Combining modern materials and a sophisticated design, the new SW embodies Jaquet Droz's watchmaking expertise in a powerful and versatile watch.
“Sport Watch” says it all. The SW by Jaquet Droz is an original, sporty and edgy creation. The contemporary signature of a watchmaker with almost three centuries of history. The SW is a Jaquet Droz testament to the power of the Grande Seconde's unique design, how it transcends fads and centuries and constantly reinvents itself to delight a generation of collectors seeking out the latest thrills in watchmaking
There is no shortage of emotion and thrill with the new SW Steel-Ceramic. One color stands out before you even get to the details: red. This is the first time it has played such a prominent role on an SW, or a Jaquet Droz creation for that matter. The hand-edged fabric strap ties in with the Grande Seconde's stroke at 6 o'clock, the tip of the hour and minute hands, and the quarter hour marks they sweep over – all coated with Super-LumiNova. Where they intersect, the red 5, 6 and 7 are written in Arabic numerals while the other numbers appear in Roman. Under this numerical trio, at 3 o'clock and 9 o'clock, there are two crossbars firmly locking the iconic figure 8 formed by the hour-minute and Grande Seconde dials on the impressive 45 mm case
Sized for everyday use, the steel case is covered with a black ceramic bezel that is inalterable and scratch-proof. The crown is screwed down at 3 o'clock making it water-resistant to 50 meters (5 bar). It's also protected by a rubber cast for optimal handling. On either side, two large claws safeguard it from shocks. On the other side of the crossbridge, there is a symmetrical piece to make it achieve seamless balance and give the case maximum protection
Like with every Jaquet Droz creation, this one showcases the painstaking work that goes into every finish. The lugs were hollowed to increase mass and create a sportier feel. They are polished to provide a mirror image of the SW collection’s signature fluted bezel. The claws at 3 and 9 o’clock were given a circular satin finish with grooves that follow the bezel’s curve. The 18-karat white gold appliqués affixed at the middle of the black lacquered dial have a satin finish with vertical lines. And the hands are hollowed to make it easier to read the hours and minutes.
As for the case-back, Jaquet Droz stayed true to its Fine Watchmaking finishes. Topped with an anti-reflective sapphire crystal, the SW Steel-Ceramic reveals the inner workings of the JD2663A-S self-winding mechanical movement with ruthenium treatment, the 18-karat white gold double barrel and oscillating weight, giving it a power reserve of almost three days (68 hours). The surfaces are polished or satin-finished and even adorned with Côtes de Genève alongside each watch’s own series number, a mark that Jaquet Droz makes these one-of-a-kind creations for collectors of uncommonly remarkable timepieces.
“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.