Lenny Kravitz On Why The Reverso Suits His Star Sign And How Making Music Holds A Different Meaning Today

The musician Lenny Kravitz has defied categorisation for decades. The Grammy-winner, one whose musical style includes soul, rock and funk influences from the ’60s and ’70s, is also a producer, multi-instrumentalist, photographer and sometime movie star. Currently on a global tour in support of his acclaimed album Blue Electric Light (2024), the tour takes him through Europe this summer.

Beyond his impressive musical accolades (he has sold more than 50 million albums worldwide), Kravitz is a bit of a Renaissance man. He has a creative firm, Kravitz Design Inc, that boasts an enviable portfolio of noteworthy design projects for hotels and private residences, while his own historic Parisian home landed in the pages of Architectural Digest a few years back. Kravitz has also dabbled in acting and photography.

There’s no denying that he is a man of style and discerning taste, and that can be said for his watch collection as well. In a new web series called “The Hour Before” by Jaeger-LeCoultre, we are offered a glimpse into the more intimate creative processes of Kravitz, along with other performers and artists. Here we find out why Kravitz loves the Reverso so much (hint: it has to do with his star sign) and why he prefers to do everything by hand.

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When did your fascination with watches first start, and what do you look for when you are adding new pieces to your collection?

My interest in watches started when I was a child, seeing my father’s collection and becoming fascinated by the visuals and mechanics of them—the buttons, the movement, the sound and feel of the click. When I add pieces to my collection now, I look for something with character and authenticity. I’m drawn to watches that tell a story through their design, craftsmanship, and history, something that Jaeger-LeCoultre definitely does.

You mentioned being fascinated by your father’s chronographs as a child, specifically the buttons and the mechanical “click”. Looking back, do you think that early exposure to “functional jewellery” laid the groundwork for your own approach to fashion and design?

Absolutely. I think that was probably my first understanding that something functional could also be beautiful and expressive. A watch isn’t just about telling time—it carries emotion and identity. That idea definitely shaped the way I think about fashion and design today. I’ve always been interested in pieces that serve a purpose, but also have soul and presence.

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Jaeger-LeCoultre is often called The “Watchmaker of Watchmakers”. As an artist who prefers vintage recording gear and real instruments over digital shortcuts, how much does the Maison’s “in-house” vertical integration resonate with your “do-it-yourself” musical ethos?

I’ve always taken a hands-on approach to my music—playing, producing, writing, building everything layer by layer. Like the Maison, I’m doing everything by hand. That idea of mastering everything in-house is something I really respect and relate to. It brings a different level of authenticity that I also apply to my musical ethos.

What is your current favourite Jaeger-LeCoultre piece?

I’m a huge admirer of the Reverso. It’s such a timeless piece, which I’m very drawn to, and I love the duality of it. I appreciate that it’s not just one thing all the time—it changes, and you can have a choice of which side you want to express depending on your feelings. I’m a classic Gemini, I have two sides—so I feel like I connect with the Reverso in that way.

What or who inspires you today?

I’m inspired by people who continue to create with honesty and individuality, regardless of trends or expectations. That can come from musicians, artists, filmmakers, or just people I meet in everyday life. A lot of inspiration for me also comes from quiet moments, from being connected to nature, from stepping away from the noise.

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In what ways has your relationship with music changed? What is the main emotion or feeling you want your fans to have when they see you perform or when they listen to your records?

My relationship with music has become deeper and more personal over time. When you’re younger, there’s often a desire to prove yourself, but as the years go on, it becomes more about connection and expression. The biggest thing for me when performing and putting out my music to fans is connection. I want people to feel the love and the unity at my shows, and I really see the music as a vehicle to connect with the audience.