Screen Test
Jaeger-lecoultre’s commitment to the cinematic arts continues in its partnership with Golden Scene Cinema
The connection between a watch brand and legends of the big screen may not seem an obvious one at first. But a shared esteem for creativity and craftsmanship ties the two together.
Both require razor-sharp precision, technical prowess and a well-executed, creative flair. The resulting creations not only delight their audiences but also pay tribute to a long line of craftsmen.
Technological innovation may have allowed for advancements in watchmaking and cinematography, but seasoned craftsmen remain the driving force in both fields. There are very few examples where this is clearer than with the Reverso watch.
Celebrating its 90th anniversary this year, the timepiece was an icon in the making on its debut: durable enough to wear on the polo field, while its art deco lines and statement reversible case held their own in high society’s inner circles. Today, the Reverso looks as contemporary as it did on its release.
Having undergone several iterations through the years, the
Reverso has become a creative canvas, inviting its wearers to make it their own. It has been worn on the wrists of King Edward VIII, who had his caseback engraved with the royal crest, and aviation pioneer Amelia Earhart, who etched the itinerary of her first flight on hers.
More recently, it has also made several appearances on the big screen, including The Thomas Crown and Baz Luhrman’s The Great
In tribute to Val Kilmer’s 1995 Batman wearing the watch, actor Christian Bale sported the timepiece in the final instalment of Christopher Nolan’s trilogy, 2012’s
To mark the occasion, Jaeger-lecoultre’s craftsmen etched a discreet bat logo on the caseback.
These were not to be the brand’s only cinematic collaborations. Jaeger-lecoultre has been a key supporter of the Shanghai International Film Festival for the past decade. For this year’s edition of the event, the watch brand welcomed guests at a reception staged in a 1930s-inspired movie set. But the horologists have long been champions of the cinematic arts on a wider scale.
Its Film Restoration Programme, now in its tenth year, has striven to protect China’s rich cinematic history, preserving it for generations to come. Since its inception, the programme has contributed to the restoration of 14 films spanning an 80-year period.
This year, it turns its attention to the exclusive screening of the restored version of three classic films: Tomorrow (1986),
Cheri (1993) and
(1998), which will debut at Golden Scene Cinema this month.