The Jaquet Droz Bird Repeater

Press Release by Jaquet Droz

THE BIRDS OF JAQUET DROZ, A DREAM IN MANY DIMENSIONS

Born in 1721, Pierre Jaquet-Droz, the founder of the Workshop that was soon to bear his name, was above all a child of the Swiss Jura. In these valleys that are still today the cradle of Swiss watchmaking excellence, there is a sense of life in communion with the natural surroundings. The sound of birdsong accompanies the cycle of the seasons. And the songs of these creatures, a source of fascination during the Enlightenment for naturalist and fashionable aesthete alike, must have sounded sweetly to the young prodigy during his summers beside the waterfall of the Saut du Doubs.

Beautiful, free and fascinating, birds captivated the age, and from the beginning of his career, the young watchmaker was to make this trend his own. For while Pierre Jaquet-Droz made his mark as a virtuoso of horological engineering, he was also an audacious businessman as well as an aesthete, in tune with the tastes of his time. At a time when the Encyclopédie was being compiled, the sciences were winning their spurs and the foundations of the industrial revolution were taking shape, Pierre Jaquet-Droz was taking on a veritable challenge: imitating life. His automata – the Musician, the Writer, the Draughtsman, and others, now exhibited at the Neuchâtel museum of art and history – would go on to astonish the many crowned heads of the time.

But Nature is equally honored in this singular vision, where birds are particularly well represented. Like a scientist dissecting his subject of study to achieve perfect understanding of its secrets, Pierre Jaquet-Droz and his successors made a reputation with their series of long-case clocks. Very quickly abreast of the latest innovations in miniaturization, they soon began to create breathtaking singing watches. At first incorporated in real birdcages, these creations benefited from developments in miniature clock-making, and were soon transformed into pocket watches and table clocks of proportions as small as they were refined. True stars of their period, the “birds” at the famous farm of Sur le Pont at La Chaux-de-Fonds are treasures, not only of mechanics, but also of the decorative arts of the period. Enamels reproducing the finest nuances of plumage; gold, pearls, precious stones – nothing was too good for these exceptional timepieces, which won Jaquet-Droz the international renown that persists to this day.

THE BIRD REPEATER

For many years, whether on the canvas where the painter brings his work into being or the dial where the sculptor applies his relief decoration, the brand’s workshops have paid homage to birds and brought them to life.

Today, Jaquet Droz adds a new dimension to mankind’s age-old dream of flying and pushes back the boundaries of Haute Horlogerie with The Bird Repeater. This exceptional timepiece, conceived by the craftsmen of the House, blends the history, know-how and imaginative power of Jaquet Droz in a way as precious as it is original.

In a stunning visual show, The Bird Repeater represents two Blue Tits, symbolic of Pierre Jaquet-Droz’s native Jura region, together over the nest containing their fledglings. In another nod to the origins of the Manufacture, the Saut du Doubs waterfall also figures on the dial of this new horological treasure. Fully animated by a mechanism of unequalled complexity, this three-dimensional picture truly comes to life. While one of the birds bobs to give a beakful of food to its offspring, the wings of its companion spread to reveal their delicate shades of colour. An egg in the middle of the nest opens to reveal a chick, while the water of the stream flows in a continuous cascade.

The Bird Repeater is an authentic automaton, with a cam system inherited directly from the century of Enlightenment, and it calls upon the resources of all the decorative crafts. Jaquet Droz engravers and painters have worked together to produce the yellow, blue, white and deep black of the birds’ plumage, the perfectly balanced volumes and the finely detailed wisps of grass forming the nest. To achieve the realism of this scene no less than eight different animation mechanisms act in synchronism: the movement of the birds’ heads and wings, the movement of the fledglings, the hatching of the egg, the sparkle of the flowing water.

True to the brand’s extremely exacting philosophy, Jaquet Droz has given The Bird Repeater one of haute horlogerie’s most virtuoso complications: Minute Repetition. Simply pressing the pushbutton makes the watch strike the hours, quarters and minutes and sets the wonderful animated sequences in motion. The resonance and mellow tone of its cathedral gong, generated by two turns around the mechanism, are equaled only by the complexity of the system of chimes incorporated in the gold case, 47 mm in diameter and only 18.4 mm thick.

