Category: Jaquet Droz

Hands-on – Jaquet Droz Grande Seconde Skelet-One Ceramic Blue

Inspired by a pocket watch created by Pierre Jaquet-Droz in the 18thcentury, the Grande Seconde embodies the essential Jaquet Droz style. Its artful simplicity feels timeless yet modern. Yet, with the Grande Seconde Skelet-One introduced in 2018, Jaquet Droz ventured into a more technical and dynamic territory. Doing away with its dial, it offers a new design language for the brand. As a preview of its 2019 collection, the brand now releases a new, more modern version of the model clad in black and blue. Here’s an early hands-on look.

6 years ago

Introducing – Jaquet Droz Grande Seconde Skelet-One Ceramic Black And Blue

Presented at Baselworld 2018 – when Jaquet Droz and the rest of the Swatch Group was still exhibiting at the Basel-based fair – the Grande Seconde Skelet-One was a surprisingly modern take on the classic 8-figure on the dial of the watch, the signature design of the brand. Launched in three inaugural versions, two in gold […]

6 years ago

Hands-on – Jaquet Droz SW Chrono – A Sporty Take on the Brand’s DNA

For many, a ‘Jaquet Droz Sport Watch’ might come across as an oxymoron from a brand about to celebrate its 280th anniversary and intimately associated with refined artistic watches and complex automata. And I’m guessing that not too many of you knew that Jaquet Droz has had a Sport Watch (SW) in its catalogue since 2008, a sporty rendition of the Grande Seconde family, known as the Grande Seconde SW. Taking the sports watch concept into sportier terrain, Jaquet Droz presented a column-wheel chronograph at Baselworld 2018 with an upgraded silicon balance spring in the movement. Released in two contemporary dial colours, the SW Chrono abandons the iconic figure-eight dial configuration of the Grande Seconde in favour of a horizontal chrono display. Let’s take a closer look at the SW Chrono.

6 years ago

Hands-on – Jaquet Droz Grande Heure Minute – Minimalism to the Max

When it comes to Jaquet Droz, most of us might have the Grande Seconde collection in mind – a collection designed around the emblematic 8-figure display, with off-centred hours-minutes and an oversized second counter. This specific display is somehow iconic and has been the brand’s signature for close to 300 years (JD celebrates its 280th anniversary this year). So how to depart from this 8-shaped dial without losing the brand’s DNA? That’s what the Astrale collection tends to do – and here’s the latest creation, the Jaquet Droz Grande Heure Minute, a case-study of minimalism.

6 years ago

Buying Guide – Our Top 10 Moon Phase Watches for Women

The Moon phase function is the simplest and most prevalent astronomical complication. It is also one of the most attractive and bewitching of complications, a reminder of the beauty and mystery of our neighbouring satellite. Considered more of an aesthetic choice than a complication of intrinsic utility, moon phase watches have become a perennial favourite with their miniature recreations of the different phases of the Moon displayed in an aperture on the dial. So, take a look at our A-V Top Ten moon phase models and get ready to be moonstruck by their beauty – both superficial and mechanical – and in some cases, by their astronomical prices!

6 years ago

Women’s Watch Wednesday – Jaquet Droz Lady 8 Petite – Feminine Proportions

Jaquet Droz is all about sensory delights. From exquisite enamel dials and the pursuit of rare métiers d’art to animated automata like the chubby gold cherub being drawn by a butterfly chariot and chirping birds on minute repeaters, this is one brand that knows how to appeal to the senses. The Lady 8 plays on the sensuality and symbolism of the figure eight and is revisited in 2018 in this delightfully petite model with a sparkling blue aventurine dial or a glamorous red gold mother-of-pearl version. Fitted with an automatic movement, the diameter of the case measures a dainty 25mm and the watches feature a spherical pearl or aventurine ball at noon that rolls under the finger.

6 years ago

Hands-on – New Jaquet Droz Grande Seconde Off-Centered with Meteorite or Stromatolite Dials

Métiers d’art and natural stones are familiar themes at Jaquet Droz – for instance, Onyx has already been used in the past. The brand regularly adds new, rare stones to its decorative repertory. In the frame of the celebration of its 280th anniversary, the brand unveils new limited-edition watches with meteorite or stromatolite dials, based on the iconic 8-shaped watch with a twist, the Grande Seconde Off-Centered.

7 years ago

Buying Guide – Yellow gold Is Warming Up Again

When thinking of yellow gold, the first thing that may come to your mind is your parents’ or grandparents’ watch. Well, if you feel yellow gold is outdated, it might be time for a change. The status symbol of the 1960s to 1980s is making a comeback. As trends come and go, it fits perfectly in the current vintage craze – just like the unexpected comeback of the 1980s spirit in fashion and music. And interestingly, the way watchmakers use it today makes it look super chic and trendy. Here are 6 of the most notable yellow gold watches introduced recently.

7 years ago

Women’s Watch Wednesday – Jaquet Droz Petite Heure Minute Smalta Clara

Ok, well maybe saying that the watch will have you roaring is a bit of an over-reach, but we know if you are an art- or big-cat lover, this watch is going to hit all the bells and whistles for you. Sorry men, unless you love diamonds, the watch is really meant for the lady in your life. I say “sorry” because I believe that a man would enjoy the boldness of a non-diamond red/orange version of the new Petite Heure Minute Smalta Clara created in Plique-a-Jour enamel.

7 years ago