In 2021, Jaeger-LeCoultre introduced the sparkling Reverso One ‘Precious Flowers’ series, uniting the codes of fine watchmaking, artistic crafts and High Jewellery. For 2024, La Grande Maison enriches the collection with three new models. Offered in a limited edition of 10 pieces each, these exquisite timepieces unite the artistic crafts of enamelling, gold-leaf paillonnage and gem-setting.
Birds of Paradise
This timepiece symbolises freedom and joy in the language of flowers, hollowing the outline of the design from the flat gold surface of the case-back, tiny pieces of 24-carat gold leaf are cut to exact shape and size of certain sections of the flower, then painstakingly fixed into place. This gold leaf underlay lends texture and exceptional brilliance to the orange and golden tones. Then the enameller begins the delicate process of applying the 19 different colours of enamel pigment, painting it to create nuances of tone and an impression of volume.
The Birds of Paradise timepiece is set with approximately 331 diamonds, totaling 1.64 carats, and fastened to the wrist with a strap in shiny green alligator leather, custom-dyed to perfectly match the green leaves. Reverso One ‘Precious Flowers’ Birds of Paradise represents 125 hours of Métiers Rares work.
Hibiscus Enamel
This model showcases the quintessential tropical flower, reinterpreting it in colours reminiscent of a sun-kissed lagoon. For the first time on a Métiers Rares™ Reverso One, the entire background is Grand Feu enamel, wrapping around the convex case-sides to frame the dial.
The delicately drawn flowers and foliage are Grand Feu champlevé enamel. Harnessing the meticulous craft of paillonnage, the golden stamens are highlighted with tiny pieces of 24-carat gold leaf set beneath the enamel. The beautiful tones of blue and green enamel are enhanced by the sparkle of diamond-set gadroons and lugs, a total of approximately 157 diamonds for 1.25 carats.
Together, the 50 hours of enamelling and 22 hours of gem-setting represent a total of 72 hours of decorative craftwork. The shiny blue alligator leather strap was custom-dyed to perfectly complement the tones of the flowers.
Hibiscus Diamonds
This model is a work of art, uniting the crafts of enamelling, paillonnage, and diamond-setting in a sparkling rendition of the exotic hibiscus flower. It was the subject of 12 trials of colour research to achieve the desired shades and subtle graduation. The blue flowers were created in Grand Feu champlevé enamel, requiring 30 hours of work.
The stamens of the flowers are highlighted with 24-carat gold leaf set beneath the enamel and, as on the Birds of Paradise watch, a background of snow-set diamonds creates a brilliant contrast with the richly coloured flowers and leaves. Together with the grain-set diamonds on the gadroons and lugs, the gem-setting represents 120 hours of work. The Reverso One ‘Precious Flowers’ Hibiscus Diamonds requires 150 hours of Métiers Rares craftsmanship in total.
These pieces, created by the hands of exceptionally talented artisans, are indeed precious jewels and naturally, they merit fine mechanisms. As a testament to Jaeger-LeCoultre’s mastery of technical watchmaking, the new Reverso One ‘Precious Flowers’ timepieces are fitted with the hand-wound Calibre 846.
To be made in an edition of just 10 pieces of each design, every one of these miniature works of art is subtly different – their fine detailing and nuanced colour palettes are the product of each artisan’s particular gestures, expressing their passion and personality, as well as their remarkable skill.
Discover our Jaeger-LeCoultre collections online or visit The Time Place boutique for more information.
