The new timepiece is a fine showcase for the talents of the master enamellers and engravers in the Métiers Rares™ atelier of the Manufacture Jaeger-LeCoultre.
For 2025 La Grande Maison adds a new chapter to this continuing story of craftsmanship and artistry with the Reverso Tribute Enamel ‘Snake’. The third in a series paying homage to the Chinese Zodiac – following the years of the Tiger and Dragon – the new timepiece is an ode to the animal that represents longevity, wisdom and mystery, according to traditional Chinese wisdom.
Turning the watch case to its reverse side reveals a striking, hand-engraved snake emerging powerfully from a wreath of golden clouds (750/1000), set against a background of glossy black Grand Feu enamel. The polished surfaces of the snake’s body, the fine details of its scales – which are hand-drawn with black rhodium – and the contrasting sandblasted texture of the clouds catch and refract the light to enhance the illusion of movement.
To maximise the sense of volume and depth, the master engraver used a technique called modelled engraving, an exacting skill that requires absolute focus and remarkable dexterity. Using 10 differently sized chisels to sculpt the metal step by step, the engraver devoted 80 hours to the creation of this masterpiece.
The dial of the Reverso Tribute Enamel ‘Snake’ features the same glossy black Grand Feu enamel as the case-back. The elegant, Art Deco-inspired simplicity of the signature Reverso Tribute dial, with its faceted appliqué hour-markers, chemin de fer minutes track and Dauphine hands, places full value on the beauty of the glowing black background.
The apparent simplicity of the pure black enamel is deceptive because in Grand Feu enamelling, the outcome of the firing process is never entirely predictable. To create a black of such depth and richness requires five or six layers of enamel, with each new layer followed by firing and cooling – representing no less than 24 working hours (16 hours for the case-back and eight hours for the dial) over the course of many days. This was followed by half a day of polishing to achieve a perfect, uniform shine.
Created to celebrate the Chinese Zodiac Year, the Reverso Tribute Enamel ‘Snake’ is testament to La Grande Maison’s vision of culture and creativity, where the artistic crafts live in perfect harmony with the technical expertise of the Manufacture’s watchmakers.
Technical Specifications:
REVERSO TRIBUTE ENAMEL ‘DRAGON’
Reference: Q39324D2
Case: Pink gold (750/1000)
Dimensions: 45.5 mm x 27.4 mm x 9.73 mm
Calibre: Manually wound Calibre 822
Functions: Hours, minutes
Power reserve: 42 hours
Dial decoration: Black Grand feu enamel, applied indexes
Case back decoration: Black Grand feu enamel, engraving
Water resistance: 3 bar
Strap: Black alligator
Production: Limited, Made to order
Price upon application
For more information please visit Jaeger-LeCoultre