Jaeger-LeCoultre New Launches 2021
Last week JLC introduced us to many beautiful new watches which are part of their Reverso collection, a style that has a unique double-sided case. Each one is carefully thought out and designed to show off its unique beauty. The first Reverso was introduced in 1931 by JLC, originally designed to withstand a rigorous game of polo. The design was instantly recognisable and distinguished the watch from others, with its sleek art deco lines and a unique reversible case. This marks 90 years of the Reverso watch, which has housed over 50 different calibres.
The Reverso Tribute Small Seconds In Green
Over the years the Reverso has been redesigned with different colours, dials and case sizes. The Tribute series was created in 2016, this saw the Reverso return to the original design features from the 1931 model. The colouring of this new Reverso Tribute is reminiscent of lush pine green forests that are found in the Vallée de Joux where Jaeger LeCoultre call home. The dial is a typical design of a classic Reverso with the hours marked by indexes. Both the indexes and the Dauphine hands of this watch are faceted adding depth to the sunray-brushed lacquer green dial.
The Reverso Tribute is slim with an 8.5mm case which houses its manually wound mechanical JLC Calibre 822/2 movement. This is a rectangular shaped movement that offers a power reserve of up to 42 hours. A calfskin leather strap completes the design on this watch, with the leather being made in collaboration with Casa Fagliano.
The Reverso Hybris Mechanica Calibre 185 (Quadriptyque)
The Reverso Hybris Mechanica Calibre 185 (Quadriptyque) is the result of over 6 years of development from JLC. This is the most complicated Reverso we have seen to date and the first-ever wristwatch to have 4 functional displays. The Quadriptyque is a spectacular watch that boasts a total of 11 complications which includes not only a perpetual calendar but also a minute repeater and indications of the synodic, draconic and anomalistic cycles. This watch is able to give detailing of supermoons and eclipses, the first watch ever to give such detailed readings of the Cosmos.
This watch has a flying tourbillion which is visible on the recto face at the 7 o'clock position. The perpetual calendar is also another main focal point for the sheer precision that this watch is able to achieve, showcasing some of the finest mechanical horology. Furthermore this is a chiming watch that with the slide of a lever which is located beside the crown, this watch will break out into its beautiful chiming melody.
Exceptional Reverso One Timepieces
This year marks the release of four new Reverso One timepieces from JLC which have been designed by the artisans of Jaeger-LeCoultre's Métiers Rares® (Rare Handcrafts™). These four new pieces have been inspired by the jewels that were worn in the 1920s and celebrate the beauty of flowers, with two pieces in white gold and two in rose gold. These four new masterpieces are all fitted with the hand-wound Jager LeCoultre Calibre 846, this movement was specifically developed for the Reverso and has a 38-hour power reserve. Each piece is limited to only 10 pieces.
Each piece is truly precious, combining multiple highly skilled art forms such as enamelling, engraving and gem-setting to produce the completed piece.
White lilies symbolise purity, devotion and honour. Using a technique called relief engraving, where the metal in the background is scraped away and creates raised outlines of the floral design. Each lily is hand engraved to the highest standard with fine detailing. Combined with blue enamelling on the leaves of the lilies, this creates a beautiful canvas on the white gold.
Pink Arums are a symbol of admiration and appreication. These are set in rose gold and complimented with a black lacquered background which provides a dramatic contrast ensuring the flowers really stand out. The foliage on this watch is also set with diamonds and the blooms enamelled in varying shades of pink. A reverse set diamond rests firmly on the crown of this watch with grain set diamonds adorning the entire case. A sparkling example of the finest skills.
Two of these pieces are fully diamond set, featuring enamelled Arums; the purple arums are featured on rose gold and symbolise charm and passion. The blue arums that are set in white gold symbolise grace and refinement. The diamonds that are set in the background of the flowers, this is described as a snow-set and is an exacting technique that takes one hour to set up to 6 stones; this means that the total amount of diamonds set in these watches requires 95 hours.