Introducing: Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Tribute Enamel Hokusai Waterfalls Series

What We Know

Since 2018, Jaeger-LeCoultre has produced limited runs of Reverso Tribute Enamel watches inspired by the work of Katsushika Hokusai. For Watches and Wonders 2026, the brand completes its interpretation of A Tour of the Waterfalls of the Provinces with four new references, each issued in a limited edition of 10 pieces.

The four scenes reproduced are: Rōben Waterfall at Ōyama in Sagami Province; Kiyotaki Kannon Waterfall at Sakanoshita on the Tōkaidō; Yōrō Waterfall in Mino Province; and The Falls at Aoigaoka in the Eastern Capital. These represent the final four works from Hokusai’s eight-print waterfall series.

Each watch is housed in an 18k white gold Reverso case measuring 45.6 × 27.4 mm with a thickness of 9.73 mm. The front dial of each model features a hand-guilloché base executed on a rose-engine lathe, with distinct patterns for each reference: barleycorn, wavy, bamboo-style, and herringbone. These patterns are then coated with multiple layers (typically four to five) of translucent grand feu enamel, each layer fired and dried individually to achieve depth and color.

On the reverse, each caseback displays a miniature grand feu enamel reproduction of the corresponding Hokusai artwork. The enamel paintings require a minimum of 14 layers, each fired at approximately 800°C, totaling around 80 hours of work per piece. The compositions are rendered on a surface of roughly 2 cm² and include hand-painted Japanese inscriptions reproduced at a microscopic scale.

All four models are powered by the manually wound Caliber 822. The movement measures 2.94mm in thickness, operates at 3 Hz, and offers a 42-hour power reserve.

Each watch is delivered on either a black alligator leather strap with an 18k white gold folding clasp or an 18k white gold Milanese “Or Deco” bracelet. All four references are limited to 10 pieces each. Price is available on request.

What We Think

Enamel—especially when it comes out of Jaeger-LeCoultre’s Métiers Rares atelier—has been on my mind quite a bit lately. It’s the kind of craft that feels increasingly rare in modern watchmaking, not because it’s forgotten, but because it’s slow, expensive, and unforgiving. And yet JLC continues to invest in it deliberately—which I love.

This Hokusai series is really the embodiment of that ethos, both in production and execution. Since 2018, they’ve been working through these works piece by piece, not rushing the full set out all at once. This is the fifth release tied to Hokusai, and the first since 2023, finally completing the waterfall series.

The Reverso is uniquely suited for something like this. The entire premise of the case—originally designed to flip over and protect the dial during polo—creates a natural canvas on the reverse. I don’t know many people actually using their Reverso for sport these days, which leaves the use of the caseback side open for interpretation. JLC has leaned fully into that, turning it into the focal point and giving you a real reason to flip the case over.

Once you do, it’s something entirely different—dense, detailed, and almost hard to process at the scale it’s executed. It’s the kind of thing that really needs to be seen in person to fully understand the level of artistry involved.

The Basics

Brand: Jaeger-LeCoultre
Model: Reverso Tribute Enamel Hokusai Waterfalls Series

Reference Number: Q39334T7 (Rōben); Q39334T8 (Kiyotaki); Q39334T6 (Yōrō); Q39331T9 (Aoigaoka)
Diameter: 45.6 mm
Thickness: 9.73 mm
Case Material: 18k white gold
Dial Color: Varies (walnut brown, emerald green, olive green, cyan blue translucent enamel over guilloché)
Indexes: Applied baton hour markers
Lume: None
Water Resistance: 30 meters
Strap/Bracelet: Black alligator leather strap with 18k white gold folding clasp or 18k white gold Milanese “Or Deco” bracelet

The Movement

Caliber: Jaeger-LeCoultre Calibre 822
Functions: Hours, minutes
Diameter: Not specified
Thickness: 2.94 mm
Power Reserve: 42 hours
Winding: Manual
Frequency: 3 Hz

Pricing & Availability

Price: Available on request
Availability: Limited production, not part of the regular collection
Limited Edition: Yes, 10 pieces per reference (40 pieces total across four models)

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