Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Tribute Enamel Hokusai Waterfalls: Four New Limited Editions Complete the Artistic Cycle
Hokusai's Waterfalls Brought to Life in Miniature Enamel
Jaeger-LeCoultre has completed its artistic tribute to Japanese ukiyo-e master Katsushika Hokusai with four new Reverso Tribute Enamel limited editions. Each watch recreates one of the final prints from Hokusai's celebrated series A Tour of the Waterfalls of the Province using miniature enamel painting on the reverse side of the iconic swivelling case.
Four Scenes, Four Dials
The four new references each capture a different waterfall composition: Roben (Waterfall at Ōyama in Sagami Province), Kiyotaki Kannon (Waterfall at Sakanoshita on the Tōkaidō), Yōrō (Waterfall in Mino Province), and Aoigaoka (The Falls at Aoigaoka in the Eastern Capital). Each scene is reproduced at a scale of roughly 2 cm² using numerous layers of pigment fired successively at high temperatures.
Guilloché and Grand Feu Enamel
The dials feature hand-guilloché patterns executed on a traditional rose engine, with each reference displaying a unique motif: barleycorn, waves, bamboo, or herringbone. These textures are coated with multiple layers of translucent Grand Feu enamel, creating subtle colour variations ranging from warm brown to emerald green, olive, and vivid blue.
The case is crafted in 18k white gold, measuring 45.6mm × 27.4mm × 9.73mm, maintaining the classic Art Deco proportions with polished surfaces and signature gadroons.
Technical Specifications
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Case | 45.6mm × 27.4mm × 9.73mm — 18k white gold |
| Dial | Hand-guilloché with Grand Feu enamel |
| Caseback | Miniature-painted grand feu enamel (Hokusai Waterfalls) |
| Movement | Calibre 822 — manual-winding, 28,800 vph, 42h power reserve |
| Strap | Black alligator with white gold folding clasp, or white gold Milanese bracelet |
| Limited Edition | 10 pieces per reference |
| Price | To be confirmed |
The Hokusai Legacy in Watchmaking
This collection builds on earlier Reverso editions that celebrated Hokusai's iconic The Great Wave and the Amida Falls print. The Métiers Rares atelier's challenge lies not only in reproducing the compositions at miniature scale but also in capturing the tonal gradients and depth characteristic of woodblock prints, including the original Japanese inscriptions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How many prints from Hokusai's Waterfalls series has Jaeger-LeCoultre recreated?
A: With these four new editions, the Manufacture has now covered all eight prints from the complete Waterfalls series.
Q: Can the watches be worn on a bracelet?
A: Yes, each model can be paired with an 18k white gold Milanese bracelet in addition to the included black alligator leather strap.
Q: What makes miniature enamel painting so difficult?
A: Each layer of enamel must be fired at high temperatures, with the risk of cracking or colour changes at each stage. The artist must work at roughly 2 cm² scale while preserving the tonal gradients of the original woodblock prints.
Sources: Monochrome Watches, Jaeger-LeCoultre Official
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