Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Tribute Enamel “Shahnameh”: A Watch that Celebrates Persian Art

Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Tribute Enamel “Shahnameh”: Where Swiss Precision Meets Persian Artistry

 

In 2025, Jaeger-LeCoultre unveiled an extraordinary collection that effortlessly marries the best of Swiss watchmaking and Persian cultural heritage — the Reverso Tribute Enamel “Shahnameh”. Unveiled at Watches & Wonders, this limited-edition series presents not only a masterpiece of horology but a wearable tribute to one of Persia’s most significant cultural landmarks. With only 10 pieces of each model, this collection continues the Reverso’s legacy of exceptional design, blending miniature enamel painting with the spirit of ancient Persia.

The Reverso, originally designed in the 1930s for polo-playing British officers, has evolved into an icon of versatile elegance. Today, Jaeger-LeCoultre honors the legacy of this timeless design by incorporating intricate Persian miniature paintings into the timepieces, showcasing not only fine watchmaking but also the artistry of miniature enamel painting. This fusion of craftsmanship and culture results in a collection that speaks to the heart of both luxury horology and historical storytelling.

For more details on this stunning piece, you can visit Jaeger-LeCoultre's official press release for the Reverso Tribute Enamel 'Shahnameh'.

The Artistic Heart of the Reverso Tribute Enamel "Shahnameh"

 

The Reverso Tribute Enamel "Shahnameh" series is not just a tribute to the Reverso’s origins but also to the grandeur of Persian art. Featuring four unique models, each adorned with miniature enamel depictions from the Shahnameh, this series invites collectors into a world where history and art intertwine. Written by the Persian poet Ferdowsi between 977 and 1010 CE, the Shahnameh chronicles the history of Persian kings and weaves together myth and legend.

Each of these timepieces tells a tale from the legendary cycle of the Shahnameh, with horses at the center of the stories. These animals, revered as symbols of strength and nobility, reflect the cultural importance of horses in Persian society. To bring these legendary scenes to life, Jaeger-LeCoultre’s artisans have employed paillonnage (the delicate art of adding 24K gold leaf), grand feu enamel, and guilloché to create stunning dial designs. These techniques, perfected over centuries, make each piece not just a watch but an artistic masterpiece.

Four Stories, Four Masterpieces

The collection features four exceptional timepieces, each telling a different story from the Shahnameh:

• Siyavush Plays Polo before Afrasiyab: This model captures the intensity of a polo match, reflecting the sport’s significance in Persian culture. The blue dial, adorned with grand feu enamel, mirrors the vibrant sky under which the match unfolds, making it a fitting tribute to the Reverso's origins in polo.
• Faridun in the Guise of a Dragon Tests His Sons: King Faridun transforms into a dragon to test his sons’ courage. The dial of this piece, featuring an intricate herringbone guilloché pattern beneath a translucent blue enamel, emphasizes leadership and bravery, qualities revered in Persian lore.
• Saam Comes to Mount Alburz: The story of Saam's regret and redemption is captured with a green enamel dial. The wavy guilloché pattern evokes the serenity of Mount Alburz, where Saam reunites with his son, symbolizing forgiveness and divine intervention.
• Rustam Pursues Akvan, the Onager-Div: The final model tells the heroic tale of Rustam, a legendary Persian hero. With a green enamel dial over a guilloché lozenge pattern, this timepiece symbolizes Rustam’s strength and valor in the face of adversity.

These models are powered by the Jaeger-LeCoultre Caliber 822, a manually-wound movement renowned for its precision and reliability. With a 42-hour power reserve, it ensures the Reverso not only tells time but carries forward the legacy of masterful craftsmanship.

Craftsmanship Beyond Time

 

What makes the Reverso Tribute Enamel "Shahnameh" so captivating is the hidden artistry that lies within. The Reverso’s reversible case, which was originally designed to protect the watch face during polo matches, now serves as a canvas for a miniature enamel painting — a hidden treasure only revealed when the wearer flips the case. This concept of hidden art adds a layer of intimacy to the watch, offering a personal connection between the wearer and the exquisite craftsmanship of the miniature enamel paintings.

While the front dial is minimalist, displaying only hours and minutes, the back showcases intricate, rich enamel depictions of scenes from the Shahnameh. This hidden artistry reinforces the Reverso’s unique appeal, allowing the wearer to enjoy not only fine timekeeping but also a rich historical narrative.

A Legacy Reimagined

 

The Reverso Tribute Enamel “Shahnameh” collection does more than honor the Reverso’s origins; it celebrates the ancient Persian art of miniature painting and its legacy. By incorporating elements of Persian culture, such as the reverence for horses and the tales of legendary heroes, Jaeger-LeCoultre has created a timepiece that is as much about storytelling as it is about timekeeping.

The Reverso Tribute Enamel "Shahnameh" brings full circle the watch’s connection to polo, a sport whose origins can be traced back to ancient Persia. Jaeger-LeCoultre has succeeded in creating a timepiece that not only preserves the Reverso's core design but also reinterprets it, giving new life to the timeless elegance of the watch through the lens of Persian history.

Conclusion: A Collector’s Dream

The Reverso Tribute Enamel "Shahnameh" is not just a luxury watch; it is a tribute to art, history, and craftsmanship. With only 10 pieces of each model available, this limited edition collection offers a rare opportunity to own a piece of history, both as a timeless timepiece and as a piece of wearable art. Priced at USD 142,000, this collection is an essential addition for collectors who appreciate the fusion of luxury horology with the power of cultural storytelling.

For watch enthusiasts and collectors, the Reverso Tribute Enamel "Shahnameh" stands as a testament to Jaeger-LeCoultre's commitment to excellence, craftsmanship, and a deep respect for the art and culture of Persia.