The Grande Seconde by Jaquet Droz gets reinvented with new colors in an interpretation at once modern and alive. Marrying contemporary materials with reinterpreted age-old finishes, this watchmaking classic bursts into the 21st century.
Dynamic and contemporary, urban yet sporty: the new variations of the Grande Seconde are surprisingly bold. Its full name highlights the technical and aesthetic choices that presided over its design: Grande Seconde Power Reserve Ceramic Clous de Paris.
In first position is the power reserve indication. Thanks to its two barrels, the Grande Seconde’s self-winding movement ensures a power reserve of 68 hours. This generous autonomy is accentuated on the dial by a semi-circular sector positioned at 9 o’clock. Gold in color, it is subtly balanced by the Grande Seconde’s three emblematic hands, crafted from 18-carat red gold: hours and minutes at 12 o’clock, off-centered large seconds at 6 o’clock. The former floats over a skillfully designed composition of interlacing Arabic and Roman numerals - a unique creation in Fine Watchmaking.
As for the ceramic, it lends the 44 mm case never-ending brilliance, seen here in glossy black. Virtually scratch-proof and unalterable, ceramic makes this new Grande Seconde destined for everyday use, ensuring an ever elegant wrist wherever you go: sporty, chic or relaxed, the Grande Seconde Power Reserve Ceramic Clous de Paris adapts to any occasion with the equal refinement.
The Clous de Paris brings the classic touch for which the Grande Seconde is known. An emblematic finish in Fine Watchmaking, it is a type of guilloché work made up of criss-crossed, recessed lines that form small pyramids. But precisely reproducing this prestigious age-old finish is not enough for the new Grande Seconde. Firstly, it is featured in a new interpretation with a struck dial, allowing for recessed pyramids. Next, it is modernized with midnight-blue or carbon-gray tones, creating a textured motif for ever-changing brilliance when it catches the light. Both models are accompanied by a rolled-edged hand-made fabric strap, matched to the exact color of the dial.
These two highly limited series (Numerus Clausus of 28 pieces), certified by an individual number engraved on the case back, breathe new life into the Grande Seconde, making them destined for collectors of creative, contemporary Fine Watchmaking.
“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.