Reference 3518420 is a Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso, and a replica of it sells for about $250 to $600. No replica carries the original movement, the original case finishing, or the original engraving depth. The swivel case and the dial layout decide whether a copy looks right on the wrist. The movement decides whether it lasts.
What reference 3518420 is
Jaeger-LeCoultre introduced the Reverso in 1931. The case slides on a pivot and turns over, so the back of the case faces out. The line is still in production with hand-wound movements and steel, gold and platinum cases. Reference 3518420 is one entry in the Reverso Classic group. Retail listings describe a steel case, a leather strap, and a silver dial. Ask the seller for the case measurement in millimeters and a dial photo before you pay. One reference number gets attached to more than one size by some sellers.
What sellers ship
Most copies use a 316L steel case and a hand-wound Chinese movement. Common base movements are the Seagull ST17 and the Miyota 8N33. Both run, both keep time to about 30 seconds a day, neither looks like the Jaeger-LeCoultre calibre through a display back. Crystal choice splits the market: mineral glass on cheap builds, sapphire with anti-reflective coating on the better ones. A sapphire copy with a well-cut case costs $400 to $600. A mineral copy costs $250 to $350.
Checks on the swivel case
- Turn the case 180 degrees. It should stop with a light click at each face, not flop.
- Look at the gap at the pivot. A gap above 0.5 mm shows on the wrist.
- Press the case from both sides. Flex in the frame means thin metal at the lugs.
- Read the caseback engraving with a loupe. Letters should have sharp corners and even depth.
Checks on the dial and hands
- Applied numerals should sit level with the dial, with no glue visible at the edges.
- The minute track should print clean at 10x. Blurred print is the first sign of a low grade copy.
- Blued hands should show a consistent blue. Painted steel hands show streaks.
- The seconds hand should sweep at the beat rate the seller states, not at one beat per second.
Price bands
- $250 to $350: mineral glass, Seagull movement, stamped caseback, basic strap.
- $350 to $450: sapphire glass, better case edges, matched hands.
- $450 to $600: decorated movement plates, correct strap hardware, box and papers.
Red flags
Stock photos of the genuine watch. No macro photo of the caseback. A price under $200 with a "Swiss made" claim. Payment through a chat app with no refund path. A seller who quotes one case size in the listing and another in messages. Ask for a video of the swivel in motion, a photo of the movement, and the weight in grams.
What no replica gets right
Movement finishing. Genuine Reverso calibres carry Geneva stripes, polished screws and chamfered bridges that cost more to make than a full copy. Case tolerances at the pivot. Strap leather and stitching. Counterfeit sales also infringe trademarks, and customs in the US and the EU can hold or destroy a shipment.