Lor as we are getting closer to the Chinese New Year, the watchmaking industry shudders and many market players present their models dedicated to the zodiac sign whose period will start in the following weeks. It is ultimately very practical because even if we do not know anything about the Chinese astrological signs, we guess very quickly through press releases which will be the animal of the year. And so, from January 29, 2025, this is the year of the snake. Chinese zodiacal watches, it is a particular exercise of style that can leave Western customers indifferent. It must be said that the best can rub shoulders with the worst of kitsch but the advantage is that the different houses try to compete in mastery of their arts and arts to reveal their most convincing interpretations.
One thing is certain: with regard to the celebration of the year of the serpent, one of the most beautiful achievements is in my opinion the Reverso Tribute Enamel “Snake”. I really like this piece because it obviously takes advantage of the characteristics of the Reverso to offer two enamel faces. On the one hand, the display of the sleek time, without second hand. On the other, a superb snake surrounded by a crown of clouds. The large shiny black light enamel reinforces the minimalist style of the dial dedicated to the display of time and highlights the typical elements of the Reverso: the Dauphine needles, the faceted indexes and the peripheral timer. The contrast between pink gold and enamel is ultimately rather soft and it is the warm side that prevails.
The highlight of the show is of course on the other side of the case with a magnificent execution of the snake which mixes hand engraving and enamel large shiny black heat. I use the term engraving but I could almost talk about sculpture as the relief effects are striking. The precision of the engraving, the differences in texture and intensity and the context of the perfectly uniform enamel which defines an ideal frame make the result bewitching. The Jaeger-LeCoultre manufacture is here on one of its favorite playgrounds and it is felt.
The use of a Reverso Tribute in pink gold as a starting point has in any case appeared to me as ideal. The stylistic approach is in any case similar to the retrained from previous years dedicated to the dragon (which I found sublime) or the tiger (which I loved less). The watch is bright without being ostentatious. And finally, the zodiac sign can remain discreet, hidden at the back of the case. It is clear that the beauty of such an achievement encourages caution. The complexity of the engraving and the enamel make the whole delicate and for the preservation of this artistic approach, it is recommended to wear the watch with the display of visible time. This is the whole paradox of these Reverso that appeal to the crafts. Unlike the original donations, the opposite side of which was intended to protect the dial, it is now the dial that protects the opposite side.
Anyway, this Reverso Tribute Enamel “Snake” will not be charmed with a pungi since it will be necessary to pay 120,000 euros to be able to order this watch. Phew, I am relieved, the snake is not my Chinese zodiac sign and therefore I am not likely to succumb. However, this Reverso demonstrates that when the realization is flawless and avoids falling into clichés and other easy-style style effects, a Chinese zodiac watch can be seduced beyond its stated customers.
