Tourbillon Skelet Red Gold - Dragon Mask
A symbol of harmony, power and metamorphosis, the Chinese dragon embodies the balance between strength and wisdom. This mythical inspiration has been brought to life by the brand through the alchemy of materials, craftsmanship and art. To celebrate this cornerstone of Chinese culture, Jaquet Droz is unveiling the Tourbillon Skelet Red Gold – Dragon Mask, a unique piece combining the skills of master craftsmen and watchmakers to set this legendary heritage within the beating of time.
The dragon seems to emerge from the dial, as if plucked straight from a legend. With its long horns, curled whiskers and sharp fangs, its face comes to life, capturing the light in every detail. Carved and engraved by hand in an alloy of white, yellow and red gold, each curve has been sculpted with extreme precision. The age-old creature finds refuge here, in an 18-karat red gold case, measuring 41 mm in diameter and 13 mm thick. The full force of the myth is captured in the perfect lines of this timepiece, ready to transmit its power to the wearer.
Every detail of the mask has been meticulously crafted by hand: from the engraving and sculpture to the micro-painting and gem-setting... this piece took nearly a year to design and it is the fruit of more than 200 hours of work involving all of Jaquet Droz's master craftsmen and watchmakers. Carved from a solid block of gold, engraved on both sides and then applied to a decorated background, the mask appears to float over the movement.
Jaquet Droz also used a specific cut of precious stones, including cabochon-cut emeralds, in a bezel setting. Blending into the material, they accentuate its power and maximise the intensity of the dragon's gaze. This newly-acquired cutting-edge expertise opens up a whole new field of expression, further enhancing the creative autonomy of the Jaquet Droz workshops.
“Bringing together so much expertise to create this unique piece was a real feat that posed challenges both on a human and a technical level. This art watch is the result of a collective adventure, in which every detail has been studied, debated and refined, to reach a level of execution and harmony that pushed our limits even further.”
Project Manager, Jaquet Droz
The self-winding skeleton movement houses a flying tourbillon positioned at 12 o'clock, whose movement blends into the floral lines engraved on the back of the watch. Offering an exceptional eight-day power reserve, this Manufacture calibre combines spectacular aesthetics with mechanical excellence. The sapphire back reveals the oscillating weight engraved with the words "ONE MORE", a nod from Jaquet Droz to its collector, extending the narrative universe to the heart of the movement.
The result of a close dialogue between a collector and Jaquet Droz's master craftsmen, this piece was custom-made, with every detail studied, refined and brought to its ultimate expression. An art watch that fully embodies Jaquet Droz's philosophy of the Unique: bringing an intimate vision to life to create a work that truly reflects its owner, where art and watchmaking merge until we no longer know where the craftsmanship ends and time begins.
At Jaquet Droz, the dragon does not breathe fire, but beauty, power and sublimity. And in the hollow of a dial, a legend is crafted, bespoke and unique; a new alliance forged between heritage and innovation.
