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.
Posts filed under Jaquet Droz
Eye Candy: Jaquet Droz Éclipse Onyx. The Perfect Watch for the Solar Eclipse 2017.
Without a doubt, the perfect watch for a day like today as we are just a few hours away from the beginning of the total solar eclipse 2017 is the Jaquet Droz Éclipse Onyx. Fitted with a 43mm stainless steel case and an onyx dial that includes a complete calendar with a moon and eight stars on relief, this watch features a retrograde moon that is eclipsed with an independent rotating cover as the phases advance and a serpentine hand marks the date around the circumference of the dial.
Insider: Jaquet Droz Grande Seconde Paillonnée. Hands-on with a Very Special 8-piece Limited Edition with Grand Feu Blue Enamel Dial.
With its signature figure eight on the dial and encased in an exquisitely mirror polished 18K red gold case measuring 43 mm in diameter, the Jaquet Droz Grande Seconde Paillonnée with blue Grand Feu enamel dial reference J003033424 pays homage to the artistry and mastery of its founder Pierre Jaquet Droz. Born in 1721 in La Chaux-de-Fonds, at age seventeen in 1738, Pierre had already opened his first workshop for clock making and produced a series of grandfather clocks with very sophisticated movements.
Insider: Jaquet Droz Grande Seconde Quantième Satin-Brushed. Hands-on with a Very Elegant and Understated Timepiece.
The figure eight layout on the dial of the Jaquet Droz Grande Seconde Quantième just got much better with the addition of two satin-brushed finished dials, one in an anthracite color and the other in silver grey. The new Jaquet Droz Grande Seconde Quantième Satin-Brushed was released at Baselworld 2017 and is a watch that is instantly recognized by connoisseurs thanks to its two off-centered dials, direct-drive seconds hand and pointer-type date display highlighted with a touch of intense red.
Baselworld 2017: Jaquet Droz Grande Seconde Moon. Live Pictures, Hands-on & Price.
The figure eight layout on the dial of the Jaquet Droz Grande Seconde just got much better with the addition of a very realistic moon phase indicator. The new Jaquet Droz Grande Seconde Moon just released at Baselworld 2017 is available in three different versions: 18K red gold Grande Seconde Moon Ivory Enamel with ivory Grand Feu enamel dial ref. J007533200, in stainless steel Grande Seconde Moon Onyx with black onyx dial ref. J007530270 and also in stainless steel Grande Seconde Moon Silver with silver opaline dial ref. J007530240.
Baselworld 2017: Jaquet Droz Petite Heure Minute Relief Seasons. Live Pictures, Hands-on & Price.
Capitalizing on their rich history decorating clocks, watches and precious objects that have gone down in the history of decorative arts, Jaquet Droz released this Baselworld 2017 the Petite Heure Minute Relief Seasons in two different versions. Since its early days, Jaquet Droz himself was very fond of the natural beauty of his native Jura. As the Seasons passed, he noticed the changes in the landscapes, the transforming light, the first flowers to pierce through the snow and the sun that bathes the hills with its golden rays.
Baselworld 2017: Jaquet Droz Loving Butterfly Automaton. Live Pictures, Hands-on & Price.
The history of Jaquet Droz and his automatons is very rich and part of the true heritage of this brand. For Baselworld 2017, Jaquet Droz has released the a new automaton that joins the Bird Repeater, the Charming Bird and the Lady 8 Flower previous released. This new automaton timepiece named 'Loving Butterlfy' is a watch that features a 90-second on-demand animation. Available with a 43 mm case in 18K rose or white gold, the new Jaquet Droz Loving Butterfly is exclusively available in a limited edition of 28 pieces for each metal.
Insider: Jaquet Droz Grande Seconde Off-Centered Onyx. Hands-on with the Perfect Watch for a Black Tie Gala Night.
The new Jaquet Droz Grande Seconde Off-Centered embodies the essential Jaquet Droz design codes, balancing a sense of history with sheer, modern elegance. The Grande Seconde Off-Centered Onyx displays a striking graphic simplicity and its stylized black dial of edgy, intense black draws one deep into the heart of Jaquet Droz’s history. The creative concept underlying this model was born in the 18th century, at the height of the Enlightenment, when Pierre Jaquet-Droz revolutionized watchmaking with his Grande Seconde.
Insider: Jaquet Droz Charming Bird Métiers d'Art. Hands-on with One of the Most Fascinating Timepieces Out There.
In 2012, The Bird Repeater featured two blue tits and their young birds close to the heart of the company’s founder Pierre Jaquet-Droz. This remarkable model reaffirmed the virtuoso expertise of Jaquet Droz, passed down from the 18th century and realized here in miniature. The following year, The Charming Bird watch marked the brand’s 275th anniversary with a new interpretation of the bird in an ultra-modern decorative setting and this time singing.
