Jaeger-LeCoultre Engraving Soiree With Jose Miguel

Do you know that if you own a Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso, the back of this prestigious piece of work (time piece to be exact *_^) can be even more artfully elevated by just engraving it with any designs of your choice? Basically whatever you can imagine, it is possible (only in the hands of a skillful master, though). Sounds exclusive? You bet! And that piece will be your one-and-only in the world, with your signature mark, forever sealed.

How wonderful, right? Therefore, you can imagine how absolutely delighted we were when we were sent an invitation to an Engraving Soiree by the Swiss Manufacturer. What's more exciting than to learn from the best, right? 

All right, the closest thing to engraving that we can think of that we have done was probably carving the watermelon! Ooops, that's carving, not engraving, true? Haha! Seriously, engraving has come a long way and they are tools that stood the test of time. Think TINY, think MINIATURE, think CRAFTSMANSHIP, think STEADY HANDS (most likely not us) and most of all, think PATIENCE (which we absolutely lacking) and YEARS OF PRACTICE! Yes, of course, with the help of the burins, chisels, files and hammers, an experienced engraver can create MIRACLES even with such tiny tools in his (or her) skillful hands. We are fortunate enough to meet one, from the Jaeger-LeCoultre Manufacturer itself, the master engraver, Mr. Jose Miguel.

Reverso engraved for WBFSH © Johann Sauty- Jaeger-LeCoultre. Visual courtesy of Jaeger-LeCoultre

The engraving work of Jose Miguel, the master engraver from Jaeger-LeCoultre

For chilling tiny details, and extremely exact work, a master engraver can use up to 12 burins in all sizes and takes between 2 hours or up to more than 3 months to complete a design, all depends on the sophistication (or simplicity) of it all. The engraver sharpens them himself/herself with the sandstone grinder, then with the emery grinder and lastly with oil stone.

A petite and soft-spoken gentlemen Jose Miguel is, he exudes that calmness that one can probably figure out why - those more than 10 years of practice and engraving experience, harnessing that patience and great attention to details has "engraved" in him that cool and composed nature he needs to "get the work done". What we vividly remember talking to him was that he said, engraving is about technique as well as practice. Every step of the operation is crucial in getting the right result from engraving, from creating areas of shades to putting in the final touches to the design. He usually starts off with the sketch, traced directly onto the back of the Reverso, the drawing is then honed with the right burin for the style. Step by step, after rubbing and polishing, the final details take shape and form.

Media attendees, Jaeger-LeCoultre clients and guests that evening took away quite some valuable insights into how a long-standing artistry is being promoted and maintained, from the presentation and explanation by Jose Miguel, translated by the lovely translator for the day, all learning while enjoying the delightful ambience and food served.

Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Tribute to 1931 engraved for Dev Patel. Visual courtesy of Jaeger-LeCoultre.

Jaeger-LeCoultre Grande Reverso UT 1931 Batman. Visual courtesy of Jaeger-LeCoultre.

We love the engraving done on Slumdog Millionaire British actor, Dev Patel's Reverso, shown here and if you are a film enthusiast like ourselves, you would most definitely go head over heels with this piece of custom Reverso watch, a special edition Grande Reverso Ultra Thin Tribute to 1931 steel watch, engraved and lacquered with the signature legendary Bat-Shield, in commemoration with the release of Christopher Nolan's "The Dark Knight Rises", showing the continuous support of Jaeger-LeCoultre to the film industry over the years. So magnificently cool, don't you think? We want one, please! haha

It is fascinating to see how much dedication and conviction a brand like Jaeger-LeCoultre puts into making sure that each piece of watch is absolutely stunning, and is indeed, a piece of artwork. It was a lovely evening after all. Thanks for having LUMINNEJ there. Here to learn more about the brand and its history. You can personalize your Reverso here, if you so wish. In fact, there are many ways you can personalize your Reverso - from simple initials to complex ones like portraits or coat of arms, even gemstones embedded.

Before signing off, here's a short video on engraving by another master engraver. The engraved Buddha is beautiful and the gemstone one most definitely got our interest piqued *_^ Till our next soiree and learning with the Swiss brand, have a wonderful week!

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