Recently welcomed into contemporary Fine Watchmaking, each of these exclusive variations is limited to 28 pieces and reflects the avant-garde dynamism of this skeletonized model.
Sculptural, architectural and audacious, the Grande Seconde Skelet-One has, in only a matter of years, become an avant-garde ambassador for Jaquet Droz. An inherently modern and bold design which adds a new dimension to this so-called “skeleton” watchmaking creation.
Today, Jaquet Droz unveils three unique versions. Now iconic, its spirit remains unchanged: a large figure “8” formed by an entirely sapphire dial along with indexes and hands in 18K gold suspended above a brushed hours and minutes ring.
At 6 o’clock, the large seconds hand that soars over the sapphire creates the illusion that it is floating, while directly below the tiniest details of a hand-crafted movement can be admired. It is powered by a silicon balance spring and pallet lugs, a double barrel with nearly three days of power reserve (68 hours), including an openwork oscillating weight in 18K white gold which is nestled in the rim of the 41.5 mm case.
The Grande Seconde Skelet-One collection is enriched with three new variations: green, sky blue and yellow. Limited to only 28 pieces each, these new color variations can be found on the handmade straps, the watch’s hands and each of the dial’s rail-track. The index and screws on both the green and sky blue versions are made from 18K white gold. For a contrasting effect, the hours and minutes ring as well as the case have been crafted from black ceramic.
The yellow version on the other hand plays with warmer tones. It is unique for its red gold index and screws, its white gold hours and minutes ring and its plasma ceramic case. Forged in a high temperature oven, the case is embellished with a metallic glow, avoiding the addition of any metal particles. This transformation in color that occurs at a molecular level helps to maintain all the inherent properties of ceramic while simultaneously adding an optimal and harmonious chromatic contrast.
Dynamic, urban and firmly rooted in the 21st century, these three creations give a new lease of life to contemporary Fine Watchmaking. By revisiting the skeleton watch, Jaquet Droz recalls its perfect mastery and precious expertise.
“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.