Jaeger-LeCoultre Celebrates the Year of the Dragon with Artful Masterpiece

Jaeger-LeCoultre’s iconic Reverso watch first gained popularity due to its signature swiveling case, initially designed to protect the watch’s dial during polo matches.

Since its origins in 1931, the Reverso watch has transcended its sporting origins. Recognizing the blank metal caseback as a canvas for artistic expression, Jaeger-LeCoultre has continually pushed the boundaries of craftsmanship by turning the watch into an all-around favorite.

Now, the watchmaker introduces a new chapter to the Reverso’s story. Released in time for the Lunar New Year, the Reverso Tribute Enamel “Dragon” watch pays homage to the Year of the Dragon by showcasing the skill of master enamelers and engravers at the Métiers Rares atelier of the Manufacture Jaeger-LeCoultre.

A majestic dragon, surrounded by golden textured clouds, emerges from a background of glossy black Grand Feu enamel on the reverse side of the watch case.

The intricate details, such as the dragon’s scales highlighted with black rhodium, create a captivating illusion of movement and power.

The exquisite piece is created with modeled engraving—a complex technique demanding precision and dexterity. In a process that took over 80 hours, 10 differently sized chisels were used to sculpt the metal step by step.

An added challenge was starting with a metal surface already coated in Grand Feu enamel, which required unparalleled accuracy to avoid damage. The result is a stunning representation of the dragon, showcasing both volume and depth.

The dial of the Reverso Tribute Enamel features the same opaque black Grand Feu enamel, creating an elegant backdrop for faceted appliqué hour-markers, chemin de fer minutes track, and Dauphine hands.

Achieving the enamel’s deep and rich black hue required multiple layers, followed by firing, cooling, and polishing—a process that spanned 24 working hours over several days.

Created exclusively to order, the Reverso Tribute Enamel “Dragon” watch is a celebration of the art of enameling and a testament to Jaeger-LeCoultre’s commitment to preserving artistic tradition while pushing the boundaries of technical expertise.