Jaeger-LeCoultre has announced the creation of the Reverso Tribute Enamel ‘Horse’, a limited edition timepiece honouring the upcoming Chinese Zodiac Year of the Horse.
The watch, which will be limited to just 10 pieces, showcases exceptional craftsmanship in enamelling and engraving, developed at the Maison’s Métiers Rares atelier.
The model will be presented ahead of the Lunar New Year at Jaeger-LeCoultre’s Dream Shaper exhibition in Shanghai, which starts tomorrow, the 10th of September. It is the fourth in the series of Chinese Zodiac tributes, following editions dedicated to the Tiger, Dragon and Snake.
The Reverso, first introduced in 1931, was originally designed for polo players seeking to protect their dials during matches. Its swivelling case not only safeguarded the watch face but also created an opportunity for decoration on the caseback. This history ties the model closely to equestrian culture, now underscored by the tribute to the horse.
The caseback of the new edition features a hand-engraved horse leaping from golden clouds. The engraving required 80 hours of work and was carried out using the modelled engraving technique. Details such as the mane, muzzle and hooves have been treated with black rhodium for a lifelike effect, while a sand-blasted texture on the clouds enhances the sense of movement.
The caseback is framed by opaque black Grand Feu enamel, which also appears on the dial. Achieving a deep black finish involves layering and firing the enamel five or six times, followed by careful cooling and polishing. The result is a perfectly matched surface between dial and caseback, achieved through a process that demands both expertise and patience.
The dial itself follows the Reverso Tribute design, with faceted hour markers, chemin de fer minutes track and Dauphine hands. Its restrained Art Deco style highlights the intensity of the enamel surface.
Powering the watch is the manually wound Calibre 822, designed and produced entirely in-house at the Jaeger-LeCoultre Manufacture in Switzerland’s Vallée de Joux. It provides hours and minutes functions with a power reserve of 42 hours.
By combining equestrian symbolism, Chinese cultural reference and traditional watchmaking techniques, the Reverso Tribute Enamel ‘Horse’ continues Jaeger-LeCoultre’s emphasis on craftsmanship and artistry.
