To celebrate the 280th anniversary of Jaquet Droz, the brand decided to present a new skeletonized watch in a new architectural interpretation of its icon, the Grande Seconde Skelet-One letting light into the heart of its mechanics. The new Jaquet Droz Grande Seconde Skelet-One incarnates the essence of the Jaquet Droz watchmaking art. While the brand has oft varied its design, for the first time it proposes a sapphire dial integrated within a skeleton composition. The Grande Seconde Skelet-One marks a true stylistic turning point in the brand’s history, as part of its prestigious 280th anniversary celebrations. Fitted with a 41 mm case, the watch is available in 18K red gold, 18K white gold and black ceramic.

About the Watch

The objective of this creation was to let light shine to the deepest reaches of the Grande Seconde, all while preserving the figure “8” shape that is its aesthetic signature. To do so, Jaquet Droz maintained the uncluttered character of the dial that is distinguished by the legendary hours and minutes counter with Roman numerals at 12 o’clock, intertwined with the large seconds counter with Arabic numerals at 6 o’clock. A first for Jaquet Droz, this total transparency has left only the bridges showing, which structure the piece’s movement.

The sapphire dial, on which the large seconds hand turns, perfectly complements the skeleton movement, constructed in successive layers, themselves visible from the side. The plate is now entirely openworked. The casing-up circle has been eliminated, allowing for a more open composition. At 12 o’clock, the hours and minutes turn around a sapphire hour ring, set on a base of gold. The ensemble is held together by five indexed screws, oriented in a chosen direction.

The Movement

Used for the first time by Jaquet Droz, this procedure was derived from an existing armory system and adapted by the brand’s technical teams. The oscillating weight in gold has also been openworked to let light diffuse freely into the heart of the movement. The Grande Seconde Skelet-One, equipped with a silicon double barrel, balance spring and pallet lugs, features a hand-assembled Caliber 2663 SQ. It is the first to reveal the mechanical choreography beating at the heart of the Grande Seconde.

On the Wrist & Pricing

Delivered on a handmade black alligator strap with rolled edges and pin buckle matching the material of the case, the Jaquet Droz Grande Seconde Skelet-One wears true its size. A stunning watch that brings the best of Jaquet Droz to the table and one of the best skeletonized watches we've seen at Baselworld. A little bit similar in looks to an Arnold & Son.

Sticker Price $33,600 USD for gold models $24,200 USD for black ceramic. For more info on Jaquet Droz click here.