Philosophy
ART HORLOGER SINCE 1738 : JAQUET DROZ FEATURES
Signature
From his very first creation, Pierre Jaquet Droz saw his products as works of art rather than simple timepieces. He therefore created his own artist’s signature : either he would set the Jaquet Droz hallmark – the logo – or he would set his secret seal, a miniscule three-leaf clover on the bottom of case or on the movement; a graphic that exists to this day.
« 8 »
The figure 8, a union of two circles resembling the mathematical symbol of infinity, is universal. Jaquet Droz made this a timeless composition, present in all collections and the source of inspiration for the design of pieces of art. For Jaquet Droz, the 8 represents perfect balance. This figure, with its two sections, can be seen on the dial of the Grande Seconde.
This figure imposed itself quite naturally for the Numerus Clausus editions: series of 8 – 28 – 88.
For Jaquet Droz, the most enjoyable stories are based on myth and come to us as legend. The perfect outline of a number 8 is the symbol of prosperity and infinity. By using the magic 8 as an emblem for his masterpieces, Jaquet Droz created a Legend for Eternity!
Mouvement
Jaquet Droz automatically or manually wound mechanical movements are adorned with bridges and plates bearing the Côtes de Genève decoration, while the sumptuous sun ornamentation of the oscillating weight is visible through the transparent caseback. The horological complications beat within this precious radiance: tourbillon, minute repeater, perpetual calendar, jump hour or retrograde moon.
Movement © Jaquet Droz
For all models, Jaquet Droz begins with a consideration of aesthetics and then moves on to produce a development on the movement.
Unique pieces
Jaquet Droz has developed the concept of unique pieces made to order, where the watch is a work of art. Master stone cutters and dial makers work on gemstones: aventurine, spectrolite, rutile quartz, meteorite, onyx and nuummite. As an incarnation of exception, these models are available in limited editions, Numerus Clausus of 8 or as a unique piece.
Numerus Clausus
Limited-series pieces are prized by connoisseurs and all those who seek to stand out from the crowd. In the Numerus Clausus version, production is limited to 8, 28 or 88 pieces.
THE EXCELLENCE OF MASTER CRAFTSMEN
During the 18th century, in the workshops of La Chaux-de-Fonds, London and Geneva, Jaquet Droz trained the very best watchmakers and artists who were to assure the reputation of Swiss Horology.
To create the link between 18th and 21st centuries, Jaquet Droz continues to call on the very best craftsmen, who find their inspiration in a contemporary interpretation of the horological art of the bygone age.
• Dial makers - Enamellers : Grand Feu enamelling is one of the unique skills and the signature of Jaquet Droz. This technique is worked entirely by hand, in a subtle play between the finesse of powders – as fine as human hair – and the power of flames. Enamellers alone know the formula for producing these dials with their absolutely unique colour and grain. The dial, usually ivory, can also be absolute black or blue; fascinating and mysterious, this black is the fruit of an alchemy whose secret is jealously guarded. The brand attaches extreme importance to the quality of the enamel, and the slightest hairline crack leads to a systematic rejection of the piece. The craftsman may produce five or more, and in the end keep only one.
Owen. © Jaquet Droz
• Blueing finishers : Ever since 1738, Jaquet Droz has always combined the best technology with the beauty of pearls and precious stones. Timepieces are as much horological references as treasures of Haute Joaillerie, a tradition that lives more than ever through the Grande Seconde’s ring set with pearls and rubies, or the dazzling bezel and horns – a passing yet distinguished reference to the pocket watches of the Age of Enlightenment. The art of the master gem setter reaches its apogee in the spectacular dials of The Heure Céleste models…in the gleam of gold, the fire of diamonds and mother-of-pearl.
• Gem setters : Depuis 1738, Jaquet Droz a toujours su marier le meilleur de la technologie à la beauté des perles et des pierres précieuses. Ses garde-temps sont autant de références horlogères que de trésors de haute joaillerie, une tradition plus que jamais vivante sur la lunette, le réhaut et les cornes brillants de mille feux de la Grande Seconde. L’art des maîtres sertisseurs s’exprime pleinement sur le cadran des modèles L’Heure Céleste, où l’éclat de l’or sublime la lumière des diamants et de la nacre.
• Gem stone Craftsmen : Jaquet Droz are the brand that pushes furthest the use of mineral gems in the ornamentation of dials. Their partners search constantly for the rarest stones which will elevate the beauty of unique pieces, and which will reflect the choice and personality of the client. The Master craftsman calls upon all his art and the excellence of his skill for the presentation of these prodigious minerals. The greatest challenge is to find the right orientation so that the materials are cut whilst respecting the very nature of the stone.
© Jaquet Droz
AN EMOTIVE APPROACH AND THE AESTHETICS OF TIME
At Jaquet Droz, the emotive is intimately linked to the aesthetic.
The dials are designed in such a way as to give excellent legibility, giving them their distinguished appearance.
In 1785, Jaquet Droz created the iconic model of the brand, the Grande Seconde, and gave shape to a new way of perceiving space. It is the course of the seconds hand that provides us with the best visualisation of the passing of Time, established many centuries ago.
Grande Seconde. © Jaquet Droz
With the “Grande Seconde” dial and its figure-8-inspired design, scientific precision is no longer the reserve of academics, merchants, priests and kings. Now any admirer of fine objects can share the privilege of precision and refinement.
