For the first time, the Jaquet Droz Grande Seconde Off-Centered Chronograph is equipped with an onyx dial after its launch in 2019. This new model joins its three other counterparts in stainless steel that are available with a silver, blue, or gray dial. Additionally, an 18K red gold model with Grand Feu enamel dial is also available. Through its intensity and its absolute blackness the onyx dial grants this chronograph unprecedented depth. The perfect black color of this precious mineral allows Jaquet Droz to design a composition from which the smallest detail and slightest reflection can be admired. Such is the case with the hour markers and the off-centered subdial at 1 o'clock with its white gold appliqué featuring a circular satin finish.

Things to Know About the Watch

Cased in a generous 43 mm stainless steel case like its counterparts, the Jaquet Droz Grande Seconde Off-Centered Chronograph Onyx is a mono-pusher —monopussier— chronograph with column wheel mechanism. Monopusher chronographs are rare and very elegant. This type of chronographs feature one pusher that is typically integrated into the winding crown in order to operate the different functions of the chronograph including starting, stopping, and resetting it. In the case of the Grande Seconde Chronograph, the pusher is located at 4 o’clock. Bearing the usual two stars of the Jaquet Droz logo, the pusher is fully integrated to the winding crown that is utilized to wind, set the time, and set the calendar.

The black onyx dial with its off-centered layout stays true to the DNA and design codes of the manufacture. A subdial located at 1 o’clock with an 18K white gold hour appliqué indicates the hours and minutes, while a second subdial located between 7 and 6 o’clock displays the 30-minute chronograph and the date indicator with its red-tipped hand. The large central seconds hand takes the center stage on the Grande Seconde Chronograph. The hands are mirror polished, while those of the chronograph and date are polished. The large central seconds is equipped with an open-worked counterweight while the date hand with a solid counterweight evokes a full moon or new moon against a black backdrop like the vastness of space itself.

The Movement

The beating heart of the Grande Seconde Off-Centered Chronograph Onyx is the in-house automatic calibre Jaquet Droz 26M5R. This 34-jewel movement featuring a mono-pusher chronograph with column-wheel provides a power reserve of 40 hours when fully wound while beating at a frequency of 21,600 vph. Visible via the display case back, the movement features a red gold oscillating weight. The movement which is exquisitely finished also incorporates advanced technologies such as the silicon escapement to guarantee increased precision, unaffected by magnetism and temperature variations.

On the Wrist & Price

Delivered on a black rolled-edge hand-made black alligator strap the Jaquet Droz Grande Seconde Off-Centered Chronograph Onyx wears slightly smaller than its actual size and more like a 42 mm timepiece. Its off-centered layout is intriguing as much as the figure-eight design that evokes the prominent and characteristic design cues of the brand. This stainless steel mono-pusher chronograph is a real treat to wear and operate. Elegant, yet a little sporty at the same time makes this new watch a stunner in pictures and in the metal. The Jaquet Droz Grande Seconde Off-Centered Chronograph Onyx is offered in an unlimited run and is one of those watches that give you a lot of bang for your buck.

Sticker Price $21,000 USD. For more info on Jaquet Droz click here.