Introducing The New Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Tribute Enamel ‘Snake’

The Reverso transcended its origins as a sports watch, evolving into an enduring symbol of elegance and artistic mastery. Its unique reversible case, originally conceived as a practical solution for polo players, unveiled a new perspective: a blank metal canvas on the case back, offering boundless potential for artistic expression. Over the decades, this innovation has become a showcase for the brand’s craftsmanship, featuring everything from intricate engraving to mesmerizing enamel work.

This year brought remarkable releases to the collection. Among the highlights were the Reverso Tribute Enamel models and the Reverso One ‘Precious Flowers’ series, both of which demonstrated the brand’s exceptional enameling expertise. Now, Jaeger-LeCoultre introduces the Reverso Tribute Enamel ‘Snake’, the third installment in a series honoring the Chinese Zodiac. This new timepiece celebrates the Year of the Snake, a symbol of wisdom and mystery in Chinese tradition.

The case is crafted in pink gold and measures 45.5 mm x 27.4 mm x 9.73 mm. Turning the watch over reveals a hand-engraved snake, emerging from a wreath of golden clouds against a backdrop of glossy black Grand Feu enamel. The polished surfaces of the snake’s body, the intricately hand-drawn scales detailed with black rhodium, and the sandblasted texture of the clouds create a dynamic interplay of light and shadow.

The master engraver employed a technique known as modelled engraving, a demanding art that requires exceptional focus and dexterity. The engraving process began not on bare metal but on a surface already coated with Grand Feu enamel, necessitating extraordinary precision to avoid any damage to the enamel. Using 10 chisels of varying sizes, the engraver meticulously sculpted the design step by step, dedicating 80 hours to complete this extraordinary work of art.

The dial mirrors the glossy black Grand Feu enamel found on its case back. It features applied hour markers, a railroad minute track, and elegant Dauphine hands, and the creation of this timepiece required no less than 24 hours,16 hours dedicated to the case back and 8 hours to the dial, spread across several days.  

At its heart beats the manually wound Calibre 822, offering a 42-hour power reserve and operating at a frequency of 21,600 vph (3Hz). The watch is paired with a black alligator leather strap and secured by a pink gold double folding buckle. Exclusively made on order, this limited-edition price is available upon request.  

For more information, you can visit Jaeger-LeCoultre’s official website.