When working on such complex and collaborative projects, the artisans’ work must follow a strict order: engraving first, then enamelling – which requires multiple coats of enamel pigment to add richness, nuance and visual depth. After each coat is applied, the enamel must be fired to set the colour – an exacting process that takes many days. To complete the piece, the background is decorated with lacquer or mother-of-pearl, or is set with diamonds – according to the model.
Precious Flowers in four interpretations
White Lilies – symbolising purity, devotion and honour in the language of flowers – decorate a white gold case. The blank gold case-back has been relief-engraved – a technique by which the background metal is sculpted away, leaving only the raised outlines of the floral design. Each of the blooms is entirely hand-engraved, replicating the texture of lily petals in fine detail. Contrasting with the cool tones of the white gold, the leaves are enamelled in a rich blue and the stamens in light blue. To create the sky-blue background, tissue-fine wafers of mother-of-pearl are cut to the exact shape then laid in place. Grain-set diamonds embellish the entire case, wrapping seamlessly from front to back, and the winding crown is adorned with a reverse-set diamond.
Graduated shades of pink
Pink Arums – a symbol of admiration and appreciation – complement the warm tones of a pink gold case. With a black lacquered background providing dramatic contrast, the blooms are enamelled in graduated shades of pink, while the foliage is fully set with diamonds. The winding crown is adorned with a reverse-set diamond, and grain-set diamonds embellish the entire case, wrapping seamlessly from front to back.
Fully diamond-set
Two fully diamond-set models also feature Arums: Purple Arums (on pink gold) symbolise charm and passion, and Blue Arums (on white gold) symbolise grace and refinement. On these two watches, the flowers and leaves are all enamelled, and the entire background is snow-set with diamonds – an exacting technique that requires approximately one hour to set just five or six stones. Altogether, the gem-setting on these pieces requires a total of 95 hours. The floral design wraps 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.
Alligator straps
Set in the elongated Reverso One case and complemented by shiny alligator straps in vivid colours, these new timepieces are a joyous expression of feminine elegance. Naturally, given the Maison’s mastery of technical watchmaking, there has been no compromise on the movement, and Reverso One Precious Flowers introduces the hand-wound Jaeger-LeCoultre Calibre 846, a rectangular shaped movement developed especially for the Reverso. To be made in an edition of just 10 pieces of each model, every one of these miniature works of art is subtly different – their fine detailing and nuanced colour palettes the product of each artisan’s particular gestures, expressing their passion and personality, as well as their remarkable skill.
Pink Arums
Case: 40mm x 20mm in pink gold Movement: Jaeger-LeCoultre Calibre 846 – manually wound with 38-hour power reserve Functions: hours and minutes Dial: white mother-of-pearl Caseback: enamelled flowers and gem-set leaves on black lacquer, 409 diamonds for 2.59 cts Strap: shiny pink alligator; Limited edition of 10 pieces
White Lilies
Case: 40mm x 20mm in white gold – Movement: Jaeger-LeCoultre Calibre 846 – manually wound with 38-hour power reserve – Functions: hours and minutes – Dial: white mother-of-pearl – Caseback: engraved flowers and enamelled leaves on mother-of-pearl, 335 diamonds for 2.44 cts – Strap: shiny blue alligator; Limited edition of 10 pieces
Purple Arums
Case: 40mm x 20mm in pink gold – Movement: Jaeger-LeCoultre Calibre 846, manually wound with 38-hour power reserve – Functions: hours and minutes – Dial: white mother-of-pearl – Caseback: fully diamond-set with enamelled flowers and leaves, 626 diamonds for 1.98 cts – Strap: shiny green alligator; Limited edition of 10 pieces
Blue Arums
Case: 40mm x 20mm in white gold – Movement: Jaeger-LeCoultre Calibre 846 – manually wound with 38-hour power reserve – Functions: hours and minutes – Dial: white mother-of-pearl Caseback: fully diamond-set with enamelled flowers and leaves, 626 diamonds for 1.98 cts – Strap: shiny blue alligator; Limited edition of 10 pieces
