82 WATCHES & TIMEPIECES
A JOYFUL EXPRESSION OF THE ART DECO SPIRIT OF REVERSO
THE REVERSO ONE ‘ PRECIOUS FLOWERS ’ SERIES IS ENRICHED WITH THREE EXQUISITE NEW TIMEPIECES
Immediately recognisable by its swivelling , rectangular case , the Reverso is iconic in watchmaking – able to be worn with either of its two sides facing outwards .
On the monoface models , the blank pink gold 750 / 1000 ( 18 carats ) case-back naturally offers itself as a canvas for artistic expression , inviting the artisans of Jaeger- LeCoultre ’ s Métiers Rares™ atelier to exhibit their exceptional skills in the decorative crafts and jewellery techniques .
In 2021 , the Maison 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 in pink gold , that bring fresh colour , sophistication and glamour to the collection . Offered in a limited edition of 10 pieces each , these exquisite timepieces unite the artistic crafts of enamelling , goldleaf paillonnage and gem-setting .
Art Deco inspiration expressed through vivid colour Inspired by the design of the Reverso , which was created in 1931 at the height of the Art Deco period , the three new pieces celebrate the exuberant spirit of Tropical Art Deco . Enjoying its heyday during the 1930s , it is characterised by the sleek lines of Streamline Modern architecture set against a backdrop of lush vegetation and vividly coloured flowers . Abundant examples of the original style still survive in cities from Singapore to Cuba to Mumbai and , most famously , Miami .
A complex dance of artistry and craft to create objects of rare beauty The restrained elegance of the Reverso One dial design is a perfect foil for the rich and colourful decoration of the cases : on a background of white mother-ofpearl , gold brackets define the four corners of the dial , creating a frame within which the numerals , in the signature Reverso One font , are set . Grain-set diamonds decorate the gadroons and lugs and the winding crown is adorned with a reverse-set diamond .
The new designs give full rein to the artistry and diverse skills of the Métiers Rares™ atelier , with several artisans collaborating in a carefully orchestrated process over the course of many weeks and months . The floral designs wrap seamlessly around the case-sides , from the back to the bezel , involving curves and angles that add a high degree of complexity to the artisans ’ work .
Champlevé ( which literally means ‘ raised field ’) is one of the oldest
THE ART OF LUXURY ISSUE 65 2024