jaquet droz grande seconde chronograph enamel dial

GRANDE SECONDE CHRONOGRAPH

8 TELLS THE TIME

The masterful Grande Seconde now has a mono-pusher chronograph with each indication carefully considered so that it preserves the balance of Jaquet Droz’s lucky number

In 1785, Pierre Jaquet-Droz (1721-1790) designed a pocket watch in a pared-down style which provided an unprecedented time display. On the dial, the hours and minutes were pushed to the back while the seconds were given pride of place, with everything forming the perfect loops of a figure of 8. The symbol of infinity and eternity, this masterpiece was reinterpreted by Jaquet Droz in the 2000s before becoming the face of the brand. With new complications added over the years, it now has a mono-pusher chronograph which demonstrates a technical and aesthetic feat in preserving the brand’s lucky number. The Grande Seconde Chronograph is available in two versions: the classic version with its ivory Grand Feu enamel dial and red gold case and a contemporary version with the 8 off center and a steel case.

jaquet droz grande seconde chronograph enamel dialFor the modern version, the sandblasted dial is offered in three shades – silver, blue, or taupe – highlighted with blued or rhodium-treated hands.

So as not to clutter the profile of the 43 mm case, the Grande Seconde Chronograph has a single push button to start, stop and reset the chronograph located in the crown at 3 or 4 o’clock.

Price: 20,000 CHF (steel version) – 31,900 CHF (limited edition in red gold) jaquet-droz.com

By Sharmila Bertin