The Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Tribute Enamel Hokusai Waterfalls Series

The Reverso has lent itself to artistic expression quite naturally. Since its creation in 1931, Jaeger-LeCoultre’s reversible case has provided a perfect canvas for decoration, engraving and enamel work. In recent years, the Manufacture and its Métiers Rares atelier used this possibility extensively and offered tributes to the Japanese artist Katsushika Hokusai. Following earlier interpretations of The Great Wave and several compositions from the Waterfalls series, like the Amida here, the brand now completes the cycle with four new Reverso Tribute Enamel models.

These latest editions use the final four prints from Hokusai’s A Tour of the Waterfalls of the Provinces, a series that was important to the ukiyo-e art form with its dynamic depiction of flowing water and its use of Prussian blue pigment. Each watch translates one of these compositions, Roben, Kiyotaki Kannon, Yoro and Aoigaoka, into a miniature enamel painting on the reverse side of the case. The case remains the classic Reverso Tribute, here in 18k white gold, measuring 45.6mm by 27.4mm and 9.73mm thick. Its Art Deco lines are unchanged, with polished surfaces and the signature gadroons framing both sides. Water-resistance is 30m.

On the dial side, each watch features a hand-guilloché base executed on a traditional rose engine, with patterns specific to each reference: barleycorn, waves, bamboo or herringbone. These patterns are coated with multiple layers of translucent grand feu enamel, creating subtle colour variations, ranging from warm brown to emerald green, olive and vivid blue. Applied hour markers, Dauphine hands and a chemin-de-fer minute track maintain the familiar Reverso Tribute look.

The reverse side is where the Métiers Rares atelier demonstrates its craft. Each waterfall scene is recreated using miniature enamel painting, with numerous layers of pigment fired successively at high temperatures. The challenge is not only reproducing Hokusai’s compositions at a scale of roughly 2 cm², but also capturing the tonal gradients and depth characteristic of woodblock prints and adding details such as the original Japanese inscriptions.

Powering the watch is the manually wound calibre 822, a long-standing Jaeger-LeCoultre movement shaped to fit the rectangular case. Measuring just under 3mm in height, and operating at 21,600 vibrations/hour, it offers a 42-hour power reserve. Each model can be worn on a black alligator leather strap with a white gold folding clasp or paired with an 18k white gold Milanese bracelet. As with previous enamel Reverso editions, production is limited to 10 pieces per reference. Prices are yet to be confirmed.

For more information, please visit Jaeger-LeCoultre.com.