Two springs ago Jaquet Droz conceived its first creation for ladies in the Automata collection—the Lady 8 Flower. A symbol of watchmaking expertise, this fascinating piece encases an enamel butterfly that illustrates the exceptional ornamental skill which the brand has been cultivating since its foundation in the 18th century. Today’s new Lady 8 Flower, embellished with even more jewels, is a mechanical chef-d’œuvre that leaves both mind and soul spellbound, caught up in the whirling lotus flower and the enchanting nirvana portrayed on the dial. Assembled by hand in the Jaquet Droz workshop in La Chaux-de-Fonds, this exclusive timepiece epitomizes the artistry for which the brand is known.
Under the sapphire crystal dome, the precious, sculpted lotus flower delicately comes to life through a stunningly virtuosic mechanism: with the gentle press of a pusher on the watch’s side, the flower blooms and closes in a splendid, serene display, while, at its center, a briolette arises to join the dancing petals on their mother-of-pearl stage. Gentleness and poetry emanate from the curves of the Lady 8 Flower—whose two joined dials form a figure eight, the symbol of infinity and splendor in Asian cultures—and from the oscillating weight, crafted in an elegant fan shape.
The Lady 8 Flower also embodies technical sophistication, the counterpart to the simplicity of the naturalist elements. With a 38-hour power reserve and miniaturized mechanisms, it is the worthy heir to Jaquet Droz’s automata. The culmination of a long quest for perfection, the two independent mechanical movements dance harmoniously: the hour and minute hands mark the tempo, while, on another stage, the floral automaton springs to life with its curved and polished silhouette whenever the spirit moves the wearer.
On the dial, the blue steel hands advance in a gesture perfectly woven into the rounded contours of their setting. Arrayed with a blue sapphire-adorned rehaut and a deployment clasp set with diamonds, this jewel also reveals its inner workings through the sapphire crystal on the back, for everlasting magic.
An experience of the most captivating kind, the Lady 8 Flower tells the story of a dance, a performance, a secret where art, travel, and dreams converge. The essence of luxury, this exclusive timepiece is offered this year in white gold and red gold, enhanced by a limited edition of eight pieces…eight delights…eight infinities still to write…
“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.