SpotlightThe Swivelling Serpent: Introducing The Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Tribute Enamel Snake Watch

According to the mythology of the Chinese zodiac, the snake finished sixth in the great race, right after the dragon. As the snake gets set to rear its head for the Year of the Snake, which begins on January 29, 2025, Jaeger-LeCoultre present their ode to the Chinese zodiac—the Reverso Tribute Enamel Snake watch. The dial side of the swivelling timepiece features a classic black enamelled watch face with pink gold indexes. But on turning the watch over, the black enamelled reverse reveals a hand-engraved, pink gold snake emerging from surrounding clouds. With a classic watch-face on one side, and a mesmerising tribute on the other, the Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Tribute Enamel Snake timepiece is as timeless as the themes of wisdom, mystery and longevity that the serpent zodiac represents.

Jaeger-LeCoultre And The Chinese Zodiac

The Reverso Tribute Enamel Snake timepiece is Jaeger-LeCoultre’s third tribute to the Chinese zodiac, following their tiger and dragon timepieces. For the artwork, the smooth metal on the reverse of the dial of the brand’s Reverso seemed like a fitting canvas. The swivelling case, measuring 45.5mm by 27.4mm, is crafted from pink gold, and houses the brand’s manual-winding calibre 822.

The Reverso Tribute Enamel Snake timepiece is Jaeger-LeCoultre’s third tribute to the Chinese zodiac, its swivelling case, measuring 45.5mm by 27.4mm, crafted from pink gold

Light And Fired Enamel: Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Tribute Enamel Snake

Glossy black grand feu enamelling decorates the dial, which is framed by a pink gold railroad minute track. Faceted pink gold indexes and matching dauphine hands add depth to the deep black dial. While the front of the watch face is undeniably beautiful, it is on reversing the case that the engraved art can be admired. Here, against a glossy black grand feu enamelled background, the engraved snake stands out in what seems like high definition.

Using a technique called ‘modelled engraving’, the master engraver brings the snake and surrounding clouds to life. What complicates this process further is the fact it starts on an enamelled surface, instead of on plain metal. However, the outcome of almost 80 hours of painstaking craftsmanship is mesmerising. Details of hand-drawn black rhodium scales can be admired, thanks to contrasting finishing on the engraving. Polished surfaces stand out against sand-blasted textures, playing with light on the precious metal, offering stunning reflections to the viewer. In contrast, the dark black background offers immense depth, its glossy finish enhancing reflections of the light.

Facetted pink gold indexes and matching dauphine hands add depth to the deep black dial of the Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Tribute Enamel Snake watch

Details of hand-drawn black rhodium scales can be admired, as polished surfaces stand out against sandblasted textures, playing with light

Using a technique called ‘modelled engraving’, the master engraver brings the snake and surrounding clouds to life

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Paired with a black alligator leather strap, whose glossy finish matches that of the dial, this Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Tribute Enamel Snake timepiece is a lesson in how to take an ordinary, everyday animal and elevate it into something majestic, and truly eternal.

Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Tribute Enamel Snake Timepiece In A Nutshell

• Case: Pink gold; 45.5mm by 27.4mm
• Crystal: Sapphire crystal
• Dial: Black, grand feu enamelling; pink gold indexes, hands; glossy black grand feu enamelled reverse with engraved snake and clouds
• Functions: Hours, minutes
• Movement: Manual-winding calibre 822; power reserve of 42 hours
• Strap: Black, alligator leather