Baselworld 2016: Presenting the new Jaquet Droz Grande Seconde Dual Time. Hands-on, Live Pictures & Pricing.
The new Baselworld 2016 Jaquet Droz Grande Seconde Dual Time comes in a 43 mm diameter case in three different versions that include an Ivory Grand Feu enamel dial with an 18K red gold case and a silvery opaline or onyx dial with a stainless steel case. A new timepiece that celebrates the magic in a two-beat tempo with a brand new mechanism and elegantly positioned second time zone.
Insider: Jaquet Droz Petite Heure Minute American Eagle. Pure Art and Perfection in Only Eight Pieces.
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.
Baselworld 2015: Introducing the Jaquet Droz Petite Heure Minute Butterfly Journey. Live Pictures and Pricing.
For Baselworld 2015, Jaquet Droz presents The Butterfly Journey, an homage to beauty and nature in two series of eight timepieces. The fruit of the Atelier d'Art's unique expertise, twin sets of Petite Heure Minute models are dedicated to the elegance of the butterfly, that fragile, romantic creature embodying the beauty of time. An angel passes, drawn along by a butterfly, and time seems to hold its breath in a moment of pure poetry. This motif, discovered in an old book devoted to Jaquet Droz, has been depicted just once before, in the Age of Enlightenment, by one of the legendary automata created by Pierre Jaquet-Droz. In 2013, it was given pride of place on "The Loving Butterfly" a watch paying tribute to putti —sculptures of children used to decorate some of Italian architecture's most beautiful buildings as well as the cultural treasures of Renaissance and Baroque Europe.
Video: Baselworld 2015 Jaquet Droz Lady 8 Flower.
This year at Baselworld 2015, just like every other year, the brand wowed everyone with several watches featuring automatons. As you all know, Jaquet Droz's history was marked by his creation of automatons in the 18th century. In 1774, he successfully completed three humanoid automatons —The Writer, The Draughtsman and The Musician— that were presented in La Chaux-de-Fonds and a year later in France to Louis XVI and Marie-Antoinette.
Baselworld 2015: Introducing the Jaquet Droz Lady 8 Flower. Live Pictures, Video and Pricing.
This year at Baselworld 2015, just like every other year, the brand wowed everyone with several watches featuring automatons. As you all know, Jaquet Droz's history was marked by his creation of automatons in the 18th century. In 1774, he successfully completed three humanoid automatons —The Writer, The Draughtsman and The Musician— that were presented in La Chaux-de-Fonds and a year later in France to Louis XVI and Marie-Antoinette. This year, we were surprised with three amazing timepieces —fitted with automatons— from Jaquet Droz and here's one of them, we are talking about the new Jaquet Droz Lady 8 Flower.
This remarkable timepiece featuring Jaquet Droz's iconic figure-eight shaped case, is available in 18K white gold —8 pieces— or 18K red gold —28 pieces. The 18K white gold reference we have here, comes with a snow-set diamond dial totaling 0.65 carats, an 18K white gold butterfly applique with 54 blue sapphires totaling 0.87 carats and a surprising automaton underneath the domed glass on the top part of the figure-eight with a flower that opens and closes on demand.
Baselworld 2015: Introducing the Jaquet Droz Grande Seconde Deadbeat. Live Pictures and Pricing.
A masterpiece of watchmaking precision, a Deadbeat Seconds timepiece is a very rare complication that takes some of the most skilled horologists to make. Long forgotten and mostly used by brands like Arnold & Son, the Deadbeat —Dead Seconds a.k.a. Seconde Morte— has now been rediscovered by Jaquet Droz and released at Baselworld 2015 in the new Grande Seconde Deadbeat. For those of you wondering what a Deadbeat seconds mechanical timepiece is, it is very simple. A Deadbeat timepiece is one in which the seconds hand advances by jumping second by second —ticking as in a quartz powered watch—, rather than by sweeping around the dial. The new Jaquet Droz Grande Seconde Deadbeat ref. J008033200 is fitted with an elegant 18K red gold case measuring 43 mm in diameter and a rolled edge alligator black strap with matching pin buckle.
News: Presenting the Jaquet Droz Bird Repeater Openwork. The Manufacture Does it Again with a Half a Million USD Timepiece.
In 2012, The Bird Repeater featured two blue tits and their young birds close to the heart of the company’s founder Pierre Jaquet-Droz. This remarkable model reaffirmed the virtuoso expertise of Jaquet Droz, passed down from the 18th century and realized here in miniature. The following year, The Charming Bird watch marked the brand’s 275th anniversary with a new interpretation of the bird in an ultra-modern decorative setting and this time singing.
