Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Tribute Offers Up Its Caseback For Year of The Tiger
Jaeger-LeCoultre has used the blank canvas offered by the caseback of its iconic Reverso model to create a special edition designed for the arrival of the Year of the Tiger.
The 18K pink gold Reverso Tribute Enamel Tiger has been created as a made-to-order special edition, not only to pay tribute to the arrival of the Lunar New Year but also to mark the opening of Jaeger-LeCoultre’s new flagship boutique in Shanghai.
A rampant tiger has been hand engraved on the caseback – a process taking 55 hours to complete – and infilled with black enamel, which takes a further 20 hours.
The dial of the Reverso Tribute Enamel is coated in the same black enamel which serves as the perfect backdrop for the Reverso’s faceted pink gold applied hour markers, the printed gold chemin de for minute track and Dauphin hands.
As the pieces are made-to-order, Jaeger-LeCoultre is offering the possibility of personalisation with different color enamels.
The Reverso Tribute Enamel Tiger is available now via Jaeger-LeCoultre, priced Euro 90,000 (approximately $103,000 USD).
In other watch news, Tag Heuer drops a special edition Formula 1 chronograph with Red Bull Racing.
Jaeger-LeCoultre: The Reverso Stories Exhibition
To mark 90 years since the birth of the Reverso, Jaeger-LeCoultre presents a boutique exhibition tracing the history of this remarkable timepiece. We took a Media Preview of the exhibition, and invite you to join this very interesting showcase of one of the most interesting watches ever. Booking details below.
Jaeger-LeCoultre: The Reverso Stories Exhibition
This exhibition explores the creative and cultural universe of this exceptional design through four themes, leading visitors on a journey through 90 years of timeless modernity.
Among the very interesting exhibits is the first Reverso, dating back from about 1931. This special piece is on loan for the exhibition from the JLC Museum collection in Le Sentier.
Also, the pieces from the 60th Anniversary collection, including the original Reverso Soixantième, created in a rose gold case, and rose gold movement. A limited Edition of 500 pieces, this special piece was released in 1991, and was the first to be released in the Grande Taille case, and was the first Reverso with a complicated movement – with Date, and Power Reserve Indicator. The story is famously told that Günter Blümlein, who had just taken over as boss of the manufacuture asked the watchmakers to make a Reverso with a complicated movement. The reply was negative, as the watchmakers said to him that there was just not enough space. To which, Blümlein casually and brilliantly replied, “Well, just make the case bigger!” Thus was born the Grande Taille case, and the rest, as they say, is history.
Reverso Soixantième
Another one from the series for the 60th Anniversary was the Reverso Tourbillon, also a limited edition of 500 pieces, which in 1993 when it was released, was possibly the largest edition size of any production tourbillon. JLC went on to sell and deliver all 500 pieces, and repeated the feat with the Platinum Two in 2003 later.
The exhibition is worth a couple of hours of pouring over the historical Reverso watches which are displayed. And also to refresh oneself of the novelties and newer releases.
Event details
Dates: 23RD TO 30TH January 2022, by appointment only from 11am to 8pm daily.
Venue: Jaeger-LeCoultre Marina Bay Sands Boutique, Singapore
Jaeger-LeCoultre to participate in Homo Faber
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Jaeger-LeCoultre Celebrates 90 Years of the Reverso in Singapore
By Natalie White
Jaeger-LeCoultre has opened the doors to the “Reverso: Timeless Stories Since 1931” showcase at its brand boutique at Marina Bay Sands, giving visitors a look into the the history of the Reverso timepiece.
The retrospective of one of the watchmaking’s greatest legends makes its debut here in Singapore for the very first time in South-East Asia, and will then travel to Thailand and Australia next.
It has been ninety years since the emblematic Reverso was born. A unique and timeless expression of the Art Deco movement, the legend of the Reverso began on the polo fields of India, where the idea of a case that could be flipped over was born. With its revolutionary design and immaculate craftsmanship, the Reverso was immediately embraced by trendsetters from all walks of life, quickly transcending its original purpose. Deftly combining form and function, it is one of the most recognisable watches in the world.
The Reverso Stories explores the creative and cultural universe of this exceptional design through four themes, leading visitors on a journey through 90 years of timeless modernity.
The journey begins with the Story of an Icon, retelling the tale of the Reverso’s origins through a selection of milestone Reverso watches, from the first 1931 model to the latest Reverso Tribute piece.
