WATCHES & TIMEPIECES 63
Presented in an 18K pink gold( 750 / 1000) case richly engraved with an image of Pegasus, the flying horse of Greek mythology, the new timepiece also features handlacquered dial plates and bridges. The fully skeletonised reverse dial is complemented by hand-bevelling of the bridges and tourbillon cage.
Reverso Hybris Artistica Calibre 179 Pegasus is presented on a blue alligator strap with an innovative, micro-adjustable clasp and will be a limited edition of five pieces.
SHOWCASING THE ARTISTRY OF THE MÉTIERS RARESTM ATELIER
From polo to Pegasus: The legendary winged horse of Greek mythology – believed to have carried thunderbolts for Zeus and to have created springs to flow wherever its hoof touched the ground – Pegasus symbolises freedom, creative power and elevation beyond limits. More than a myth, it represents the moment when technique becomes imagination.
This symbolism resonates with the Reverso’ s equestrian origins. Designed on the polo field, its swivelling case reflects a constant interplay between protection and expression, discipline and freedom – echoing the dual nature of the horse itself. The connection extends through the Year of the Fire Horse, a sign of intensity, independence and bold energy. Together, these references position the horse as more than inspiration: a thread that unites function, symbolism and creative transformation at the heart of the Reverso.
Celebrating the savoir-faire of Jaeger-LeCoultre’ s Métiers Rares TM atelier, the hand-engraved case marries rare artistic sensibility with remarkable precision and dexterity: the Maison’ s master engraver must devote 180 hours of intensely focused work to each watch, to craft the image of Pegasus against a background of clouds. The sculptural effect of the relief engraving creates areas of reflection and shadow, emphasising the sense of volume. As the engraving wraps seamlessly around the convex casesides, it almost completely obscures the join between the upper and lower sections of the case.
Where mechanism becomes art: The cloud motif that forms the backdrop to Pegasus is repeated on the front dial, where two dial plates – each on a different level – enhance the symmetry of the time display and the tourbillon aperture.
To create the decoration, more than 50 hollows were formed in the surface of the 18K pink gold( 750 / 1000) plates, leaving only the cloud-shaped outlines visible. Each hollow is then hand-filled with different shades of blue lacquer, applied in multiple layers until its surface is perfectly flush with the outlines.
Between the plates, open-worked bridges, also hand-lacquered in dark blue, offer a tantalising glimpse of the movement – in keeping with the Hybris philosophy of celebrating mechanical as well as decorative art.
Turning the case over to the reverse dial, where the Duoface movement displays the second time zone, the beauty of the calibre is fully revealed.
Blue lacquer has been applied to the fine tracery of the skeletonised hours-minutes ring and its supporting bridges, highlighting the airy aesthetic. It contrasts with the warm tones of the 18K pink gold( 750 / 1000) movement components and the soft texture of microblasted surfaces.
ISSUE 77 2026 THE ART OF LUXURY