The Bird Repeater, made up of 508 separate components, has a 48-hour power reserve, and is available in two versions, one in grey gold set with diamonds and the other in red gold, each one in a limited edition of just 8 pieces. The outcome of two years of development, this new, dazzling masterpiece is the latest illustration, and doubtless the most extreme example of the uniqueness of the Jaquet Droz spirit: giving life, like no other, to the poetry of Time.

The Bird Repeater is already on view today, but the Manufacture is in the process of completing a piece that will be the crowning glory of its historic link with the world of birds when it is presented at Baselworld 2013. At La Chaux-de-Fonds, like the song of the blue tits and the music of the Saut du Doubs waterfall, the enchantment of Time will not soon fade away.

 The Jaquet Droz Bird Repeater – Technical Details

Jaquet Droz  Revisits a Classic with Grande Seconde Ivory Fue Enamel and Red Gold 

Jaquet Droz watch reviews

Written by D Constant for The Watch Review Site

So lets take a look at the Jaquet Droz Grande Seconde – this one is the Off Centered Ivory Enamel Watch. The easiest way to show you what Jaquet droz are doing with their 2012 Novelties is to start with a couple of photographic shots from Jaquet Droz themselves.

Jaquet droz State “the radiance of gold, a noble material that has served our craftsmen well for three centuries. The strength of the flame, the secret to producing ultra-fine powders to make our unique dials of Grand Feu enamel. A wealth of meticulous skills and techniques perpetuated and reinvented by Jaquet Droz, model after model. The hand of the craftsman, the most precious tool available to the Manufacture, familiar with each gesture and the value of time. All of the master artisans who, in the seclusion of their workshops in La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland, created the horological masterpiece that Jaquet Droz is proudly presenting today.”

GRANDE SECONDE OFF-CENTERED IVORY ENAMEL

This timepiece is part od the Legend:Geneva Series of Jaquet Droz timepieces. With the Grande Seconde Off-Centered Ivory Enamel, Jaquet Droz combines classic watchmaking traditions with the imagination that has become a well known trademark for Jaquet Droz. A milestone in the history of the Manufacture, the Jaquet Droz Grande Seconde features two dials that, intertwined, form the Jaquet Droz Signature number eight.  As the name suggests the dials are set Off Center and on an Ivory enamel face.

Of the two dials one indicates the hours and minutes whereby the other the seconds. Again pertaining to the Jaquet Droz Grande Seconde Off-Centered, the dials and winding stem have been repositioned to give this Grande Seconde it’s new look.

The simplistic and clear dials are to be transalated as an interpretation of the watches mechanical gears along with the exceptional ivory enamel face and red gold case the Jaquet Droz Grande Seconde Off-Centered is pure indulgence in it minimalistic yet stunning looks.

And as always Jaquet Droz add a touch of difference with the positioning of it’s winding stem at 4 o’clock, some watch enthusiast like it others loathe it.

Another of Jaquet droz’s quotes “For the proud owner, to touch or feel the Grande Seconde Off-Centered Ivory Enamel is to personally encounter the Jaquet Droz philosophy whereby the human experience of passing time should be marked by excellence, beauty and originality.”

All in all a lovely simply beautiful equisite timepice comes in the shape of the Jaquet Droz Grande Seconde Off-Centered Ivory Enamel with its hand made Black leather strap and red gold buckle to go with its fabulous Ivory Hue hand crafted Enamel Dial Face.

For those who are interested we can confirm the Jaquet Droz Grande Seconde Off-Centered has hit the stores as of May 2012 and is being marketted at a price of 20,550 CHF (Swiss Francs) thats around £14,000 in english money right now.

