The Horological Society of New York (HSNY) announces Swiss watchmaker Jaquet Droz has joined as a sponsor. Jaquet Droz was founded in 1738, and today manufactures timepieces of the highest caliber. Through sponsorship, Jaquet Droz joins America’s oldest watchmaking guild in its mission to advance the art and science of horology through education.
Support from Jaquet Droz comes during a time of change, as HSNY adapts to the new normal of virtual classes and online lectures. The sponsorship will allow HSNY to expand and enhance its educational platforms while allowing them to be more widely accessible to enthusiasts and members worldwide.
“We have a lot of respect and are inspired by the work HSNY has been doing during all these years,” said Jaquet Droz CEO Christian Lattmann. “Jaquet Droz is honored to be now sponsoring this mission of education. It is very important for us to share our philosophy as Jaquet Droz has a unique position in high watchmaking, by having created the most amazing Automaton in the past and continuing this craft through new works, like the famous Charming Bird, or the Loving Butterfly.”
A master of grand complications fit for (and purchased by) royalty, Jaquet Droz’s horological marvels are known for capturing the beauty of nature, flawlessly merging art and mechanics. “Jaquet Droz timepieces, such as their Charming Bird, showcase the history of horology with ingenuities like vibrant automata and song packed into mere millimeters,” said HSNY Executive Director Nicholas Manousos. “The result: works of art that tell time in more ways than one. We are honored to have Jaquet Droz join HSNY as a sponsor.”
Founded in 1866, the Horological Society of New York (HSNY) is one of the oldest continuously operating horological associations in the world. Today, HSNY is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing the art and science of horology through education.
Members are a diverse mix of watchmakers, clockmakers, executives, journalists, auctioneers, historians, salespeople and collectors, reflecting the rich nature of horology in New York City.
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.