Recognised as an icon of Art Deco design, the Reverso has become an exceptional canvas for artistic decoration, exemplified by the feminine Reverso One collection. For 2025, La Grande Maison introduces a new interpretation of the Reverso One ‘Precious Colours’, a masterpiece of enamel and gem-setting first created in 2023. Set in a white gold case (18k, 750/1000), the new timepiece will be produced in a limited edition of 10 pieces.

With a scintillating geometric pattern that covers the entire caseback and wraps seamlessly around the case sides to frame the dial, the Reverso One ‘Precious Colours’ unites the crafts of miniature-painted grand feu enamel and diamond-setting. The process of creating this decoration is complex and demanding, requiring full mastery of each technique, as well as the impeccable coordination of the different crafts.

sing a very fine-tipped sable brush, the entire surface is hand-painted to create the blocks of different colour – again working layer by layer, with firing after every application – until the enameller is fully satisfied with the depth and intensity of each colour. Once the firing of the colours is completed, more layers of transparent fondant are applied. This final coating preserves the colours and enhances the sense of depth; this exceptionally durable surface is then hand-polished to achieve a shiny, glazed appearance, with the smooth finish of a sheet of glass. Known as the Geneva technique – miniature painting protected by layers of transparent enamel – the mastery of this complex process typically requires five years of enamelling experience.

After enamelling, the Reverso case is handed over to the gem-setter, who must work with absolute precision to ensure that the diamonds are perfectly set. Using the grain-setting technique, tiny claws of white gold are raised from the flat metal surface to hold each stone in place. This must be done without disturbing the finished enamel nor encroaching on the perfectly straight lines that define the coloured fields and separate them from the gem-set ones. Setting the 277 diamonds (1.59 carats) that decorate the Reverso One ‘Precious Colours’ requires 40 hours of meticulous work.

Reaffirming Jaeger-LeCoultre’s mastery of the decorative crafts along with fine jewellery techniques and deftly fusing functionality, aesthetics and fine watchmaking, this boldly feminine interpretation of the Reverso is a jewel to be worn, as well as a watch to tell the time.