Jaeger-LeCoultre unveils four new Reverso Tribute Enamel models, each a tribute to the heritage of the Reverso and its roots in the world of polo. These exceptional timepieces celebrate the strength and grace of the horse and honour one of the greatest epics in world literature and art: the Shahnameh, the Persian Book of Kings.
Drawing inspiration from the Persian art of miniature painting, each watch features a meticulously hand-painted caseback depicting scenes from a 16th-century edition of the Shahnameh, commissioned by Shah Tahmasp. The result is a fusion of four rare artisanal techniques: miniature enamel painting, paillonnage, grand feu enamelling, and guillochage — all brought to life in the Maison’s Métiers Rares™ atelier.
A Tribute to the Horse – and the Sport of Polo
The Reverso was born in 1931 to meet the needs of British officers in India who sought a watch durable enough to withstand polo matches. Its innovative reversible case protected the dial, making it a triumph of function and form. While it quickly became a design icon beyond the polo field, the Reverso’s spirit remains tied to this noble sport — which, in fact, traces back to ancient Persia.
In Persian culture, horses were sacred and central to warfare, hunting, and athletic prowess. Polo, symbolic of the deep harmony between rider and steed, was first played in Persia over 2,000 years ago. The Shahnameh pays tribute to these traditions — and the Reverso, in turn, now pays tribute to the Shahnameh.
The Shahnameh: A Monument of Persian Culture
Composed between 977 and 1010 by Ferdowsi, the Shahnameh consists of 50,000 rhymed couplets recounting the mythological and historical past of Persia up to the 7th-century Arab conquest. The illustrated version made for Shah Tahmasp is one of the most extraordinary masterpieces of Persian miniature art, containing 258 intricate illustrations created by two generations of master artists.
Though once housed in the Topkapi Palace in Istanbul, the manuscript was dismantled in the 1970s, and its pages are now dispersed among museums and private collectors worldwide.
Masterful Craftsmanship Honours Persian Miniature Painting
Persian miniatures, traditionally painted with opaque watercolours, gold, and silver, are known for their vivid colours, elaborate detail, and flat, layered style. Reproducing these works on a 2 cm² watch caseback — from originals measuring 48 x 32 cm — demanded extraordinary precision, creativity, and over 85 hours of labour per piece.
Each painting is enhanced by paillonnage, a delicate process in which tiny fragments of 24k gold leaf are hand-cut and applied to enrich the enamel artwork.
On the front, each dial features translucent grand feu enamel over a guilloché pattern — a subtle yet refined artistic echo of the miniature paintings.
Four Iconic Scenes, Four Dials in Rich Colour
The Shahnameh divides Persian history into three cycles: myth, legend, and recorded history. Each Reverso model illustrates a story from the legendary cycle, all of which feature horses as central figures — symbols of nobility, courage, and culture.
- Siyavush Plays Polo Before Afrasiyab
Siyavush accepts a challenge to a polo match from the Turanian king Afrasiyab and wins, asserting Persian honour. The dial reflects the sky’s intense blue with a vivid sunray guilloché pattern beneath grand feu enamel.
- Faridun Tests His Sons in Dragon Form
Disguised as a dragon, King Faridun evaluates his sons’ courage. Only one shows the calm wisdom required to rule. The light blue enamel dial mirrors the cool tones of the landscape in the painting.
- Saam Ascends Mount Alburz
Saam seeks forgiveness from his son Zal, who was raised by the mythical bird Simurgh. The green enamel dial, with a wavy guilloché pattern, captures the lush hues of the mountain setting.
- Rustam Pursues the Onager-Div
Rustam prepares to lasso what appears to be a wild ass, only for it to vanish and reveal its demonic form. The vibrant green lozenge-patterned dial echoes the vivid vegetation of the scene.
The Reverso Tribute Enamel ‘Shahnameh’: Art, Heritage, and Watchmaking Excellence
This special series embodies Jaeger-LeCoultre’s commitment to artistic heritage and technical mastery. Each model is powered by the manually-wound Calibre 822 and produced in a limited edition of just 10 pieces — a rare union of horology and high art.