Nearly two centuries after its creation, the philosophical values, aesthetic identity and scientific rigour of this iconic model remain, and prove the perpetuity of Jaquet Droz designs. Since its first launch, the product has appeared in a never-ending variety of different versions: Grande Seconde Enamel, Grande Seconde Minute Repeater, Grande Seconde Power Reserve. These models illustrate the extraordinary level of skill of the dial makers and the infinite possibilities for personalisation.
The aesthetics of the model has not aged in the slightest. Resolutely fashionable in the treatment of the typography of the numerals – Roman or traditional for the hours and minutes, modern and immediately accessible for the seconds – the watch incarnates simultaneously an impressive history and the present moment.
The relative proportions of the two counters continue a line of geometrical progression inspired by the golden number – the figure 8 – a symbol at the very heart of Jaquet Droz’ identity.
The Grande Seconde finds a natural echo in the Grande Seconde SW, exemplary in its new approach to design.Entering the sports watch field for the first time, Jaquet Droz confirms its mastery of the aesthetic and technical concerns of the 21st century: massive, light, ultra-resistant and perfectly profiled, the Grande Seconde SW takes technical optimisation and Swiss watchmaking tradition to greater heights.
Grande Seconde SW. © Jaquet Droz
At a time when all watchmaking Manufactures compete in technology and multiply the complications on the market, Jaquet Droz continue in their commitment to the essential, favouring art and longevity. Much more than a simple movement, a watch is an Emotion, a passion that goes straight to the heart. Jaquet Droz continues to produce timepieces for connoisseurs in search of perfection, remaining loyal both to the watch and to an emotive and aesthetic approach to Time.
WORKS OF ART FOR CONNOISSEURS
The brand collections are divided into five product lines that pay homage to the Manufactures established by Pierre Jaquet Droz, his success in the City of Light, and his favored relationships with China.
• LEGEND GENEVA
As a bridge between the Age of Enlightenment and the third millennium, the LEGEND GENEVA collection evokes the union between Haute Horlogerie and poetry, contemporary aesthetics and timelessness. Directly inspired by a pocket watch created in the 18th century, this collection echoes the luxurious and refined pieces designed by Pierre Jaquet Droz in his third watchmaking Manufacture. In choosing Geneva, he became a pioneer: his workshop was the very first to be established in this city.
• URBAN LONDON
With the opening of his second Manufacture in London, Pierre Jaquet Droz gave an astonishing demonstration of his strategic daring and visionary genius. During the Age of Enlightenment, London was at the centre of European trade, and the departure point to major destinations in Asia and the Far East. The collection is dedicated to distinctive, urban, cosmopolitan watches, with an elegant and distinguished charm.
Inspired by the 8 and the infinity, the Grande Seconde SW, the SW Chrono and the Grande Seconde Ceramic compete with the finest examples in watchmaking.
• MAJESTIC BEIJING
During the 18th century, in the heart of Beijing, the emperor and the imperial court’s dignitaries collected Pierre Jaquet Droz’s masterpieces. Like these timepieces which crossed the world, the elegant creativity and the functionality conveyed by the MAJESTCI BEIJING collection’s models seems to know no bounds: The Origin, The Twelve Cities, the Eclipse…. so many possibilities for different modes of existence, lifestyles and desires…
• COMPLICATION LA CHAUX-DE-FONDS
As the creator of watches, clocks and automatons that were universally recognized for their elegance and finesse, Pierre Jaquet Droz succeeded in making people forget about the phenomenal complexity of the mechanisms and movements required to actually run his masterpieces. It was in his first workshop that Pierre Jaquet Droz began to specialize in the production and export of timekeepers endowed with Grandes Complications such as a piece of music, a songbird, or a mechanism striking en passant or automatically… The workshop in La Chaux-de-Fonds excelled in all fields of mechanical ingenuity.
• ELEGANCE PARIS
A cultural and intellectual bastion central to 18th century history, Paris has always held pride of place for our Manufacture. During the Enlightenment, its founder Jaquet Droz frequently visited Paris, where he presented his models to Marie-Antoinette, queen of France. Designated the capital of femininity, art and fashion, the city has been famous ever since for its jewellery watches, set with precious stones or pearls. Mysterious and enchanting, the ELEGANCE PARIS collection represents yet another milestone in our unrelenting quest to push back the limits of Beauty.
THE TIME WRITING MACHINE
As only creative geniuses can, the Manufacture Jaquet Droz has never stopped striving to surprise, amaze and inspire dreams since its founding.This perpetual quest for excellence gave birth, with by the engineers and artisans at the Manufacture in La Chaux-de-Fonds, to The Time Writing Machine. Firmly established in original company tradition, this project had only one objective: to create something dazzling! The result was astounding high-tech performance, inspired as much by the visionary spirit of the house as by its expertise.
The Time Writing Machine. © Jaquet Droz
Eternally fascinated, mesmerised, men have always made passionate attempts to find a way to suspend its flow. Going straight to the heart of this enigma, the Manufacture is paying retro-futuristic tribute to the mysteries of Time with its Time Writing Machine, the fruit of phenomenal technical performance and deep philosophical reflection. More than two centuries after impressing the crowned heads of Europe, Jaquet Droz offers the early 21st century a masterpiece that, thanks to its ingenious craftsmen, brings man's ultimate dream to life: to literally record the march of Time. A simple touch activates the clever mechanism: it is equipped with a stylus to mark the present time in hours and minutes. It boggles the mind to imagine the dexterity required to bring such an "impossible dream" to life.
The Time Writing Machine is beautiful, complicated, contemporary and magical... and more.
Each watch is a work of art realised by artists. But above all, Montres Jaquet Droz offer connoisseurs the possibility to achieve their dreams by inventing the most beautiful stories of Time.