A Story of Style & Design examines the Art Deco roots of the Reverso. Visitors will discover how, following the principles of Art Deco design, the distinctive rectangular form of the watch was dictated by the original concept – that the case should flip over. An artfully curated selection of timepieces for both men and women traces the stylistic changes through which, over the course of nine decades, the Reverso has gained the status of a design icon.
The Story of Craftsmanship celebrates the skills of Jaeger-LeCoultre’s enamellers, gem-setters, engravers and guillochage masters, revealing how they have unleashed the full potential of the Reverso as a canvas for artistic expression and personalised messages.
A Story of Innovation explores how the Reverso embodies Jaeger-LeCoultre’s eternally inventive quest for technical advancement. Beginning with the revolutionary idea of a case that could be flipped over, to the ingenious design by Rene-Alfred Chauvot, patented in 1931, the story traces the introduction of high-watchmaking complications, such as the first rectangular minute repeater, a unique retrograde chronograph and the Gyrotourbillon, the invention of the double-face and dual-time concept, and the use of new materials.
Visitors will also be able to discover a traditional decoration technique, the Perlage, also called circular graining, by practicing it at the Boutique Retrospective. This finishing technique consists of juxtaposing small circles to embellish the movement’s main plate, for example. The gesture must truly be mastered since, depending on the pressure exerted, the final rendering of the pearls may be different.
The “Reverso: Timeless Stories Since 1931” retrospective is free, as the slots are limited, guests are invited to register their attendance through the link here
The retrospective is open to public booking from 23 to 30 January 2022 at:
Jaeger-LeCoultre Boutique Marina Bay Sands
Casino Level, B2M-240
From 11.00 am – 8.00 pm.
Forget Flowers: These 12 Ladies’ Watches Make Perfect Valentine’s Day Gifts
The concept of time has taken on a new meaning in the last two years, and with Valentine’s Day approaching, this seems like a good time to show your loved one why every passing second, minute and hour with them matters. A luxury watch is guaranteed to lighten the mood and lift her spirits. It could be anything from a blingy party piece loaded with gemstones, like the Harry Winston Emerald Signature, to a modern icon of classic daywear, like the Cartier Ballon Bleu. A Rolex always makes a nice gift and, since you’re likely to have trouble finding the right one at retail (the brand is hotter than ever and product is short), there is always the pre-owned universe, where we found a great example. If you are looking for a more literal approach, the Breguet Reine de Naples will fit the bill with a seconds-hand in the shape of a red heart. Not to mention it is based on what is said to be the first wristwatch ever created for a woman. But your practical side may sway you towards the investment option, in which case Patek Philippe is the obvious choice. Ultimately, no matter which piece of wrist candy you choose, one can imagine the recipient won’t be disappointed.
Ballon Bleu de Cartier
Cartier updated its Ballon Bleu line this year with a new 33 mm automatic model, including this rich red gold version with a matching dial. The bezel is set with 47 round brilliant diamonds totaling 0.68 carat. The Ballon Bleu, named for its distinctive blue-sapphire-set crown built into the case side, was first introduced in 2007 and has been a popular go-to model ever since in both size and presentation. The red gold dial on this model adds an extra level of presentation that is worth the splurge.
BUY NOW: $30,600
Patek Philippe Twenty~4
After 20 years as a rectangular, manchette-style watch with a quartz movement, the Patek Philippe Twenty~4 collection was augmented in 2018 with a round-cased automatic version. Early last year, Patek added an 18-karat rose gold model to the Twenty~4 line, which now includes 12 references. Considering Patek Philippe’s very limited production, this represents a solid commitment to ladies’ watchmaking. It is set with 160 diamonds.
BUY NOW: $48,500
Harry Winston Ultimate Emerald Signature
Paraiba tourmaline is a rare and unique gemstone, and this watch comes set with one large emerald-cut version of the stone on its sliding dial cover. The 98 brilliant-cut Paraíba-color tourmalines on the dial, bezel and cover are matched by a satin strap in the same hue. A total of 192 brilliant-cut, 38 baguette-cut and 24 marquise-cut diamonds complete the Art-Deco style geometric design. The best part? This is a three-in-one gift that can be worn not only around the wrist, but also as a pendant or a brooch. Price on request.
Learn More: Here
Blancpain Ladybird Colors
Despite being set with over two carats of diamonds, this classic three-hand is understated and, at 34.9mm, highly wearable. Strap color options include peacock green, midnight blue, satin white, lemon yellow, tangerine orange and lilac. The case comes in either 18-karat red or white gold. The Ladybird collection is a tribute to Betty Fiechter, co-CEO of Blancpain in the 1920s and ’30s, known as a maverick of ladies’ watchmaking.
