Engraved over Grand Feu enamel. The ultimate technique of the Reverso 'Tiger' model

JAEGER-LECOULTRE

The Reverso Tribute Enamel "Tiger," celebrating the 2022 Year of the Tiger, is born as a made-to-order model.

Jaeger-LeCoultre has released the made-to-order model "Reverso Tribute Enamel "Tiger"" to celebrate the Chinese New Year. This is a rare timepiece that harmonizes artistic skill with the expertise of the manufacture's watchmakers.

Text by Sayaka Ozaki

A bespoke model that expresses the ultimate homage to craftsmanship.

In 2022, celebrating the 90th anniversary of the Reverso's birth, Jaeger-LeCoultre unveiled the "Reverso Tribute Enamel "Tiger"". Created to coincide with the Chinese New Year and the opening of Jaeger-LeCoultre's new flagship boutique in Shanghai, this new timepiece pays homage to the Year of the Tiger.

Engraved over Grand Feu enamel. The ultimate technique of the Reverso 'Tiger' model | JAEGER-LECOULTRE

When the watch case is flipped over, a majestic tiger appears. This tiger, depicted through engraving on the 18K pink gold case, is so meticulously finished that it appears to leap out from the background of opaque black Grand Feu enamel. The polished surface of the tiger's fur captures and reflects light, creating a contrast with the rhodium satin finish that conveys dynamism and power.

To maximize volume and create depth in the engraving, the artisan employs a technique called "model engraving," using chisels of various sizes to engrave in stages. This process demands absolute concentration and exceptional dexterity, requiring precision and rigor.

In this piece, the engraving is applied to the surface of Grand Feu enamel, rather than the traditional bare metal. Such decoration requires extremely precise movements to avoid scratching the enamel surface, and the engraver spends 55 hours on this process.

The dial features the same opaque black Grand Feu enamel as the case back. The elegant simplicity of the dial, with its faceted applied indices, railway minute track, and Dauphine hands, harmonizes beautifully with the pink gold color of the case, fully bringing out the understated beauty created by the lustrous black background.

Grand Feu enamel requires a complex process, as the results of the firing process cannot be entirely predicted. Each layer is fired to create a deep and rich black. The enameling of both sides alone requires over 20 hours of work. The stunning finish, with perfectly matched color and purity, is a testament to Jaeger-LeCoultre being one of the few manufactures with its own enameling atelier, and to the exceptional skills acquired only through years of experience.

The "Reverso Tribute Enamel "Tiger"", which honors the Chinese zodiac and is produced solely on a made-to-order basis, offers a variety of personalization options with its diverse colors. The case back can be customized with enamel, engraving, miniature painting, or gem-setting by the skilled artisans of the Métiers Rares® workshops. This piece is a testament to Jaeger-LeCoultre's culture and creativity, a rare timepiece that harmonizes artistic skill with the expertise of the manufacture's watchmakers.