Technical Details – Jaquet Droz Grande Seconde Off-Centered Ivory Enamel

Reference: J006033200

Movement: Jaquet Droz 2663A,   self-winding mechanical movement, double barrel, 22-carat white gold   oscillating weight

Indications: Off-centered hours and   minutes, large seconds subdial

Jewels: 30

Power reserve: 68 hours

Frequency: 28,800 v.p.h

Case: 18-carat red gold,   diameter Ø 43 mm

Winding-stem at 4 o’clock

Individual serial number engraved on the case-back

Water resistance: To 3 bar (30 meters)

Dial: Ivory Grand Feu enameled dial. Hand crafted

Hands: 18-carat red gold

Strap: Rolled-edge hand made black alligator leather strap

Buckle: 18-carat red gold ardillon

While you are on our site enjoying our watch reviews and news why not look into Jaquet Droz’s History or even some other Watches like The JeanRichard Aquascope Collection, something a little different or even something a lot different in the Futruristic Realm.

A New Trend for Jaquet Droz – The Grande Heure Onyx Watch

Written By: D Constant for The Watch Review Site

As tradition has it the creations bearing the Jaquet Droz signature have always been grounded in excellence and imagination as can be seen when looking at Jaquet Droz historically. As normal and expected by Jaquet Droz and their timepieces which take the watchmakers history and encompass it with innovation, then add the gleam of metal which enhances the rare beauty of mineral dials used.

In keeping with this exclusive legacy, Jaquet Droz pursues its ethos by introducing two new elegant yet different timepieces, here at The Watch Review Site we will be looking at the Jaquet Droz Grande Heure Onyx which is part of the Majestic Beijing Jaquet Droz Collection, and is due to be launched at an exclusive watch retailer near you in May 2012.

The Jaquet Droz Grande Heure Onyx Watch

The Jaquet Droz Grande Heure Onyx is created from a single cut disc of onyx (well the dial is), which when cut by the Jaquet Droz dialmakers bring out a stunning coloured black dial. The deep colour makes the dial look impecable and crystal like. The watchmakers behind the Grande Heure Onyx refer to the dial and its thoughts as time being reinvented on a dark night.

Other than the superb dial the first thiong that jumps out at you is the lack of Minute and Second Hands on the Jaquet Droz Grande Onyx, The only hand on the watch is the hour hand all others have vanished from the face of the watch…

How does that work I hear you ask? The dial has 24 numerals on it not the normal 12, numbered 1 to 24 dictating each hour of the day, hence the hour hand rounds once a day, The 12 hour mark is at the usual 12 o’clock position with the 24 at the standard 6 o’clock position.

This innovative dial reflects Jaquet Droz’s new take on the philosophy of time, the dial is an inspiring sight for the eyes and the simplicity adds to its beauty, continuing this theme the striking Black Onyx dial contrasting with the bright steel case proving to be a fabulous sight . Highlioghting the whole concept is again the single hour hand and the choice of Jaquet Droz’s Simple round case tops off this watch.

The Grande Heure Onyx is a typical Jaquet Droz timepiece and will attarct the watch aficionados of this world. As we all know a true timepiece connoisseur see much more to time than taking the frenzied pulse of everyday life: the mystery of its passing and the magic of its daily rebirth are an endless source of fascination, and the Jaquet Droz Grande Heure Onyx does not fail here either.

Its a lovely timepiece with a twist, at first glance it looks like a standard Jaquet Droz Watch (if there is such a thing as a standard Jaquet Droz Watch), but closer inspection leads you to a 24 hour dial with one hand…..

Technical Details – Jaquet Droz – Grande Heure Onyx Watch 

 Reference: J025030270

Movement: Jaquet Droz 24JD53, self winding mechanical movement, double barrel, heavy metal oscillating weight.

Indications: Centered hours

Jewels: 28

Power Reserve: 68 hours

Frequency: 28,800 vph

Case: Stainless Steel

Diameter: 43mm

Water Resistance: 3 Bar or 30 meters

Dial: Black onyx

Strap: Rolled edge hand made black alligator leather strap

Buckle: Stainless Steel ardillon

The Story of Jaquet Droz – Watchmaker Since 1783

Written By: D Constant for The Watch Review Site

The Beginning – How it all started

The story of Jaquet Droz the Watchmaker began with Pierre Jaquet Droz and his sons, and can be seen as one of the most moving stories in Horology history. Pierre Jaquet Droz born 1721, was know to be a mechanical genius, creator of jewellery watchmaking and composer of poetry and was one of the most fascinating figures of the period.

