Since the miniaturization of clocks into watches, women have played a significant role in determining the aesthetics of time and how it is worn. LeCoultre & Cie recognized this potential early on and began creating watches for both men and women that blended horology and jewelry.
The Reverso, originally designed for men, quickly appeared in feminine forms, including models that could be worn as accessories such as brooches, handbag clips, or pendants. In 2023, Jaeger-LeCoultre presented a new interpretation of the Reverso, the Reverso Secret Necklace, which transformed the design icon into a graceful and feminine sautoir.
The Reverso Secret Necklace features a richly gem-set Reverso suspended from a supple chain of intricate diamond-set links and polished onyx beads. Two pendants of polished onyx charms add a refined flourish to the piece. The swiveling case of the Reverso conceals the time when turned over, offering limitless potential for decoration with gem-setting, enameling, or engraving.
Worn with the case back turned to the front, the Reverso Secret Necklace is an Art Deco-inspired jewel that conceals its time-telling power until the wearer chooses to reveal it. Worn with the front dial showing, it is an exquisite timepiece that hides its reverse side. The dial is set upside-down so that the wearer can read the time naturally as she lifts the watch to her line of sight.
The pivotal role of women in the history of watchmaking, particularly in determining the aesthetic of time and the ways in which it is worn, has been acknowledged by many watchmaking Maisons, including Jaeger-LeCoultre. This Maison recognized the aesthetic and technical potential of timepieces that could also be worn as jewelry and began creating watches for women as well as men early in its history.
The Reverso, which was originally conceived for the gentleman polo player, soon appeared in feminine form, and over the years, Jaeger-LeCoultre has continued to blend the arts of horology and jewelry in a process of constant evolution.
In 2023, Jaeger-LeCoultre has taken this commitment to feminine expressions of fine watchmaking to a new level by presenting a new interpretation of the Reverso in the form of a magnificent piece of High Jewelry – the Reverso Secret Necklace. This creation transforms the design icon into a graceful and exquisitely feminine sautoir, or long necklace. The cordonnet bracelet seen on Reverso models of the 1930s has been reimagined as a supple chain of intricate diamond-set links and polished onyx beads, from which a richly gem-set Reverso is suspended.
The blank metal flip side of the case, which initially offered practical value, is now decorated with a pattern of geometric repeats using white diamonds and black onyx recalling the Art Deco origins of the Reverso.
The Reverso Secret Necklace is a beautiful Art Deco-inspired jewel that conceals its secret power of time-telling until the wearer chooses to reveal it. The movement that powers the Reverso Secret Necklace is developed and produced entirely in-house and comprises 93 parts.
The manually-wound Caliber 846 was created specifically for the Reverso and is shaped to follow the contours of the rectangular case. With over 3,000 diamonds, the gem-setting on the Reverso Secret Necklace requires over 300 hours of meticulous work by Jaeger-LeCoultre’s Métiers Rares® atelier artisans, who bring multiple craft skills together in a specialized workshop within the Maison, encouraging close collaboration between the various artisans, a constant exchange of ideas and a shared creative energy.
Overall, the Reverso Secret Necklace represents a rare and noble marriage of high jewelry, rare handcrafts, and fine watchmaking, and is a testament to Jaeger-LeCoultre’s commitment to mechanical excellence and product integrity.
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