Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso One Precious Colours, Full Review

Jaeger-LeCoultre has unveiled a spectacular new addition to its timeless Reverso collection – the Reverso One Precious Colours. Embodying the brand’s unparalleled expertise in decorative crafts and jewellery techniques, this modern masterpiece is a bold and feminine tribute to the Art Deco spirit.

The Geometry of Art Deco

The Reverso One Precious Colours is offered in two striking colour variations, each featuring a beautifully decorated case that pays homage to the Art Deco movement. Born out of the tremendous social and cultural changes after World War I, Art Deco is characterized by its sleek geometric forms, emphasizing clean, solid lines and visual dynamism, using man-made materials.

Jaeger-LeCoultre’s talented artisans have masterfully translated the Art Deco design language into the Reverso One Precious Colours, creating an intricate pattern that covers the entire case back and wraps seamlessly around the case sides to frame the dial. The watch’s front dial is adorned with a white mother-of-pearl face, contrasted by the vivid colours of its enamelled frame and the sparkle of diamond-set gadroons and lugs.

A showcase of decorative excellence, the Reverso One Precious Colours is transformed into a piece of High Jewellery when the swivelling case is turned over. The exquisite pattern, presented in shades of blue and black on a pink gold background or different tones of green on a white gold background, is crafted using miniature-painted grand feu enamel and diamond-set accents, creating an optical illusion of depth and movement.

The process

The creation process is intricate, requiring absolute mastery of each technique and impeccable coordination between the various crafts. Enamelling the convex case sides and flat case back simultaneously is particularly challenging, as different enamel consistencies are needed for optimal adherence during firing. Furthermore, achieving the desired blue or green colour variations involves blending metal oxide pigments, a process made unpredictable by the 800°C firing temperature.

Following enamelling, the gem-setter meticulously sets the diamonds, ensuring perfect placement without disturbing the enamel or altering the straight lines that define the coloured fields. The Reverso One Precious Colours case requires up to 15 firings and multiple drying phases, highlighting the expertise of Jaeger-LeCoultre’s artisans.

The watch is powered by the in-house hand-wound Calibre 846, testament to Jaeger-LeCoultre’s commitment to mechanical excellence. Developed specifically for the Reverso and shaped to follow the rectangular case contours, the movement reflects the brand’s philosophy of product integrity.

With its enchanting fusion of functionality, aesthetics, and fine watchmaking, the Reverso One Precious Colours is a jewel to be worn and a watch to tell the time. This stunning timepiece reaffirms Jaeger-LeCoultre’s mastery of decorative crafts and fine jewellery techniques, celebrating the iconic Reverso’s everlasting appeal.

Technical Characteristics:

• Case: Pink gold or White gold 750/1000 (18 carats)
• Dimensions: 40 x 20mm; thickness 9.09 mm
• Calibre: Manually-wound Jaeger-LeCoultre Calibre 846
• Power reserve: 38 hours
• Functions: Hours and minutes
• Dial: Mother-of-pearl
• Caseback: Grand-feu enamel and diamonds
• Diamonds: 277 diamonds ~1.6 carats
• Strap: Pink gold – Blue alligator; White gold – Green alligator
• Reference: Pink gold Q3292432; White gold Q3293432 – Limited production

Since its creation in 1931, the Reverso has remained true to the Golden Ratio, a universal signifier of beauty and harmony represented by the Greek letter φ (Phi) and simplified as 1.618. At the height of the Art Deco movement, the original Reverso design was governed by this mystical number. Over the past nine decades, the Reverso collection has seen numerous variations. Still, the original proportions have remained a cornerstone of its design, ensuring the Golden Ratio continues to define the Reverso today.

Conclusion

The Reverso One Precious Colours is a shining example of Jaeger-LeCoultre’s commitment to preserving the essence of the Reverso while pushing the boundaries of creativity and craftsmanship. This latest addition to the Reverso family serves as a testament to the brand’s relentless pursuit of innovation and its dedication to preserving the legacy of a true horological icon. The brand has recently released a video series showcasing every step of the Maison’s manufacturing process under the title: In the making, which will give you a further appreciation of the fantastic work they do.

As a celebration of Art Deco design, the Reverso One Precious Colours not only captivates the senses but also reflects the remarkable craftsmanship and dedication of the artisans at Jaeger-LeCoultre’s Métiers Rares® atelier. The timepiece stands as a symbol of the brand’s devotion to creating technically sophisticated timepieces that cater to both men and women, a philosophy that has endured since its early years.

With its eye-catching design, intricate craftsmanship, and mechanical sophistication, the Reverso One Precious Colours is a dazzling embodiment of the Art Deco spirit and a stunning example of Jaeger-LeCoultre’s enduring mastery of the decorative arts. This limited-production timepiece is not only a magnificent addition to any watch connoisseur’s collection but also a wearable work of art that tells the time with unparalleled elegance and style.

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