BUY NOW: $28,900
Rolex Datejust
The Datejust is an eternal classic that is both reliable and reliably fashionable. It’s instantly recognizable design has been interpreted over the years in numerous subtle variations, many of which were limited in production. But rollies of any kind are becoming harder and harder to acquire fresh-to-market. If you can’t get the one you want from an authorized dealer, you can always opt for the pre-owned market. This one, from Bob’s Watches is steel with a white gold bezel, mother-of-pearl dial, diamond hour markers and a diamond bezel.
BUY NOW: $13,495
Omega De Ville Trésor
Omega first used the Trésor name (meaning “treasure”) on a ladies’ watch in 1949. It resurrected the concept a few years ago with a new collection designed to be ultra-slim—a mere 9.75mm—with classic features combined with striking oversized Roman numeral hour markers. The slender numerals, a lacquered dial, curved diamond setting on the bezel and a reliable quartz movement make it the ideal robust-yet-feminine, day-to-evening watch. A single diamond is set into the crown.
Chopard Happy Sport
The classic Happy Sport concept, inspired by drops of water splashing from a waterfall, has been around since the 1970s. It involves setting diamonds in gold bezels and placing them between two sapphire crystals where they float freely with the movement of the wrist, catching the light as they move around the dial. This red-hot version positions seven diamonds in front of a textured mother of pearl dial in an 18-karat rose gold case with an automatic movement.
Buy Now $16,400
Galop d’Hermès
This petite, classic quartz watch is proof that even the simplest detail can make a big statement. Its unusual case shape—fashioned like a horse stirrup in a nod to the brand’s roots as a saddle make—and the unconventional crown position at 6 o’clock instead of 3 make this piece stand out in a crowd. Although it is just 26 mm, its grained silvered opaline dial adds a dose of sparkle so that your wrist won’t be missed.
Buy Now $3,775
Vacheron Constantin Égérie
In a nod to haute couture fashion, the engraved pleated motif on the edge of the dial of the Égérie is inspired by the pleats on a skirt. The name is also a metaphor for the female muse, referenced in a French book about artists’ muses, called “Égéries, dans l’ombre des creatuers” (Muses in the Shadow of Creators). The name also nods to the nymph Egeria from Roman mythology, who was a counselor to kings. Diamonds line the bezel in a row of 58 stones and 34 diamonds surround the date ring at 2 o’clock.
Buy Now $21,800
Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso One
The Reverso started out as a sports watch for polo players who wanted to protect their watches by flipping the dials toward their wrists during play, but Jaeger-LeCoultre has created ladies’ versions since the beginning. This beet-red Reverso One with a quartz movement was inspired by a 1931 design. The color is the result of firing multiple layers of lacquer over a guilloché base. The 26 diamonds on the gadroons at top and bottom are grain-set to allow more light return. And, as an added bonus for the season of love, the reverse side is blank, so it can be personalized with an engraving for someone special.
Buy Now $6,050
Chanel J12 Caliber 12.2
Since it was launched in 1999, the J12 has almost become as iconic as Chanel’s quilted bags. Its design, however, is inspired by autos and sailing boats, both fairly masculine motifs (Coco Chanel, after all, was a master at converting menswear staples into female wardrobe must-haves), it has become a favorite ladies’ watch. With that in mind, Chanel has introduced a smaller, 33 mm version, developing a new automatic movement (the 12.2) that has been scaled to perform in a smaller case. The bezel is a single-piece ring made of scratch-resistant sapphire crystal that is grooved to resemble baguette-cut gems.
BUY NOW: $11,500
Breguet Reine de Naples 8905
Taking a more obvious approach with hearts for Valentine’s Day isn’t for everyone, but heart motifs are having a moment. The seconds hand between 6 and 7 o’clock has been constructed in the shape of a red heart to tie in with the ruby crown and cherry-colored leather strap. Plus, in a clever burst of functional gem-setting, a trail of rubies set below the moon phase at 12 o’clock on the dial serve as a gauge for the power reserve indicator. It is set with 128 diamonds on the flange and bezel, and 28 diamonds on the buckle, and it is limited to 28 pieces. Plus, the Reine de Naples is literally fit for a queen. It is modeled after what is said to be the first wristwatch, made by Breguet founder, Abraham-Louis Breguet and delivered to Caroline Bonaparte, Queen of Naples in 1812. Available at Breguet’s NYC boutique at 699 Fifth Avenue (646-692-6469, $50,200).
Learn More: Here