This past Monday, we had the pleasure of attending a very exclusive event with Jaquet Droz at the Tourbillon Boutique in Chicago —the only retailer in Chicago that carries the brand and a store where you can find some very special Jaquet Droz timepieces. The event featured a Master Painter straight from Jaquet Droz's 'atelier' in Switzerland and a very small and select group of invitees. Once we saw the very talented and friendly Master Painter in action, we knew we were in for a real treat. Her skills were pure perfection in the art of horology.
During this fascinating evening filled with appetizing 'hors d'oeuvres', champagne and a decadent dinner, we were also able to peruse some fantastic timepieces across the different collections of the brand, including some very special watches and novelties like the Jaquet Droz Perpetual Calendar Eclipse, the new Petite Heure Minute relief Seasons, the Grande Heure GMT, the Grande Seconde Quantieme and even an Erotic Automaton Pocket Watch —not appropriate for anyone under 18—, amongst other timepieces.
Additionally, we were given the opportunity to experience what is like to paint on a Jaquet Droz dial and further understand why their hand painted dials are such magnificent works of art. Each attendee was given a brand new unfinished dial with the outline of the tiger motif in order to finish it by adding the right colors to it with a delicate brush. At the end of the night, we were all given the dial we individually painted to take it as a keepsake. As you will see in the last picture, our painted dial —as expected— was nowhere near the perfection of the Jaquet Droz enamel painted dials.
After painting the dials, we all enjoyed a delicious dinner catered by Gibsons Steakhouse —one of Chicago's top restaurants— paired with great wines. For appetizer Roasted Heirloom Beets with Maine Lobster, for entrée a Roast Gibsons Prime New York Steak and for dessert a decadent Chocolate Flourless Cake paired with a nice Lambrusco dessert wine.
An evening filled with great timepieces, nice people, good food and wines is always memorable; however, this particular night is one that will remain engrained in our minds and hearts as the true watchlifestylers we are. Thank you Jaquet Droz and Tourbillon Boutique Chicago!
For more info on Jaquet Droz click here.
