Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Tribute Enamel “Dragon”
This made-to-order masterpiece, featuring a dragon on its enamelled pink gold case, showcases exceptional engraving and enamelling artistry from the Métiers Rares atelier. Share
The Reverso, with its signature swivelling case, was originally designed in 1931 as a practical solution to protect the dial and glass of watches worn during polo matches. However, it swiftly transcended its athletic origins, gaining popularity among tastemakers from various backgrounds. The watch’s blank metal case back soon revealed itself as an ideal canvas for artistic expression, offering endless possibilities to create timepieces of exceptional beauty.
In 2023, Jaeger-LeCoultre enriches the Reverso’s legacy of craftsmanship and artistry with the Reverso Tribute Enamel ‘Dragon’. Coinciding with the Chinese New Year, this new timepiece honours the Year of the Dragon and showcases the skills of master enamellers and engravers from the Métiers Rares atelier at Manufacture Jaeger-LeCoultre.
Flipping the watch case unveils a majestic dragon, emerging from a backdrop of glossy black Grand Feu enamel on the pink gold case. The dragon’s polished body, intricately detailed scales accented with black rhodium, and the contrasting sandblasted clouds, create an illusion of movement and power, playing with light to enhance its three-dimensional effect.
The creation of this masterpiece involved modelled engraving, a highly demanding technique that necessitates immense focus and dexterity. Unlike typical engraving that begins on bare metal, this process started on a surface already coated with Grand Feu enamel, demanding exceptional precision to prevent damage to the enamel. Utilizing 10 different chisels, the master engraver spent around 80 hours meticulously sculpting the dragon.
The dial of the Reverso Tribute Enamel mirrors the case-back with its opaque black Grand Feu enamel, complemented by faceted appliqué hour-markers, chemin de fer minutes track, and Dauphine hands. This design accentuates the luminous quality of the black background.
The creation of such a deep, rich black enamel is a complex process. It involves applying five or six enamel layers, each followed by a firing and cooling phase, cumulatively requiring 24 working hours spread over several days. This is succeeded by extensive polishing to achieve a flawless shine.
The consistency in colour and purity between the two surfaces highlights the extraordinary skill level of Jaeger-LeCoultre’s craftsmen, honed through years of experience. As one of the few watch manufactures with its own in-house enamelling atelier, Jaeger-LeCoultre continues to preserve and advance this ancient art form.
The Reverso Tribute Enamel ‘Dragon’, made-to-order to celebrate the Chinese Zodiac Year, exemplifies La Grande Maison’s fusion of cultural appreciation and creativity, where artistic craftsmanship harmoniously coexists with the technical prowess of its watchmakers.
