In 2023, Jaeger-LeCoultre added a new chapter to its story of craftsmanship and artistry with the introduction of the Reverso Tribute Enamel ‘Dragon’. This special timepiece, created to coincide with Chinese New Year, paid tribute to the Year of the Dragon and showcased the talents of the master enamellers and engravers in the Métiers Rares™ atelier of the Manufacture Jaeger-LeCoultre.
Originally designed with a swiveling case to protect the watch during polo matches, the Reverso had become a style icon beyond its sporting origins. The blank metal case back had emerged as a canvas for artistic expression, and the Reverso Tribute Enamel ‘Dragon’ continued this tradition.
When the case was swiveled to the reverse side, a magnificent dragon emerged, engraved into the pink gold case and surrounded by golden clouds. The dragon seemed to leap from the background of glossy black Grand Feu enamel, with its polished surfaces, detailed scales, and contrasting textures creating a sense of movement and power.
The master engraver had used a technique called modelled engraving, dedicating 80 hours to sculpting the metal with 10 differently sized chisels. The challenging process started with a coated Grand Feu enamel surface, requiring precision to avoid damaging the enamel.
The dial of the Reverso Tribute Enamel featured the same black Grand Feu enamel, providing an elegant backdrop for faceted appliqué hour-markers, chemin de fer minutes track, and Dauphine hands.
Crafting the deep and rich black enamel had required five or six layers of enamel, with each layer fired and cooled, totaling 24 working hours. Achieving a perfect shine had involved half a day of polishing. The perfectly matched color and purity of the case-back and dial showcased Jaeger-LeCoultre’s expertise in Grand Feu enameling.
As a celebration of the Chinese Zodiac Year and available only on order, the Reverso Tribute Enamel ‘Dragon’ had reflected Jaeger-LeCoultre’s commitment to blending cultural celebration with creative craftsmanship. With technical details such as a pink gold case, manually wound Calibre 822, and water resistance of 3 bar, this unique timepiece had been a testament to La Grande Maison’s vision of harmony between artistic crafts and technical expertise. The reference for this special piece had been Q39324D1.