Words: Russell
Not all of us get to celebrate a 280th anniversary. As individuals, our mortality obviously gets in the way. Even for brands and companies, sometimes markets and economies can conspire to do for these bigger milestones. But, although many names don’t make it to such a rarefied age, this year Jaquet Droz are celebrating almost three centuries of watchmaking.
And what better way to ring in the anniversary than with a limited edition watch in yellow gold?
The Grande Second Tribute will see a limited run of just 88 models with a stunning yellow gold case and an incredible Grand Feu — a technique of creating a uniform ivory tone that very few watchmakers can claim to have mastered — enamel dial.
"The Grande Second Tribute will see a limited run of just 88 models..."
We find this dial, which plays off the original designed of Pierre Jaquet-Droz, the most striking part of the timepiece by far, with the hours and minutes counter at 12 o’clock switching gracefully between Roman numerals and Arabic indicators.
But, as the name suggests, the main star of the show is the large second counter. This, once more, brings to life the iconic figure of eight design that Jaquet Droz fans have grown to love.
Once you move behind the dial, the mastery continues. The hand assembled Calibre 2663 gives not just accuracy but beauty. The self-winding movement has a 68-hour power reserve and can be fully enjoyed through the sapphire case back.
This means the watch can be enjoyed from any angle, and proves that even after 280 years, Jaquet Droz are still innovating, advancing and flourishing with their watchmaking.
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