THE SECRET OF THE PYRAMIDS
A limited edition of a Jaquet Droz icon proves that classic watch finishes can elevate contemporary design.
The Grande Seconde is a signature collection for Jaquet Droz and stands out for the 8-shaped dial with time displays. Many believe the layout epitomises slick watchmaking and style. To showcase this iconic layout, the brand has unveiled two new black ceramic models, one with a power reserve indicator and one without. What do they have in common? They both have the stunning “Clous de Paris” finish that takes the design to another level. To create this diamond-shaped guillochage pattern that appeared in the 16th century, the watchmaker hollows out and interweaves a row of lines to form small pyramids. To keep the same visual throughout the watch, the Grande Seconde Ceramic “Clous de Paris” fabric strap’s texture is similar to the finish on the dial. The light on this graphic monochrome piece bounces off the red gold hour and minute hands and the slim seconds hand with a counterweight.
The model with a power reserve indicator at 9 houses the self-winding Jaquet Droz 4063D movement. The other timepiece is fuelled by the 2663A-S calibre. You can see their heavy metal black PVD-coated rotors through the sapphire back. Both have a 68-hour power reserve.
The 44mm ceramic case on both Grande Seconde Ceramic “Clous de Paris” watches are engraved with their own numbers on the back. There are just 28 of both available.
Price: €14,900 – €17,200 (power reserve) jaquet-droz.com
By Dan Diaconu