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Photo: Jaeger-LeCoultre
The iconic Reverso, renowned for its swivelling rectangular case that can be worn with either side facing outwards, once again becomes a canvas for artistic expression with Jaeger-LeCoultre’s new Reverso One Precious Flowers collection.
Originally introduced in 2021, this series combines fine watchmaking with ancestral artistic crafts and high jewellery techniques mastered by the maison’s Metiers Rares atelier. The 2024 collection introduces three new pink gold models, each limited to 10 pieces.
These exquisite creations draw inspiration from the exuberant spirit of Tropical Art Deco and showcase Jaeger-LeCoultre’s expertise in enamelling, 24-carat gold-leaf paillonnage, and gem-setting.
The Reverso One could be worn with the dial or decorative case facing outward. (Photo: Jaeger-LeCoultre)
Creating such vibrant flowers and lush foliage is no mean feat, requiring the meticulous work of several artisans over many weeks. The restrained elegance of the Reverso One dial-in mother-of-pearl and the evocative cases make these pieces true objects of rare beauty. Equipped with the hand-wound Calibre 846, each version also flaunts a shiny alligator strap custom-dyed to match its decoration.
Birds of Paradise
Jaager-LeCoultre Reverso One Precious Flowers: Birds of Paradise. (Photo: Jaeger-LeCoultre)
This model embodies its namesake flower’s radiant hues and geometric shapes, symbolising freedom and joy. It features Grand Feu champleve enamelling, with tiny pieces of gold leaf painstakingly fixed into the caseback’s design to enhance the brilliance of the orange and golden tones.
The enameller applies 19 different colours of enamel to create nuances of tone and volume. Complementing the lively shades of the foliage are approximately 331 diamonds, including snow-set ones, imparting a seamless expanse of sparkle. This masterpiece represents a total of 125 hours of craftsmanship.
Hibiscus Enamel
Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso One Precious Flowers: Hibiscus Enamel. (Photo: Jaeger-LeCoultre)
This model’s motif is the tropical hibiscus flower, the culmination of 72 hours of decorative work. It represents beauty and wisdom in hues reminiscent of a sun-kissed lagoon. The background is adorned with Grand Feu enamel, which wraps around the convex case sides to frame the signature dial.
The delicately detailed flowers and foliage required 12 enamel colours applied in nine layers. Golden stamens are enhanced with gold leaf laid beneath the enamel. Approximately 157 diamonds set on the gadroons and lugs highlight the blue and green tones.
Hibiscus Diamonds
Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso One Precious Flowers: Hibiscus Diamonds (Photo: Jaeger-LeCoultre)
This sparkling rendition of the alluring hibiscus flower brings together enamelling, gold-leaf paillonnage, and diamond-setting, requiring a total of 150 hours of intensive labour. Achieving the desired shades and subtle graduation took no less than 12 trials of colour research.
The blue flowers, painted with Grand Feu champleve enamel, are highlighted with gold leaf stamens. The mesmerising snow-set background and grain-set gadroons and lugs add up to 523 diamonds of 2.02 carats. The gem-setting alone accounts for 120 hours of work.
