The timeless tales of Ferdowsi’s Shahnameh have taken on a new form—gracing the elegant surfaces of Swiss luxury watches. Renowned watchmaker Jaeger-LeCoultre has unveiled a limited-edition collection of timepieces inspired by this Persian literary masterpiece, blending rich cultural storytelling with exquisite craftsmanship.
The four-piece series, titled “Reverso Tribute Enamel Shahnameh,” draws on scenes from the Shahnameh of Shah Tahmasp, a renowned 16th-century illustrated manuscript from the Safavid era. Each watch features a detailed miniature enamel painting on the reverse of the iconic Reverso case, turning each timepiece into a wearable work of art.
One of the standout designs depicts the epic battle between Rostam and the White Demon, rendered with incredible precision using traditional enamel techniques. These rare creations are more than just luxury accessories—they are a celebration of Persian art and literature, seamlessly merged with the precision and tradition of Swiss watchmaking.
By honoring the Shahnameh, Jaeger-LeCoultre not only showcases the talents of its artisans but also builds a meaningful bridge between Eastern heritage and Western craftsmanship, offering collectors a unique expression of both art and time.
Jaeger-LeCoultre, in describing the artwork featured in the collection, writes:
“On the reverse of the watch case, a scene from the Shahnameh is brought to life: King Fereydoun, in order to test the worthiness of his sons, transforms himself into a mythical dragon. In the illustration, the three young princes confront the creature—one flees, another prepares to fight, and the third calmly stands his ground, revealing his fitness to rule. This depiction reflects key values in Iranian culture: wisdom, courage, and loyalty of a son to his father.”
The creation of this miniature painting is a masterwork in itself. The golden sky in the background is made of gilded enamel crafted from pure 24-karat gold (999/1000 fineness). The entire process takes nearly 100 hours of meticulous work and involves more than ten distinct enamel colors. The scene also features the intricate “paillonnage” technique, in which tiny gold foil fragments are delicately cut into precise shapes and arranged by hand to form the final composition.
Founded in 1833, Jaeger-LeCoultre is one of the most prestigious names in Swiss watchmaking. Depending on the complexity and exclusivity of the model, their timepieces typically range from $10,000 to well over $100,000. Artistic editions like the Shahnameh collection are among the brand’s most premium and sought-after creations.
