2021 marks the 90th Anniversary of Jaeger-LeCoultre’s most iconic / admired timepiece – the Reverso. It was the double-sided case of the Reverso followed by the case’s height-to-width ratio (Known to many as the “golden ratio”) that opened endless possibilities for artisans of the Grande Maison’s Métiers Rares® (Rare Handcrafts™) workshop to unleash their skills in the art of decoration. Over the years we’ve seen countless versions of the Reverso but the basic structure remains unaltered.
For 2021, Jaeger-LeCoultre is introducing four sparkling new Reverso One models inspired by the decorative jewels worn in the 1920’s – Two in white gold and two in pink gold – all celebrating the poetry of flowers through multiple artistic crafts – enamelling, engraving and gem-setting work – in a remarkable collaboration between highly skilled artisans who are at the peak of their powers. Limited to 10 pieces, each and every one of these miniature works of art is subtly different – their fine detailing and nuanced colour palettes the product of each artisan’s particular gestures, expressing their passion and personality, as well as their remarkable skill. When working on such complex and collaborative projects, the artisans’ work must follow a strict order: engraving first, then enamelling – which requires multiple coats of enamel pigment to add richness, nuance and visual depth. After each coat is applied, the enamel must be fired to set the colour – an exacting process that takes many days. To complete the piece, the background is decorated with lacquer or mother-of-pearl, or is set with diamonds – according to the model.
Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso One Precious Flowers White Lilies
The Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso One Precious Flowers White Lilies is presented in a 40mm x 20mm white gold case. It is complemented by the glow of a white mother-of-pearl dial, golden brackets that define the four corners of the dial and graceful black Arabic numerals. Livening things up are the grain-set diamonds that embellish the entire case, followed by a winding crown that is adorned with a reverse-set diamond. The Flip side of the case is where all the magic unfolds. It has been relief-engraved – a process where the background metal is sculpted away, leaving only the raised outlines of the floral design. Each of the blooms is entirely hand-engraved, replicating the texture of lily petals in fine detail. Contrasting with the cool tones of the white gold, the leaves are enamelled in a rich blue and the stamens in light blue. Finally, to create the sky-blue daytime like background, tissue-fine wafers of mother-of-pearl are cut to the exact shape then laid in place. The Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso One Precious Flowers White Lilies is worn on a shiny blue alligator strap.
Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso One Precious Flowers White Lilies
Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso One Precious Flowers White Lilies Caseback
Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso One Precious Flowers Pink Arums
This incredibly gorgeous timepiece, just like the name suggests, celebrates the ethereal Pink Arum Flower. The dial is made from white mother-of-pearl, while the case has been crafted from pink gold. Golden brackets define the four corners of the dial while the black Arabic numerals add an elegant touch. The case back features a black lacquered background which works exceptionally well with the blooms which are enamelled in graduated shades of pink and the foliage which is fully set with diamonds. The winding crown is adorned with a reverse-set diamond, and grain-set diamonds embellish the entire case, wrapping seamlessly from front to back. Limited to 10 pieces, the Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso One Precious Flowers Pink Arums is presented on a shiny pink alligator leather strap.
Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso One Precious Flowers Pink Arums
Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso One Precious Flowers Pink Arums Caseback
Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso One Precious Flowers Purple Arums and Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso One Precious Flowers Blue Arums
The Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso One Precious Flowers Purple Arums and Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso One Precious Flowers Blue Arums are two fully diamond set models presented in a pink gold case with a shiny green alligator strap and white gold case with a shiny blue alligator strap respectively. On these two watches, the flowers and leaves are all enamelled, and the entire background is snow-set with diamonds – an exacting technique that requires approximately one hour to set just five or six stones. Altogether, the gem-setting on these pieces requires a total of 95 hours. You’d think that so many diamonds on the watch would look too ostentatious, but somehow it still manages to look dainty and pretty. The floral design wraps seamlessly around the case-sides, from the back to the bezel, involving curves and angles that add a high degree of complexity to the artisans’ work.
Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso One Precious Flowers Purple Arums
Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso One Precious Flowers Purple Arums Caseback
Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso One Precious Flowers Blue Arums
Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso One Precious Flowers Blue Arums Caseback
At the heart of these models is a hand-wound Jaeger-LeCoultre Calibre 846 rectangular shaped movement developed especially for the Reverso offering a power reserve of 38 hours.