The Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso One “Precious Flowers” collection has been enriched by two stunning new models, which reveal the beauty of arum flowers through exceptional craftsmanship. These limited-edition timepieces represent the pinnacle of artistic watchmaking, combining horological expertise with the decorative arts in a way that few manufacturers can match.
Launched in April 2025, the two new versions – Green Arums and Purple Arums – continue the floral theme established when the “Precious Flowers” series was launched in 2021. Both models feature an 18-carat pink gold case measuring 40 x 20 mm and 9.09 mm thick, which houses the Jaeger-LeCoultre Caliber 846 manual winding movement with a 50-hour power reserve.
What truly distinguishes these timepieces is their case backs, where the artisans of the Métiers Rares™ atelier display their exceptional skills in grand feu champlevé enameling and meticulous diamond setting. The process begins by hollowing out the metal surface, leaving only the outlines of flowers and leaves. Artisans then fill these recesses with powdered glass enamel and fire them at temperatures of up to 800 degrees Fahrenheit.
The Green Arums model takes 15 hours just for the enameling process. Black lacquer applied between the flowers adds depth and contrast to the bright green enamel. To complete this elaborate decoration, 409 diamonds totaling 2.59 carats are set using both snow and grain setting techniques, a process that requires an additional 45 hours of precision work.
The Purple Arums version features a floral design in purple, pink and green enamel that takes 30 hours to create. The motif wraps seamlessly around the sides of the case, covering curves and angles that add to the complexity of the artisans’ work. Even more impressive are the 637 diamonds (2.12 carats) that adorn this model and take 95 hours to set.
The faces of both watches remain elegantly understated, with mother-of-pearl dials framed by four brackets that create a defined space for the signature Reverso One numerals. Diamond-set gadroons and lugs add subtle sparkle, while reverse-set diamonds adorn the winding crowns.
Custom-made alligator straps complement the enamel colors – green for the Green Arums model and purple for the Purple Arums version – to complete these luxurious timepieces.
Since its launch in 1931, the Reverso has evolved from a practical sports watch for polo players to an iconic platform for artistic expression. The double-sided case (patented under number CH159982) allows personalization on the back, initially through simple engraving or lacquering.
The Reverso One’s elongated proportions provided Jaeger-LeCoultre with an ideal canvas for rich colors and precious stones. Previous iterations of the Precious Flowers series have featured white lilies, birds of paradise and hibiscus flowers, decorated with a variety of techniques including engraving, lacquering, paillonnage and gem-setting.
The creation of such elaborate decorations requires specialized expertise. Enamelers must train for at least two years to develop an intuitive understanding of when to remove pieces from the kiln to achieve perfect colors without bubbles or cracks. Diamond setting presents additional challenges because the metal, which hardens during the firing process, must be handled delicately to avoid damaging the enamel work.
In order to preserve and develop these traditional crafts, Jaeger-LeCoultre maintains a dedicated Métiers Rares™ workshop at its Manufacture in the Vallée de Joux. Specialists in gem-setting, engraving and various enameling techniques work in close proximity to one another, allowing for essential collaboration throughout the creative process.
The Green Arums and Purple Arums models illustrate how the Reverso continues to evolve while retaining its unmistakable identity. Throughout its 90-year history, the Reverso has housed 79 different calibers and received 39 patents, yet it remains instantly recognizable with its sleek Art Deco aesthetic.
Limited to just 10 pieces per model, these watches represent an exclusivity commensurate with their exceptional craftsmanship. The hundreds of hours invested in their creation result in wearable works of art that demonstrate why Jaeger-LeCoultre has earned its reputation as “The Watchmaker’s Watchmaker™“.
