One of the most famous Chinese artists of the modern era, Xu Beihong is best known for his ink paintings of horses and birds, which are amongst the most valuable examples of 20th century Chinese art. Three of those equine works have been reproduced in miniature enamel on the Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Tribute Enamel “Xu Beihong”.

Presented in the classic Grande Taille case size, this limited edition trio continues Jaeger-LeCoultre’s longstanding tradition of transforming the case back of the Reverso into a blank canvas for art. Past works that have been miniaturised for the Reverso include Claude Monet’s Venice paintings and Shahnameh, an epic poem of ancient Persia.

Initial thoughts

Like other miniature enamelled Reversos, the Xu Beihong trio is impressive. The original artworks are already beautiful, and they have been reproduced in exceptionally fine detail. Even if you don’t like the works, the enamelling is clearly top quality.

But like the other recent enamel Reversos, the Xu Beihong trio is expensive in comparative terms. The retail price for similar watches was almost half today’s level six years ago. This is not unique to JLC of course.

But JLC doesn’t have the cachet, after a few slow years, for such strong pricing, unlike say, Patek Philippe or a hot indie brand. That’s not entirely fair since they are beautiful watches with finely executed miniature enamelling, but it is the state of affairs.

Two Horses

Horse running and standing

Notably, this is not the first time Xu Beihong’s works have been reproduced on the Reverso. JLC did the same in 2018 as part of a trio of watches, each dedicated to a different artist.

The new watches, however, retain the same format. The case is 18k white gold and Grande Taille size, which is just right at 45.6 mm by 27.4 mm on the front, and stands 9.73 mm tall.

Running Horse

While the case back is covered by miniature enamelling, the dials on the front are flinqué enamel – translucent fired enamel over guilloche done the traditional way, on a hand-operated machine.

Each of the case backs depicts a well known work by Xu Beihong – Running Horse, Two Horses, and Standing Horse. The originals are in ink on paper in Xu Beihong’s distinctive style, but the art on the watches is rendered in miniature enamel, essentially enamel painted by hand like an ink painting.

Standing Horse

Key facts and price

Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Tribute Enamel “Xu Beihong”
Ref. Q39334B3 (“The Running Horse”)
Ref. Q39334B2 (“Two Horses”)
Ref. Q39334B1 (“The Standing Horse”)

Diameter: 45.6 mm by 27.4 mm
Height: 9.73 mm
Material: 18k white gold
Crystal: Sapphire
Water resistance: 30 m

Movement: Cal. 822
Functions: Hours and minutes
Winding: Self-winding
Frequency: 21,600 beats per hour (3 Hz)
Power reserve: 42 hours

Strap: Alligator leather strap with folding clasp

Limited edition: 10 pieces of each
Availability: At Jaeger-LeCoultre boutiques only
Price: Approximately US$150,000

For more information, visit Jaeger-lecoultre.com.