THE EYE OF THE TIGER

One of fine watchmaking’s vocations is to showcase expertise and the new limited edition from Jaquet Droz does just that with its fabulous plique-à-jour enamel dial.

The basic premise of a watch is to tell the time but its dial can be the perfect place to showcase an artisan technique. Jaquet Droz has the perfect tool to accomplish this mission: the Petite Heure Minute collection with its off-centre hour and minute disc. Myriad techniques such as engraving, painting, eggshell mosaic, Grand Feu and champlevé enamel have previously adorned this space which is free of time features so the artisans can unleash their imagination. This is the first time that plique-à jour enamel, smalta clara in Latin, has been used to finish a layout fragmented into slices of colour and different shapes all separated by gold partitions. The puzzle brings to life a roaring tiger once the pieces have been put together. It takes the artisan four days to finish a dial that shines as brightly as a stained-glass window with a hundred diamonds on the bezel that only enhance the glow.

The hands gliding over the white mother-of-pearl dial on the 38mm Petite Heure Minute Smalta Clara are fuelled by a self-winding movement which provides a 38-hour power reserve. An unassuming crown at 2 enables you to wind the watch and set the time.

There are two limited edition models (28 available): a white gold one with a blue tiger and a red gold one with a yellow and brown big cat. Both come with a satin strap to match the dial colour.

Price on request jaquet-droz.com

By Dan Diaconu