October 7, 20253 min Read

The Drop – Reverso Tribute Enamel Xu Beihong “Standing Horse”

By: Niclas Berglund
Photo: Jaeger-LeCoultre

The Drop is Bezl’s fast-track news format — quick reads that bring you the latest releases in under 3 minutes.

The news

Jaeger-LeCoultre unveils the Reverso Tribute Enamel Xu Beihong “Standing Horse,” a special edition celebrating the mastery of miniature enamel painting and the legacy of one of China’s most influential artists. Crafted in 18k white gold, the case measures 45.6 × 27.4 mm and houses the hand-wound Calibre 822.

The Reverso Tribute Enamel Xu Beihong “Standing Horse” — art and horology united.

The design

On the front, the Reverso dial features guilloché engraving beneath a layer of translucent Grand Feu enamel in a striking shade called Crimson Dawn Orange. Flip the case, and the reverse side reveals an enamel miniature of Xu Beihong’s Standing Horse, faithfully rendered in black ink tones. Each caseback requires up to 80 hours of painstaking enamel work, highlighting Jaeger-LeCoultre’s dual expertise in fine watchmaking and decorative arts.

Front dial in translucent “Crimson Dawn” Grand Feu enamel over guilloché.

Hand-wound Calibre 822 powering the Reverso with 42 hours of reserve.

The movement

Inside is the Calibre 822, a hand-wound movement developed in-house by Jaeger-LeCoultre. Measuring just 2.94 mm thick, it delivers a 42-hour power reserve and beats at 21,600 vph. Slim, reliable, and proportioned perfectly for the rectangular case, it complements the artistry on display.

A limited masterpiece celebrating Xu Beihong’s legacy and Jaeger-LeCoultre’s craft.

Each enamel painting takes up to 80 hours of meticulous work.

Why it matters

The Reverso has long been a bridge between design and artistry, and this release continues that tradition in its most expressive form. By pairing a vivid guilloché enamel dial with a hand-painted masterpiece on the reverse, Jaeger-LeCoultre demonstrates why the Reverso remains not only a horological icon but also a cultural one. Honoring Xu Beihong underscores the brand’s global vision — celebrating art that transcends borders.

Bezl’s take

This is Reverso at its purest: a true wearable canvas. The crimson enamel dial already stands out, but it’s the reverse that makes this piece remarkable — the standing horse is alive with motion and subtlety, and the monochrome ink style is a bold contrast against the vivid front.

The Reverso itself is, of course, an icon — and Jaeger-LeCoultre has consistently been at the forefront of enamel artistry. Their craftsmen have time and again demonstrated mastery in miniature painting, setting standards few others can match.

On a personal note, the Reverso was one of the very first watches I acquired as a collector, so I admit I have a soft spot for the model. That said, this edition proves once again why the Reverso remains culturally and artistically relevant, standing at the intersection of horology and art in a way no other watch quite does.

The standing horse, captured with lifelike expression in enamel.

A showcase of Jaeger-LeCoultre’s in-house Métiers Rares atelier.

Quick specs

  • Case: 45.6 × 27.4 mm, 18k white gold

  • Thickness: 9.73 mm

  • Water resistance: 30 m

  • Movement: Hand-wound Calibre 822, 42-hour power reserve, 3 Hz

  • Dial: Guilloché with translucent Grand Feu enamel in Crimson Dawn Orange

  • Caseback: Grand Feu enamel miniature of Xu Beihong’s Standing Horse

  • Edition: Limited, part of the Xu Beihong enamel series

Price

  • Retail (Jaeger-LeCoultre boutiques): USD 153,000 (as referenced in media outlets)

If you’re interested in the Reverso Tribute Enamel Xu Beihong “Standing Horse,” visit Jaeger-LeCoultre’s official website — the best place to explore this limited enamel masterpiece and discover the brand’s dedication to artistic watchmaking.

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Take a peek behind the scenes at JLC — watch a master artisan talk about their craft in this video below.