Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso launches the enamel Dragon for 2024

Reverso’s signature swivelling case was conceived as the solution for protecting the dial and glass of the watch when worn on the polo field, however, it soon was adopted by a range of tastemakers from all walks of life since 1931

Jaeger-LeCoultre’s Reverso demonstrated that the blank metal of the case back was an ideal canvas for artistic expression, offering the limitless potential to craft timepieces of rare beauty.

In 2023 Jaeger-LeCoultre adds a new chapter to this story of craftsmanship and artistry: the Reverso Tribute Enamel ‘Dragon’. Created to coincide with Chinese New Year, the new timepiece pays tribute to the Year of the Dragon.

Swivelling the watch case to its reverse side reveals a majestic dragon surrounded by golden clouds. Engraved into the pink gold case metal, the dragon seems to leap out from the background of glossy black Grand Feu enamel. The polished surfaces of the dragon’s body, the fine details of its scales –
highlighted with black rhodium – and the contrasting sandblasted texture of the clouds catches and refracts the light to enhance the illusion of movement and power.

To maximise the sense of volume and depth, the master engraver used a technique called modelled engraving, an exacting skill that requires absolute focus and remarkable dexterity. Adding to the challenge, the engraver’s work began not, as is usual, with a bare metal surface but with one that already had its coat of Grand Feu enamel, thus requiring an unprecedented accuracy of gesture to avoid all risk of damage to the pristine enamel. Using 10 differently sized chisels to sculpt the metal step by step, the master engraver devoted 80 hours to the creation of this masterpiece.

The dial of the Reverso Tribute Enamel features the same opaque black Grand Feu enamel as the case-back. The elegant simplicity of the Reverso Tribute dial, with its faceted appliqué hour-markers, chemin de fer minutes track and Dauphine hands, places full value on the beauty of the glowing black background.

That the two surfaces are perfectly matched in colour and purity is testament to a degree of skill that can be acquired only through many years of experience. Jaeger-LeCoultre remains one of very few watch Manufactures to have its own in-house enamelling atelier, safeguarding and advancing this ancient craft.

Created to celebrate the Chinese Zodiac Year, the Reverso Tribute Enamel ‘Dragon’ is only available through made-to-order.

Also see: The 1916 Company hosts Master Watchmaker Denis Flageollet in Singapore and Hong Kong