The Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Tribute Enamel Series Is A Glimpse Into Claude Monet’s Venice

In celebration of its participation in the Homo Faber Biennial exhibition in Venice this September, Jaeger-LeCoultre introduces three limited-edition Reverso Tribute Enamel timepieces inspired by Claude Monet. These exquisite watches feature case-backs with miniature reproductions of Claude Monet’s iconic Venice paintings, showcasing the Reverso as an ideal canvas for artistic expression.

The Claude Monet ‘Venice Series’ captures Venice’s enchanting light and architecture, a city that inspired the artist during his 1908 visit. Over a prolific 10-week period, Monet painted 37 views of Venice, focusing on the city’s changing light and atmospheric effects. Jaeger-LeCoultre pays homage to Monet’s vision by transforming these masterpieces into miniature paintings on the case-backs of the Reverso Tribute Enamel watches, highlighting Maison’s expertise in miniature painting, enameling, and guilloche.

The Reverso Tribute Enamel ‘Venice Series’ showcases Jaeger-LeCoultre’s commitment to rare craftsmanship, as each watch features a meticulously hand-painted case-back. Reproducing Monet’s detailed works on a surface of just 25 x 20 mm required precision in miniaturization and a masterful replication of the artist’s impasto technique and the dreamlike quality of his paintings. This was achieved using 14 layers of enamel, including three base layers, four layers of painting, and seven layers of translucent enamel, with up to 15 firings at temperatures reaching 800°C.

San Giorgio Maggiore at Dusk

This piece captures the sunset behind the island of San Giorgio Maggiore by Monet. The dial features blue grand feu enamel over a herringbone guilloché pattern that echoes the painting’s sky. The meticulous miniature painting on the case back required about 70 hours of work.

The Grand Canal Venice

Depicting the church of Santa Maria della Salute floating on the Grand Canal, this piece features a dial with a wavy guilloché pattern, reflecting the water’s surface in Monet’s painting. The dial’s green grand feu enamel enhances the visual depth, with nearly 70 hours spent on the case-back’s miniature painting.

The Doge’s Palace

Painted from a gondola in the morning, this view captures the palace bathed in light. The lozenge guilloché pattern on the dial mirrors the light’s play on the water, enhanced by rich blue grand feu enamel. The intricate miniature painting on the case back took approximately 70 hours.

Each of these three timepieces is offered in a limited edition of 10 pieces and housed in a refined 18-karat white gold case, measuring 45.6 x 27.4 mm with a thickness of 9.73 mm. They are powered by the manually-wound Jaeger-LeCoultre Calibre 822, offering a 42-hour power reserve. With their harmonious blend of fine watchmaking and decorative arts, the Reverso Tribute Enamel ‘Venice Series’ stands as a supEnamel’ ute to Series’e city of Venice and the timeless beauty of Claude Monet.