones that meet on a sharp line. Replicas often round that line, show softer edges, and carry more weight. Crown size, crystal height, caseback engraving, screw heads and the swivel stop position also differ.
Checks before buying
- Ask for case dimensions in millimetres, not "same as original".
- Ask for a photo of the movement with the caseback off.
- Count jewels and compare against a 822 spec sheet.
- Compare subdial position with a factory photo.
- Get the return window in writing.
Ownership cost
JLC service centers will not service a replica. Independent watchmakers can clean a generic movement for about $60 to $150. Parts for replica calibers are not sold on their own in most markets, so a broken movement means a replacement movement or a dead watch.
Points of doubt
Replica batches change without notice. Two watches from the same seller can carry different movements. No listing here was inspected, so movement type, case size and materials for any single piece stay unverified until you measure it.