Pierre’s mastery of complex mechanisms and movements allowed him to become a master of automata and his creations were also genuine works of art, from singing birds, fountains, and musical watches to name a few.

Pierre Jaquet droz was the creator of The Writer (1775), which was a unique automaton and a true piece of art, which consisted 0f a six hundred piece mechanism and was extremely complex, much more intricate than those of other automata of its time. It could be set to write any text of up to forty letters or symbols on a smooth piece of paper, as if on a typewriter. Two other automata, The Musician and The Draftsman, were designed by his two sons, both of whom were trained by Pierre. These creations can still be admired today some 200 years later at the Neuchâtel Museum of Art and History in Switzerland.

Pierre Jaquet Droz was always at the forefront of developments in watchmaking, creating limited series that were seen as true artistic masterpieces. His ingenuity and talent were recognized throughout the world and applauded by all the Courts of Europe,Russia and even China.

Pierre in his wisdom surrounded himself with the best watchmakers, alchemists, mechanics, enamellers and gemstone craftsmen and opened three Manufactures:

La Chaux-de-Fonds in 1738, He begun absorbing the rudiments of watchmaking and mechanics in his father’s farm workshop very quickly. From this workshop in La Ferme sur le Pont in 1738, he started producing and selling standing and table clocks of increasing complexity, often enlivened with all manner of automata and musical mechanisms at the age of 17. It was in his first workshop that Pierre Jaquet Droz began to specialize in the production and exportation of timekeepers endowed with Grand Complications such a singing bird, or mechanism striking hour…The workshop in La Chaux-de-Fonds excelled in all fields of mechanical ingenuity.

London in 1774: This was Pierre Jaquet Droz second watchmaking workshop and was based in London, This workshop was headed by Henry-Louis (Pierre’s Son). Henry provided a striking demonstration of his strategic audacity and his far-reaching vision. London was the commercial decision making heart of Europe and the key business center. Henry-Louis was the first to recognise the potential of London as a trade base to China (that’s forward thinking). As with all ventures Henry-Louis was overworked and hence, delegated a part of his responsibilities to Jean-Frédéric Leschot, the adoptive son of Pierre Jaquet Droz. Jean Frederic was in particular responsible for dealing with Cox & Son, who went on to represent Jaquet Droz in China, India and Japan for many years.

Genevain 1784: Henry-Louis decided to move to Geneva a town whose artistic and literary life he appreciated and he was soon joined by Jean-Frédéric Leschot, together they set up Geneva’s first real horological workshop, a year before Vacheron Constantin appeared on the scene. This manufacture was set up to specialise in limited production and export luxury pieces, musical boxes, automatons and Grand Complications. The talent and interest which Henry-Louis Jaquet Droz and Jean-Frédéric Leschot demonstrated for the general welfare of the town were soon recognized and rewarded. They were both made honorary citizens and interest was shown in their business activities. Jaquet Droz was welcomed by the Geneva Society of Arts, which had just been re-formed and he played a highly active role in improving vocational training. In addition, he helped to set up a workshop-school in Geneva which produced under-dial work for repeaters. And Therefore Jaquet Droz watchmaker was born……

Pierre Jaquet Droz achieved many technological developments, these are some:

The suspended-barrel bridge caliber, invented by the French watchmaker Jean-Antoine Lépine in 1770. In the Manufacture’s accounting registers, watches produced with this caliber were designated by the expression “à la Lépine”.

The keyless watch device, where watches were rewound by repeatedly use of the pendant (pump winding). This technique was used on many watches in the 18th century, either to wind the main spring, for a “sonnerie au passage”, or a chime.

Automatically wound watches with an oscillating mass. Pierre Jaquet Droz contributed to raising awareness of this technical marvel first in England, then in the Far East.

Decoration of high luxury watches. The enamel on the case of Jaquet Droz models is embellished by gold foil and silver “sous fondant”. This enameling technique, called “paillonné”, was adopted by numerous Geneva enamellers.

 Jaquet Droz Corporate Movie 2012

That was the History, now to the recent Past and the resurrection of Montres Jaquet Droz SA

After a few years’ absence from the world of watchmaking, and a period marked by ownership of foreign shareholders, the brand was acquired in 2000 by the Swatch Group. The Swatch Group returned Jaquet Droz to its town of origin, La Chaux-de-Fonds, and moved in the summer of 2010 in to its new “Atelier de Haute Horlogerie”.

