As a canvas for artistic expression, the double-sided case of the Reverso One offers an opportunity for the artisans of Jaeger-LeCoultre’s Métiers Rares —Rare Handcrafts— workshop to unleash their skills in the art of decoration. For 2021 the Maison introduces four sparkling new Reverso One models that unite the codes of fine watchmaking, artistic crafts and High Jewellery to bring fresh colour, sophistication and glamour to the collection. The creation of these exquisite timepieces has brought together 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.
Inspired by the decorative jewels worn in the 1920s, Jaeger-LeCoultre’s artistic team has created four exceptional models that celebrate the poetry of flowers, with two models in white gold and two in pink gold each of them in a 10-piece limited edition showcasing rare handcrafts in different combinations. Every one of these miniature works of art is subtly different —despite all four models have a mother-of-pearl dial— and their fine detailing and nuanced colour palettes are the results of each artisan’s particular gestures, expressing their passion and personality, as well as their remarkable skill.
The restrained elegance of the dials provides only a subtle hint that these are truly precious timepieces: the glow of white mother-of-pearl is accented by the numerals and the golden brackets that define the four corners of the dial. It is the flip side of the 40 mm x 20 mm case that gives full rein to the artistry and diverse skills that reside within the Jaeger-LeCoultre Manufacture, with multiple artisans applying different crafts, collaborating in a carefully orchestrated process over the course of many weeks and months.
When working on such complex and collaborative projects, the artisans’ work must follow a strict order: engraving first, then enameling —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 color —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
Symbolising purity, devotion and honour in the language of flowers white lilies decorate a white gold case. The blank white gold case back has been relief-engraved —a technique by which 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. To create the sky-blue background, tissue-fine wafers of mother-of-pearl are cut to the exact shape then laid in place. A total of 335 grain-set diamonds —2.44 carats— embellish the entire case, wrapping seamlessly from front to back, and the winding crown is adorned with a reverse-set diamond. Available in a limited edition of 10 pieces the reference Q3293420 is delivered on a shiny blue alligator strap. Powered by the manual wound JLC Calibre 846, the movement provides a power reserve of 38 hours when fully wound.
Sticker Price €100,000 Euro —approximately $120,000 USD. For more info on Jaeger-LeCoultre click here.
Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso One Precious Flowers Pink Arums
Pink Arums —a symbol of admiration and appreciation— complement the warm tones of a pink gold case and its mother-of-pearl dial. With a black lacquered background providing dramatic contrast, the blooms are enameled in graduated shades of pink, while the foliage is fully set with 409 diamonds —2.59 carats. The winding crown is adorned with a reverse-set diamond, and grain-set diamonds embellish the entire case, wrapping seamlessly from front to back. Available in a limited edition of 10 pieces the referenceQ3292430 is delivered on a shiny pink alligator strap. Powered by the manual wound JLC Calibre 846, the movement provides a power reserve of 38 hours when fully wound.
Sticker Price €95,000 Euro —approximately $114,000 USD. For more info on Jaeger-LeCoultre click here.
Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso One Precious Flowers Purple Arums
A fully diamond-set model features purple arums on a pink gold case symbolizing charm and passion. On this model reference Q3292401, the flowers and leaves are all enameled, and the entire background is snow-set with 626 diamonds —1.98 carats—. Snow-setting is 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. 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.
Available in a limited edition of 10 pieces the watch is delivered on a shiny green alligator strap. Powered by the manual wound JLC Calibre 846, the movement provides a power reserve of 38 hours when fully wound.
Sticker Price €125,000 Euro —approximately $150,000 USD. For more info on Jaeger-LeCoultre click here.
Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso One Precious Flowers Blue Arums
Blue Arums —on a white gold case— symbolize grace and refinement. On reference Q3293401 the flowers and leaves are all enameled, and the entire background is snow-set with 626 diamonds —1.98 carats—. Snow-setting is 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. 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.
Available in a limited edition of 10 pieces the watch is delivered on a shiny blue alligator strap. Powered by the manual wound JLC Calibre 846, the movement provides a power reserve of 38 hours when fully wound.
Sticker Price €130,000 Euro —approximately $156,000 USD. For more info on Jaeger-LeCoultre click here.
