Jaquet Droz puts malachite and mother-of-pearl center stage in two variations of its Lady 8 Petite. Half-jewel, half-talisman, these pieces shine new light on this feminine, modern collection.
Today sees the unveiling of two new versions of the Lady 8 Petite, which channel watchmaking elegance into a mere 25 mm of case, while playing with their unique figure 8 design.
The Lady 8 is the exclusively women’s collection by Jaquet Droz, formed around a case in the shape of a figure 8, the symbol of perfection. It’s a geometry dear to Jaquet Droz, also evocative of the Maison’s famous Grande Seconde, whose design is likewise inspired by the soft curves of the emblematic number. In 2018, Jaquet Droz adapted the Lady 8 into the Lady 8 Petite, a precious version that channels the essence of its predecessor into a minimalist diameter.
Cloaked in malachite, the new Lady 8 Petite features a summery, lively, mineral green displayed on a matching leather strap. Malachite is one of the oldest decorative stones used by man and is often associated with luck, wealth and protection. It’s unique for slight variations in hue that stem from the presence of copper in its composition. At the heart of the Lady 8 Petite collection, the unique brilliance of this dial finds its perfect match in an 18-carat red gold case, specially set with 68 diamonds to highlight its bezel. As a finishing touch to this intensely radiant composition, a moving bead of malachite slides and spins between the fingers, like an allegory of time elusive.
By its side comes a second, equally modern variation of the Lady 8 Petite by Jaquet Droz, featuring mother-of-pearl in top billing. The precious material’s iridescence washes over the dial, which is embellished with a delicate railway that marks the hours and minutes. At 12 o’clock, the piece displays an authentic pearl, whose brilliance is reflected in the 41 diamonds of the gem-set dial. For the first time, Jaquet Droz gifts its Lady 8 Petite with a caramel-color double-wrap strap, crafted from calfskin. Its white top-stitching recalls the sparkle of the diamonds, lending this mother-of-pearl version a chic, modern allure.
“Some watches tell time, some tell a story”
A warmed up stage, a drum kit, a few guitars and a harmonica: “It’s only rock’n’roll!” Today, Jaquet Droz unveils the first out of the 23 unique timepieces to retrace the world of the Rolling Stones through motion. Beside the arm of a record player that hovers over a platinum album replica (the power reserve), a scene depicts their signature instruments in miniature paintings and gold thread. The external disc rotates up to 8 consecutive times for 30 seconds and is adorned with the albums that the collector will choose for his unique timepiece. At 9 o'clock, the iconic tongue beats rhythmically, from left to right and from top to bottom. “And I like it!”
After three years of work, Jaquet Droz and John Howe have developed an Art Watch dedicated to emotion, wonder and fantasy. Draped in gold and rare stones, their dragon has a record 9 distinct animations. Inside a 43 mm case, the piece is entirely handmade and can be customized almost without limit by the client. Thanks to a Studio in the heart of the Jaquet Droz head quarter, clients will be offered an immersive phygital experience that will allow them to witness the live creation of their timepieces. There is no series to be announced, only unique pieces.
The “Effinger” clock dated from 1783 and signed Jaquet-Droz, has been sold at CHF 256,000.-, which is more than three times the starting bid of CHF 70,000.-, during the Koller auction on March the 31st 2022.