A short ten years from the resurgence of Jaquet Droz by The Swatch Group the success of Jaquet Droz is undeniable. The Manufacture is well positioned within the prestige and luxury segment of the Group. Marc A. Hayek, President, with a steering committee, has set himself the mission of cultivating this spirit of excellence and innovation while continuing to communicate emotional and poetical values. The link between the Age of Enlightenment (Pierre Jaquet Droz’s Era) and the third Millennium is therefore still at the heart of the brand’s creative inspiration and is seen in Jaquet Droz’s 8 Codes.

Code 1 – Grande Seconde

On a single dial, the hours and minutes counter, off-centered at 12 o’clock, embraces the seconds counter, situated at 6 o’clock, with echoes of Avant- Garde poetry, aesthetics at the very core of the identity of Jaquet Droz. From the 18th century to the third millennium, the Grande Seconde has been the eternal source of inspiration for the Manufacture of La Chaux-de-Fonds, a timeless icon in extremely exclusive interpretations which evolve with time and with each new collection.

Outlined with pearls or precious stones and clad in Grand Feu enameling or rare minerals, the Grande Seconde represents both prodigious history and the present moment and leaves the promises of the future to the imagination with the majestic elegance of its lines.

Code 2 – The 8 Symbol

Formed by two sub dials on the watch face, this symbol suggests the rarity of limited editions and exclusive models produced in small numbers. Representing infinity and eternity, the number 8 is one of the Manufacture’s most distinctive and magical numerological references. Jaquet Droz sub dials play with Arabic and Roman numerals, treat each passing moment as unique, in other words, they offer a new perception of Time.

Code 3 – Grand Feu Enameling

Grand Feu enameling is one of the expert techniques that constitute the signature of a Jaquet Droz watch. Combining traditional production methods with latest-generation technology, the dial-makers at Jaquet Droz have kept up with the latest developments in timepieces and the technical constraints that they involve. The Jaquet droz dial-makers are the sole guardians of the formula that yields these magnificent dials, whose color and graining are absolutely unique. Jaquet Droz has a long history of Grand Feu enameling and still practices the art today. Firing is carried out at a temperature exceeding 1,000°C, although lower temperatures are used for decoration and decals. New research has enabled Jaquet Droz, famous for its ivory-colored dials, to meet a major challenge by adding black and blue to its color repertoire. The number of coats needed to produce these shades, remarkable for their great depth, is variable, the color blue requiring the most.

You can see the attention to detail placed on Grand Feu Enameling with Jaquet Droz as the master dial-maker may create five or more dials and deem only one worth keeping.  The slightest imperfection is fatal as soon as a grain or crack is detected, the dial is rejected. The enamel will retain its beauty and gloss for centuries, withstanding the ravages of time indefinitely.

This is a distinctive signature of Jaquet Droz timepieces since the 18th century, it has been reinterpreted by the brand in its contemporary collections.

Code 4 – The Watch Case

At Jaquet Droz they see a watch case as a treasure chest full of mechanical wonders to track time. The case was carefully conceived to contain remarkable movements. The Manufacture believes that each watch case is absolutely essential, whether it has a screw-type back or comes in one piece. Each one undergoes no fewer than 80 different operations. That’s why Jaquet Droz prizes the hands of its master craftsmen above any manufacturing tool.

Code 5 – The Movement

Jaquet Droz has always incorporated cutting edge watchmaking technology into its timekeeping creations. All Jaquet Droz mechanical self winding and manually wound movements are engraved with a clover, the secret signature of the founder of the Manufacture. The bridges and plates are adorned with Côtes de Genève ribbing, while the luxurious sunray motif on the oscillating body is visible through the transparent case back.

Code 6 – Complications

Once again attempting to surpass it previous innovations, Jaquet Droz takes the inventiveness of its luxury watches to new heights with sophisticated complications, such as tourbillon, minute repeater, equation of time, perpetual calendar, jumping hour or chronograph.

