Capitalizing on their rich history decorating clocks, watches and precious objects that have gone down in the history of decorative arts, Jaquet Droz released this Baselworld 2017 the Petite Heure Minute Relief Seasons in two different versions. Since its early days, Jaquet Droz himself was very fond of the natural beauty of his native Jura. As the Seasons passed, he noticed the changes in the landscapes, the transforming light, the first flowers to pierce through the snow and the sun that bathes the hills with its golden rays. Birds in particular drew his attention, which he observed close up and which inspired many of his most spectacular creations. Cased in a 41 mm 18K red gold case or 18K white gold, Jaquet Droz pays homage to the Seasons with two versions of the Petite Heure Minute Relief Seasons.
With branches of blossoming plum trees, two birds in relief and a diamond-set 18K white gold case with a grey satin strap, Jaquet Droz evokes the arrival of spring and the signs of awakening life. On the second version —which we have here—, dedicated to summer, the sunflowers face the sun in a warm palette of yellows and browns that pay tribute to sunnier days, echoed by the red gold case and hands, and a chocolate-brown alligator strap. Like a painter’s canvas, this iconic model has become a space on which the artisans of the Jaquet Droz Ateliers d’Art can express their full creativity, thanks to the off-centered hours and minutes dial at 12 o’clock, which makes way for Jaquet Droz’s ornamental intentions.
The Petite Heure Minute Relief Seasons watches showcase the mastery of Jaquet Droz' artisans. The mother-of-pearl —a fragile and flaky material— dial has been delicately fashioned by the firm’s artisans to form a fine hand-engraved dial. The dial becomes a majestic sky brought to life with every movement of the wrist thanks to its shimmering iridescent effects. Carved from gold then engraved and painted by hand, two pairs of blue tit birds are placed in the background and demonstrate staggering precision. The plumage, eyes, beaks and round bodies are strikingly real.
The watches are powered by the automatic Jaquet Droz calibre 2653 with 28 jewels and equipped with an 18K red gold oscillating weight with white mother-of-pearl and hand-patinated and engraved bird applique in 22K red gold. The movement beats at a frequency of 28,800 vph to provide a power reserve of 68 hours when fully wound.
Each of these stunningly beautiful timepieces comes in a limited edition of just 88 pieces.
Sticker Price $62,000 USD. For more info on Jaquet Droz click here.
