Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Enamel Dials

amanico · 2010-05-25T06:49:08Z

Explore Jaeger-LeCoultre's enamel Reversos with amanico, from the Eclipse to the Grande Reverso Email. Discover the artistry of their dials.

amanico

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Amanico delves into the exquisite world of Jaeger-LeCoultre's enamel Reversos, highlighting the artistry of pieces like the Eclipse and Grande Reverso Email. He draws attention to the often-overlooked recto side of these watches, revealing a stunning milky enamel dial and sparking a discussion about the potential for future JLC enamel creations.

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So this post is for you!

When it comes to speak about the Reverso and Enamel, we immediately have in mind the Eclipse, which offers the charm of an enamel dial and the discretion of the curtain, which hides or exposes to the admiration of everybody's eyes a superb painting.

You certainly remember the Reverso which reproduced on their verso side some works by Mucha and Friedrich, or, more recently, the Pavonia piece unique:

On these last Reversos, we always talk about the verso side, and even in the JLC catalogues, the verso side is shown, not the Recto...

Of course, this is a logical choice, as it is important to enhance, to enlighten, to focuse people's attention on the superb mastery of the Manufacture enamellers on recreating pure pieces of Art in such small areas.

BUT, who knows what is on the other side of these watches?

On the Reverso à éclipses, the verso side ( the case back ) is plain...Nothing else to see than the metal of the watch ( platinum or rose gold ).

On the Grande Reverso Email, what is the Recto side?

Here is what I saw at the Manufacture Atelier Gravage Décoration ( Engraving and Decoration Workshop )

The verso side:

And now, be prepared to see a real Beauty...

The recto side:

A superb milky enamel dial!

This is certainly one of the nicest dial I saw.

The combination of the colors is enchanting.

The stylized black numbers contrast with the deep white dial, whose class is enhanced by the blue minutes and seconds indexes.

The round small seconds subdial, interacting with the rectangular minute indexes railroad is also an interesting geometrical contrast.

And the cherry on the cake, these heated blue Hour, Minute and Second Hands!

If we can understand why, on the Eclipses, we almost never speak about the Solid Case Back, it is a bit sad to not more often mention this dial, don't you think?

Now, I'm dreaming...

What about a XGT ( as it is the Eclipse and Grande Reverso Email size ) or a GT case, in platinum, with a sapphire case back, showing a superbly finished movement, and such an enamel dial on the recto side?

Or even with a solid case back?

What do you think?

Please, JLC, think about it!

Best,

Nicolas

This message has been edited by amanico on 2010-05-25 06:50:39 This message has been edited by amanico on 2010-05-28 13:39:34

Key Points from the Discussion

The milky enamel dial on the Grande Reverso Email is described as breathtaking and heart-racing, indicating a strong emotional impact.
The idea of a platinum Reverso with an enamel dial is a strong desire, but the challenge lies in choosing a timeless engraving or painting for the verso side that would appeal to both the owner and future generations.
A desire for a JLC Reverso in platinum with an enamel dial, similar to the Grande GMT size and featuring an 8-day movement, is expressed, suggesting it would immediately become a top priority over other high-end watches.
Surprise is expressed at the increased production of enamel watches by JLC, given their small enamel department. A preference for pieces inspired by artists like Mucha and Friedrich, and a wish for Klimt-inspired enamel on larger Reverso cases, are noted.
There is a shared dream for a 'perfect Reverso' featuring an enamel dial in an XGT case, very thin, time-only, with a perfectly finished movement visible on the verso side.
The confidential and time-consuming nature of enamel production makes mass production impossible, but the author is optimistic about JLC exploring new possibilities in enamel watches.

The Discussion

Goh

May 25, 2010

Reversos are not my cup of tea...

but those are really beautiful pieces of art. The recto side on the Email is simple yet complex, the blue minute track adds much charm to the dial. I like the discretion of the curtain on the Eclipse too, I handled one at the AD and can relive the experience. Lastly, I hope you wish will come true, sapphire case back is much preferred for me. Goh

amanico

May 27, 2010

If there is some work on the movement, Goh

I would be very pleased to see such an enamel " simple " Reverso with a sapphire case back. I fell so deeply in love with this dial! Best, my friend. Nicolas

VMM

May 25, 2010

Love them. Art pieces, to me. [nt]

No message body

amanico

May 27, 2010

Truly. Thanks a lot, Vicente. [nt]

No message body

watchme

May 25, 2010

XGT? Why not do away with...

the exhibition back on the Grande Reverso 976 (which isn't terribly interesting, IMO), and give us a GIANT canvas in which to permanently engrave our family crests, university crests, or favorite people? -Dean

amanico

May 27, 2010

That would be an interesting option, Dean.

I agree with you that if there is not something exceptional ( or at least beautiful ) to see through the case back, a solid one with a nice engraving would do the deal! Best, Nicolas

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