Now, the story continues with a previously unseen version of The Bird Repeater in a more streamlined, contemporary-looking model that has nonetheless retained intact the animated features that made it a success: a duo of blue tit birds feeding their fledglings, the spreading wings, the tumbling waterfall and the hatching egg.
Baselworld 2014: Jaquet Droz Petite Heure Minute Ateliers d'Art Sign of the Horse. Live Pictures and Pricing.
At Baselworld 2014, we were able to finally have a look at the three new Jaquet Droz Ateliers d’Art models that pay tribute to the sign of the Horse. Three exclusive models have been created using the exclusive know-how of Jaquet Droz's master craftsmen, specialized in highly complex techniques: engraving, painting and Grand Feu enamel. Two Arab thoroughbreds – considered the most beautiful horses in the world – have been delicately painted on the Grand Feu ivory enamel dial of the Petite Heure Minute 39 mm.
Captured in full gallop, they seem to want to catch up with the sculptural mustang that appears on the dial of the Petite Heure Minute 43 mm. Extremely wild and difficult to tame, this horse from the American Northwest —depicted in red gold and engraved in bas-relief— seems to jump out from the black enamel. The champlevé technique, used here for the first time by Jaquet Droz, highlights the movement of the mane and the tail, both filled in with black Grand Feu enamel.
The dial of the Petite Heure Minute 41 mm has been chosen as the showcase to depict a horse rearing up on its hind legs against a backdrop of the Great Wall of China, engraved and patinated by hand on a mother-of-pearl dial. Bold, powerful and elegant, this fearless horse in 18-carat red gold appears to protect the Great Wall, which is also hand engraved on the 22-carat red gold oscillating weight next to the Jaquet Droz signature of two stars.
Loyal to its spirit of exclusivity, Jaquet Droz is offering each of these new models in a limited edition of 88 pieces with a red gold case and available on a brown or black alligator leather strap. We apologize for not bringing you more pictures but timing and lighting did not help at all.
Sticker Price $30,500 USD Petite Heure Minute 39 mm Enamel, $57,800 Petite Heure Minute 43 mm Black, $62,000 USD Petite Heure Minute 41 mm Great Wall of China. For more info on Jaquet Droz click here.
News: Pre-Baselworld 2014 Jaquet Droz Unveils Three New Ateliers d'Art Watches. Commemorating the Chinese Year of the Horse.
In 2014, Jaquet Droz will be launching three new Ateliers d’Art models that pay tribute to the sign of the Horse. The horse has been a key part of Man's history since the beginning of time. In 2014, China will mark the arrival of a new year with this sign, the seventh in the Chinese zodiac, which is celebrated by Jaquet Droz every year. It is a way of remembering the connection between the brand's founder —the first watchmaker to walk through the gates of the Forbidden City— and the Middle Kingdom. The brand thus continues its annual tradition by honoring this trusty companion and symbol of loyalty, creativity and daring in its Ateliers d'Art series. Three exclusive models have been created using the exclusive know-how of Jaquet Droz's master craftsmen, specialized in highly complex techniques: engraving, painting and Grand Feu enamel. Two Arab thoroughbreds – considered the most beautiful horses in the world – have been delicately painted on the ivory enamel dial of the Petite Heure Minute 39 mm.
Captured in full gallop, they seem to want to catch up with the sculptural mustang that appears on the dial of the Petite Heure Minute 43 mm. Extremely wild and difficult to tame, this horse from the American Northwest —depicted in red gold and engraved in bas-relief— seems to jump out from the black enamel. The champlevé technique, used here for the first time by Jaquet Droz, highlights the movement of the mane and the tail, both filled in with black Grand Feu enamel.
On each of these models, a horse's head is also represented on the back of the white gold oscillating weight.
The dial of the Petite Heure Minute 41 mm has been chosen as the showcase to depict a horse rearing up on its hind legs against a backdrop of the Great Wall of China, engraved and patinated by hand on a mother-of-pearl dial. Bold, powerful and elegant, this fearless horse in 18-carat red gold appears to protect the Great Wall, which is also hand engraved on the 22-carat red gold oscillating weight next to the Jaquet Droz signature of two stars.
Loyal to its spirit of exclusivity, Jaquet Droz is offering each of these new models in a limited edition of 88 pieces with a red gold case and available on a brown or black alligator leather strap. An opportunity to celebrate all the promises of the new year with constant refinement.
For more info on Jaquet Droz click here.
