The Jaquet Droz Sport Watch collection today introduces two new and unapologetically modern chronographs.
In the SW line the brand merges the historic spirit of Jaquet Droz with its modern vision of watchmaking, in a sports watch.
Today the collection welcomes two new chronographs with a redesign that honors its sporty nature. The signature figure 8 –formed by the hours and minutes display and the large seconds display– is replaced here by a central display of the time, with the chronograph’s central seconds hand, an hour counter at 9 o’clock and a minutes counter at 3 o’clock. The indicators are perfectly balanced on the horizontal plane and, in keeping with the sporty function of the piece, the chronograph is immediately readable. To insure an accurate reading every time, Jaquet Droz has used openwork central hour and minute hands that allow an unobstructed view of the chronograph as they move around the dial.
The textured dial accentuates the distinguished character of these new SW Chrono models, with vertical strokes that lend it a sporty feel. The dial’s contemporary new colors –midnight blue and anthracite– are also featured on the rolled-edged fabric strap that is perfectly in sync with the unapologetically modern, urban and sporty look of the SW Chrono.
True to watchmaking tradition, the hour markers are 18-carat white gold appliques. Wide Roman numerals indicate 3, 6, 9 and 12 o’clock. At 12 o’clock, Jaquet Droz features a big date, a complication traditional in fine watchmaking but rarely associated with a chronograph. Although more complex to produce than a simple date aperture, the large date offers superior readability. Again, to provide optimal readability, the latest versions of the SW Chrono feature a 45 mm dial, and a rail track over the motion work in fine watchmaking tradition.
Jaquet Droz has specially developed a steel case for these new SW Chrono models. Instead of one solid piece, the striking new case is assembled from several sections, each given a particular finish –polished, matte or satin-finished– to produce a subtle composition of contrasts and reflections. The same care is taken with the exterior: satin-finished fluted bezel, hollowed lugs, easy-grip rubber push-pieces and crown, and broad claws at 3 o’clock and 9 o’clock to protect the case and crown from knocks. To safeguard against magnetic interference, Jaquet Droz has equipped the automatic movement with a silicon balance spring and pallet lugs. This caliber features a 40-hour power reserve and column wheel and is visible through a sapphire case-back. A unique glimpse of watchmaking expertise by Jaquet Droz, a brand that celebrates its 280th anniversary this year.
“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.