As we've mentioned before, Jaquet Droz is a watch manufacture well known for their impressive 'Grand Feu' a.k.a. fired enamel dials with some of the most beautiful designs in the horological world. These dials embody the essence and fine watchmaking values of this manufacture. The Jaquet Droz Petite Heure Minute American Eagle is a limited edition timepiece with a striking 'Grand Feu' enamel dial featuring the iconic American bald eagle flying over a city skyline. This is as American as a Swiss made 'haute horlogerie' piece gets. One great thing about the fired enamel dials on the Petite Heure Minute timepieces is that the lack of a seconds register provides the perfect layout to decorate the bottom part of the dial with any motif or design. For those that don't know the difference between enamel dials and 'Grand Feu' —fired enamel dials— we'll explain it now. A regular enamel dial, sometimes referred to as an 'enamel lacquered dial', is a dial that has been painted with a shiny paint that hardens as it dries out. A fired enamel dial, sometimes referred to as a 'real enamel dial', is made by layering very fine powdered glass over a metallic disc and then subsequently heating it up to very high temperatures —900° Celsius or more— for several times until the right color, hardness and texture is obtained.

The dial on the Jaquet Droz Petite Heure Minute American Eagle has undergone a very complex series of operations including painting the dial by hand, a process that takes up to a week with the aid of a microscope. Therefore, the miniature painting on this dial is a true work of art and one of the most challenging tasks in the horological world. 

The Jaquet Droz American Eagle was released in a limited edition of eight red gold pieces with a case diameter of 43mm and fitted with the Jaquet Droz calibre 2653 automatic movement as its beating heart. This calibre comes with 28 jewels and provides an impressive power reserve of 68 hours when fully wound. The oscillating weight comes with the traditional Jaquet Droz stars and is very nicely decorated. Definitely a treat to the eyes via the display case back. Furthermore for our delight, this watch is number one out of eight.

This superb watch is fitted with a simple yet elegant brown alligator strap with a red gold pin buckle. The strap is soft and very comfortable without requiring any break-in period. The strap is the perfect match to the red gold case, the white dial with roman numerals and the motif.

This coveted timepiece is one that you will not regret buying. Its limited availability, craftsmanship and unparalleled design are as unique as the limited number of pieces made of this watch. This is definitely a prized possession that can be passed down from generation to generation.

Sticker Price $34,200 USD. For more info on Jaquet Droz click here.