Code 7 – Numerus Clausus

Jaquet Droz creates unique timepieces and its Numerus Clausus editions are limited to 8, 28 or 88 pieces. 

Code 8 – The Minerals

Jaquet Droz has fashioned inimitable watch dials from noble materials, treasures drawn from the depths of the Earth and from outer space. These dials offer the poetry of meteorites crossing galaxies, the geometry of rutilated inclusions in quartz, the mystery of onyx, aventurine, spectrolite, pietersite… Minerals are like the memory of the Earth and our galaxy. Whether they come from deep within the earth or the far reaches of space, they transform each watch dial into a fabulous journey through the infinity of time.

As you can all see the number 8 plays a big part in the Jaquet Droz dynasty, could this be why it was so popular in the far east or how it managed to develop and attain some of its history from its extensive dealing in the Far East…. its will come as no surprise as the Number 8 is associated with Luck and Good feelings in the Far East.

The watch masters in the Jaquet Droz family were pioneers in the art of luxury decoration as far back as the 18th century and in turn generated work for an entire generation of craftsmen. The success and fame of the Jaquet droz family increased after the introduction of paillons and painted motifs to decorate the enameled surfaces of watch cases and other masterpieces, pocket watches, decorative urns, snuffboxes and cages for mechanical singing birds. These techniques were finally adopted, but much later, by the enamellers of the time.

The special skills used by Jaquet Droz in the 18th century are still applied to a very few truly exceptional pieces in the Jaquet Droz collection. In wishing to honor the art of painting on enamel in the 21st century and uphold the traditions of its founder this painstaking decorative technique is applied to a few remarkable pieces in its collection. The painter does everything by hand, with the aid of a microscope and it takes at least 40 hours to produce each unique piece.

Another central point of Jaquet Droz watches is the art of enameling, which involves covering ornamental paillons (tiny motifs or paillettes, cut from gold or silver leaf) with fondant (translucent enamel) as described in Code 3. This technique is central to Jaquet Droz’s traditional expertise and during the 18th century Pierre transformed the technique into an art form.

As discussed in Code 1 – The Grande Seconde is the Timeless Icon of Jaquet Droz Watches

The dials are designed in such a way as to give excellent legibility, giving them their distinguished appearance. This iconic model first appeared in 1785, where Jaquet Droz created 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 visualization of the passing of Time, established many centuries ago.

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 rigor of this iconic model remain, and prove the perpetuity of Jaquet Droz designs. Since its first launch, the product has appeared in a variety of different versions, these being Grande Seconde Enamel, Grande Seconde Minute Repeater and Grande Seconde Lady. These models illustrate the extraordinary level of skill of the dial makers and the infinite possibilities for personalization.

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 optimization and Swiss watchmaking tradition to greater heights.

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, favoring 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.

The Jaquet Droz Collections

Jaquet Droz was a man of great vision and as we all know from this article his prowess travelled well beyond the borders of Switzerland he established manufacture in London, gained access to China. Opened the first established workshop in Geneva along with his first in his home town. Jaquet Droz, who owned three watch factories was an extensive traveller, but he loved Paris. All these places and cities still inspire today’s Jaquet Droz Collections as can be seen below;

Legend – Geneva

As a bridge between the Age of Enlightenment and the third millennium, the  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 choosingGeneva, he became a pioneer: his workshop was the very first to be established in this city.

Urban London 

Entering the sports watch field, Jaquet Droz confirms its mastery of the aesthetic and technical concerns of the 21st century, based on the Manufacture’s values over the last three centuries: boldness, a sense of adventure and the love of a challenge. The city of London is a perfect interpretation of these values and pushed Jaquet Droz to offer his craftsmanship to the world, especially to Asia.

Inspired by the 8 and the infinity, the Grande Seconde SW line and 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  collection’s models seems to know no bounds: the Grande Heure, 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 Grand 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, Parishas 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  collection represents yet another milestone in our unrelenting quest to push back the limits of Beauty.

The whole Jaquet Droz Story can be seen in this 128 page, well illustrated book, which can be viewed online free at http://book.jaquetdroz.ch/Jaquet-Droz/181-JD-Catalogue-2012-2013-ENG.html#/0