Q&ACatherine Rénier, Jaeger-LeCoultre’s CEO, Talks About The Year Of The Reverso

Talk about using the Golden Ratio as inspiration for the Reverso collection.

It’s all about the history and it’s a strong story. It is also to be consistent with what we stand for, where we come from. We are always in search of a clear frame for the expression of our creativity. The Golden Ratio is also a geometrical concept, and links strongly to art deco design and principles, which is where the inspiration for Reverso’s basic template and design come from. Additionally, it ties in with our new interpretations of movements and complications.

How would you say the new jewelled Reversos take the collection forward?

They reflect a spirit of inventiveness, and sheer expression of creativity. So far we’ve had a few Reversos that could be more like bracelets, now we have a sautoir necklace edition, with a star motif on the face of the ‘pendant’ watch. The design is a stylish expression of femininity.

Would you consider creating necklace editions of other watches, such as the Rendez-Vous (even though that collection was inspired by the fact that wristwatches were worn by women before men)?

For now, we are happy with the Reverso as a necklace watch. The Reverso Secret is totally embedded in the timepiece itself. The dial was made to be hidden, which isn’t the case for the Rendez-Vous essentially. With Reverso, it was absolutely feasible. The idea of a Reverso as a ‘secret watch’ pendant is like a natural progression for the collection in that regard. And we would like to explore that more, in Reverso itself going forward.

What are the most definitive collections and complications of Jaeger-LeCoultre?

Well, for the collection, I would definitely have to with the Reverso. It’s our most iconic line, and it’s something that’s instantly recognisable. We are extremely blessed to have something so precious, steeped in history and patrimony. The legacy of the Reverso and how much it means to us, and how we can keep reinterpreting it is unmatched.

This Reverso Tribute mono-faced watch is a direct descendant of the earliest Reversos, which did not have two watch faces

The new Tribute has been tweaked in design to lend the iconic structure a sleeker form

The gold Reversos of 2023 come in various colour options, with a sunburst finish on the dials

These Reversos feature leather straps made by Casa Fagliano

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For the products, there are essentially three key pillars that I would say are definitive for the brand. One is precision timekeeping, especially heightened and reinforced by complications such as the gyro-tourbillon, which we have had tremendous success with. There’s the celestial realm of watchmaking features such as the moon phase and perpetual calendar. And then there’s sound. Our chiming watches and signature complications, such as our Westminster minute repeater, are very dear to us.

Rénier says that cosmic complications like the moon phase and perpetual calendar are among Jaeger-LeCoultre's signature features. Seen here is the Polaris Perpetual Calendar

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A 2022 edition, this was the first Polaris with the perpetual calendar complication

₹33,80,000

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This steel edition also includes a moon phase indicator, which is a long-term companion of the perpetual calendar

₹33,80,000

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What kind of challenges do you face while being innovative and fresh, while also maintaining the signature look of Jaeger-LeCoultre, especially with the icon that is the Reverso?

At Jaeger-LeCoultre, we bring our expertise as a fully integrated manufacture to build the future of watchmaking. With over 1,300 calibres and 400 patents, Jaeger-LeCoultre have accumulated unique know-how to continue our quest for innovation. Today, the research and development department at our manufacture are a team of over 40 people—all dedicated to further explore modern watchmaking.

Through nine decades, the Reverso has continually reinvented itself without ever compromising its identity. It has housed more than 50 different calibres, while its blank metal flip side has become a canvas for creative expression, decorated with enamel, engravings or gemstones. The modernity of Reverso and Jaeger-LeCoultre is to respect our heritage in watchmaking and design while bridging the style of our timepieces with today’s world.

Here’s a look at the Golden Ratio—the inspiration behind the Reverso’s design:

Pictured in the header is the new 2023 Reverso Chronograph, with a retrograde 30-minute counter at six o’clock