Making Artistic Worlds More Approachable

Furthermore, the attractive automaton "Lady 8 Flower" was released for the ladies' collection.

A Unique Way of Telling Time on a Mechanical Watch

This "Grande Seconde Dead Beat" is equipped with a truly unique mechanism.

The hour and minute hands are positioned at 12 o'clock, and the pointer-style date display at 6 o'clock uses a retrograde system that sweeps across a fan shape. When the date display reaches the end of the month, the hand instantly returns to the 1st.

The seconds hand, positioned at the center, is also unusual. While the seconds hand on a conventional mechanical watch moves fluidly, this watch's seconds hand jumps precisely every second. This mechanism, known as "deadbeat seconds," mimics the movement of a quartz watch's seconds hand. This complication was also featured in a pocket watch created by founder Jaquet-Droz in the 18th century, marking a revival of a classical mechanism.

The dial is a lustrous ivory, made of enamel fired at high temperatures. This watch, seemingly simple at first glance yet full of unique features, is a precious timepiece with a world limited to 88 pieces in this color.

JAQUET DROZ

A Lotus Flower Animated by Mechanical Precision (2)

Expressing Lunar Phases with a Retrograde Disk

The "Eclipse" is a triple calendar + moon phase model with an extremely simple dial finish. The date is indicated by numerals around the outer edge of the dial, while the month and day displays are shown in small windows at the 12 o'clock position.

Without three-dimensional hour markers, time is read using the 5-minute markers placed around the date display. This design maximizes the dial's visual space, resulting in a remarkably clean and refined face.

The moon phase at 6 o'clock is particularly striking. The method of expressing lunar phases, with a disk overlaying a humorous face of the moon flanked by stars, is highly distinctive. Moreover, the disk moves in a retrograde arc, returning to its starting position instantly when the moon reaches its full phase. While the dial appears simple, this is quite a complication, showcasing Jaquet Droz's prowess in a single timepiece.

An Automaton Where a Lotus Flower Opens to Reveal Diamonds

The case, inspired by the "8" motif that symbolizes Jaquet Droz, is a unique design in itself. The hour and minute displays are positioned on the larger circle, featuring a realistic depiction of a butterfly. Its wings are meticulously engraved and painted with translucent red enamel, creating a beautiful hue.

On the smaller circle at 12 o'clock rests a lotus bud. This is the automaton. When the push-button at 2 o'clock is pressed, the lotus bud slowly opens, revealing diamonds within. It then gently closes its petals. This unfolds an oriental, naturalistic artistic world that is utterly captivating. This rare timepiece, limited to 28 pieces worldwide, masterfully incorporates the depth of mechanical watchmaking.



Jaquet Droz / Swatch Group Japan
Tel. 03-6254-7288

http://www.jaquet-droz.com/ja