The iconic Jaquet Droz Grande Seconde Quantième is paving a novel aesthetic path with a 41 mm model. The brand has released seven new versions of its Grande Seconde Quantième with a smaller and more compact case at 41 mm in diameter. With a case size now in-between 39 mm and 43 mm, clients have yet another option when pursuing the best fit. This new variation launches with gold and steel cases, Grand Feu enamel, matte black, and sandblasted dials, as well as alligator and calfskin straps.
For nearly three centuries, the Grande Seconde has had one of the most unique designs in Fine Watchmaking. Its off-center display combines a seamless view of the hours and minutes with the precision of a large second hand. The worthy heir of this original collection, the Grande Seconde Quantième now includes a 41 mm diameter. This makes the Grande Seconde Quantième 41 mm an authentic creation, and by no means is it simply a smaller version of an existing model. Everything, or almost everything, has been given a second look.
The redesign begins with the case itself, which is now 41 mm. It was thinned down slightly to make it lighter on the wrist and more compatible with its new diameter. This serves to preserve the proportions, and most remarkably the original piece's balance and modern feel.
Each distinctly different variation gives collectors a chance to satisfy their personal tastes. The first four versions with classic watchmaking aesthetics are on offer with the case, appliques, and oscillating weight in red gold on an alligator strap matching the Grand Feu enamel dial. They include an open-worked oscillating weight for optimal rewinding and an unobstructed view of the hand-assembled Jaquet Droz self-winding movement that ensures a nearly three-day power reserve —68 hours.
The other three feature a contemporary steel case suited for more modern finishes such as matching velvety soft calfskin straps and gold, rhodium-plated or colored appliques that strike dramatic contrasts. Like almost all of Jaquet Droz’s modern-day creations, a silicon balance spring is used to control the isochronism and make the timepiece resistant to temperature changes, magnetic fields, and shock. With these seven new models, Jaquet Droz is ushering the Grande Seconde into the 21st century in the utmost of style while showcasing the novelty of design with lines that follow every curve of its time.
New finishes were also specially developed for this collection. There is a wide range of Grande Seconde Quantième 41 mm watches with Grand Feu enamel dials, a long-practiced art Jaquet Droz has mastered and one of its most recognizable signatures. The dials now come in ivory tones as well as and deep blue, burgundy, and anthracite. Each shade was specially crafted for this latest collection, the result of extensive research on enamel powders and hand-firing techniques to produce the exact color variations desired. The date is displayed at 6 o’clock with 18K red gold applique. In addition to these four colors, there is also a matte black dial, a titanium gray sandblasted version, and a last one in sandblasted silver. No fewer than seven models in all are being unveiled at once, forming an entire collection of Grande Seconde Quantième 41 mm timepieces.
Sticker Price $9,500 USD for stainless steel and $20,000 USD for red gold. For more info on Jaquet Droz click here.