Insider: Jaquet Droz Urban London Grande Seconde SW Titanium and Red Gold. Just Because We Love Two-Tone Watches.
We really consider ourselves some of the few that still love two-tone watches just as if we were living in the late 70s or the early 80s. The Jaquet Droz Urban London Grande Seconde SW in Titanium and Red Gold ref. J029037440 is a very modern interpretation of the now less common two-tone watches. Fitted with a raw carbon dial, a satin-brushed finished titanium middle case with teethed bezel —measuring 45 mm in diameter— and satin-brushed finished 18K red gold claws and horns, this watch is not only ultra cool but also very sporty looking. This is the type of timepiece that you typically wouldn't expect when hearing the Jaquet Droz name. The Urban London collection pays homage to Pierre Jaquet-Droz's second watchmaking workshop opened in London in 1774. By opening a workshop outside of Switzerland, not only Pierre Jaquet-Droz provided a striking demonstration of his audacity but also of his vision.
This watch is fitted with a raw carbon dial with figure eight configuration featuring off-centered hours/minutes with white Roman numerals —the 7, 6 and 5 are Arabic numerals— on the top part and big seconds indicator on the bottom. The dial is fitted with 18K red gold applied ring plates with rhodium treatment. The 18K skeletonized hour/minute red gold hands feature superluminova on the tips and the seconds hand is almost fully coated with the luminescent material. The dial is really nice and the applied rings provide the perfect amount of contrast.
The screw-down crown is rubberized and features the two traditional Jaquet Droz stars. The crown is very solid and easy to use. The black rubber on the crown accentuates the red gold claws and horns and the titanium case making this timepiece extremely sporty and somewhat rugged —two words that hardly come to mind when talking about this manufacture.
The beating heart powering this sporty timepiece is the automatic Jaquet Droz calibre 2663A-S with ruthenium treatment, double barrel, 18K white gold oscillating weight and 30 jewels. This beautifully decorated calibre beats at a frequency of 28,800 vph providing a power reserve of almost three full days —68 hours. The calibre can be fully appreciated via the sapphire crystal display case back.
To round out the sporty look of this Jaquet Droz and in order to take advantage of its water resistance —50 meters— by taking it on a swim without feeling guilty for getting a nice alligator strap wet, the watch is fitted with a very nice black rubber strap with deployant buckle with apparent pin buckle look. The buckle features titanium and red gold and is fitted with a flip-lock mechanism to ease the adjustment of the strap length. The sharp angles on the buckle are very nicely finished and the perfect finishing touch to this sporty watch.
On the wrist, the watch wears true to its size and very comfortably. The weight of the watch can be felt on the wrist unlike most Jaquet Droz watches. The watch is somewhat thick and hard to fit under the cuff of a shirt but with great wrist presence. If you are ready to think about Jaquet Droz in a different way, perhaps is time for you to give this sporty JD a try. The only downside to this watch is the lack of a date function. This watch is also available in full red gold, stainless steel with black ceramic, stainless steel with black rubber, full stainless steel, titanium with black rubber and also in a chronograph version.
For those of you that don't fancy the two-tone look, here's a wrist shot of the full stainless steel one and a group shot of three of the available models.
Sticker Price $19,800 USD. For more info on Jaquet Droz click here.
Insider: Jaquet Droz Éclipse Onyx. Pure Elegance in a Complete Calendar with Moon Phase Relief.
This fascinating timepiece from Jaquet Droz's Majestic Beijing collection, needs very little introduction. The iconic Éclipse with onyx dial is a watch that embodies the essence of the manufacture, regardless of the lack of a figure eight configuration. The Jaquet Droz Éclipse Onyx ref. J012630270 if fitted with a 43mm stainless steel case and an onyx dial that includes a complete calendar with a moon and eight stars on relief. The retrograde moon eclipses with an independent rotating cover as the phases advance and a serpentine hand marks the date around the circumference of the dial.
This watch is fitted with the automatic calibre Jaquet Droz 6553L2 with 28 jewels and which provides a power reserve of 68 hours when fully wound. The movement beats at a frequency of 28,800 vph and is fully visible through the display case back. The complications are set via the push pieces located on the case band and to ease this operation, the watch includes a very nice stylus with plastic tip to avoid scratching the case.
The Jaquet Droz Éclipse is fitted with a very comfortable black alligator strap with a very elegant engraved pin buckle. The watch wears true to its size and its wrist presence is fascinating.
If you are looking for one of the most unique complete calendars with moon phase in the market, then look no further. The moon and stars relief is as mesmerizing as a starry night under the skies of the North Pole.
Sticker Price $17,900 USD. For more info on Jaquet Droz click here.
