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Insider: Jaquet Droz Grande Seconde Skelet-One Yellow Limited Edition

A few months ago, Jaquet Droz announced the Grande Seconde Skelet-One Limited Editions in sky blue, green, and yellow. This model was first released at Baselworld 2018 in 18K red gold, 18K white gold, and black ceramic. The Skelet-One was launched to celebrate the 280th anniversary of Jaquet Droz and with this watch, the brand went in a very different direction for the first time. The new Jaquet Droz Grande Seconde Skelet-One Yellow Limited Edition comes in a limited edition of only 28 pieces in a plasma ceramic case.


Things to Know About the Watch

While preserving the figure 8 shape that is the aesthetic signature of Jaquet Droz, the Grande Seconde Skelet-One offers maximum transparency thanks to its sapphire dial for the seconds at 6 o’clock. The indexes and hands are in 18K red gold suspended above an 18K white gold brushed hours and minutes ring at 12 o’clock. At 6 o’clock, the large seconds hand soars over the sapphire dial to create the illusion that it is floating. Intertwined with the large seconds sapphire subdial both time indications are off-centered.

The 41.5 mm plasma ceramic case is exquisitely finished with a satin-brushed finish on the top and a high polish on the caseband and case back. The watch is delivered on a mustard yellow rolled-edge fabric strap with black leather appliques. Secured by stainless steel and ceramic double folding clasp with black PVD treatment, the watch maintains a very sporty look. The Jaquet Droz Grande Seconde Skelet-One Ceramic is water-resistant to 30 meters. Forged in a high-temperature oven, the case is embellished with a metallic glow, avoiding the addition of any metal particles. This transformation in a color that occurs at a molecular level helps to maintain all the inherent properties of ceramic while simultaneously adding an optimal and harmonious chromatic contrast.

The Jaquet Droz Grande Seconde Skelet-One Yellow Limited Edition, unlike its other colorful siblings, sports warmer tones thanks to its 18K red gold index and screws, its 18K white gold hours and minutes ring, and its plasma ceramic case.


The Movement

Turning the watch over reveals the beating heart inside the Jaquet Droz Grande Seconde Skelet-One Yellow Limited Edition. The in-house calibre 2663 SQ is a 30-jewel automatic movement that beats at a frequency of 28,800 vph to provide a power reserve of 68 hours when fully wound. The 18K white gold oscillating weight is engraved with the individual watch number —digitally removed by us for security reasons. The open-worked oscillating weight allows more light to diffuse freely into the heart of the movement. Additionally, the calibre is equipped with a silicon double barrel, balance spring, and pallet lugs. The movement is very well skeletonized leaving as little metal as possible around the bridges. A real treat for the eyes.


On the Wrist & Price

On the wrist, the Jaquet Droz Grande Seconde Skelet-One Yellow Limited Edition wears true to its 41.5 mm size and perhaps slightly bigger and more like a 42 mm watch. A stunning watch that brings the best of Jaquet Droz to the table and one of the best-skeletonized watches we've reviewed recently. The plasma ceramic case has a very unique hue that plays well in this rendition of the Grande Seconde.

Sticker Price $26,300 USD. For more info on Jaquet Droz click here.