The Strange and Wonderful Beauty of Jaquet Droz Watches

In the 18th century, Pierre Jaquet-Droz shook the world with his incredibly built clocks and automata, works of mechanical ingenuity that cemented his place in history as a true visionary. 

Today, Jaquet Droz watches are bringing the same level of ingenuity to the world of Swiss luxury watches. 

These aren’t simple arm decorations, though. The designs feature an aesthetic that isn’t quite like anything else out there, and we feel it would be a tragedy if they weren’t displayed to the world as the absolute works of art that they are. 

Unique, beautiful, luxurious. These are some of the words used when talking about Jaquet Droz pieces, and we’ve gathered below a selection that we feel truly accentuates just how apt those descriptors are for these wondrous watches. 

Grande Seconde Circled 39mm Men's Watch (Men)

This watch features a polished 18kt rose gold case, offering an exquisite touch of luxury to the discerning wearer.

The black main dial boasts the renowned "Cotes de Geneve" linear pattern finish, beautifully complemented by silver "opaline" time and seconds sub-dials. Encircling the sub-dials are applied rose gold rings, secured to the dial with three blued steel screws. These rings showcase a brushed top and polished beveled corners, adding depth and character to the watch face.

Blued steel hands gracefully track the passage of time, while the hour and minutes sub-dial elegantly displays a combination of black printed Roman and Arabic numeral hour markers, accompanied by a black printed minute track. The grande (over-sized) seconds sub-dial is off-set at the bottom, featuring black painted Arabic numeral 10-second incremental markings and a seconds track for enhanced readability.

See the Grande Seconde Circled 39mm Men's Watch.

The Petite Heure Minute (Women)

This stunning timepiece is housed in a stainless steel 39mm case, featuring a matching stainless steel crown that lends a touch of sophistication to its overall design. The stainless steel bezel gracefully frames the watch, creating an air of modern refinement.

The enchanting white mother of pearl dial captivates the eye with its iridescent shimmer. Off-center hours and minutes are displayed with utmost precision by the blued steel hands, adding a classic touch to the contemporary design. The watch face showcases a delicate balance of function and artistry, featuring hours, minutes, and a unique retrograde date function.

See the Petite Heure Minute.

Astrale Chronograph Grande Date (Men)

This remarkable timepiece is housed in a black PVD stainless steel case, offering a sleek and modern aesthetic that is sure to impress even the most discerning watch enthusiasts.

Paired with a sophisticated black alligator leather strap, this watch exudes a sense of refined masculinity. The deployment clasp ensures a secure and comfortable fit, making it a perfect accessory for any occasion, whether it be a business meeting or a night out on the town.

The fixed bezel further enhances the watch's streamlined appearance, providing a seamless transition from the case to the captivating black dial. This striking backdrop serves as the stage for the watch's exceptional complications, including the chronograph and grande date functions.

See the Astrale Chronograph.

The Lady 8 Flower (Women)

This is it. This is the watch that so perfectly channels the essence of Pierre Jaquet-Droz’s genius and passion for automation. This watch transcends luxury to become a jaw-dropping work of craftsmanship unseen before in the world of timepieces. 

Nearly the entire dial is overtaken by a breathtakingly beautiful butterfly, hand-painted and hand engraved red gold butterfly applique, which has been enameled using the Grand Feu technique. 

The red gold bezel is completely ensconced with 114 glittering diamonds and absolutely oozing with luxury. But the main attraction sits at the top. 

Planted within a sapphire dome above the dial is an eternally blooming and fully-automated flower. The hand-crafted pink petals open and close of their own accord, revealing at their center a swiveling briolette diamond. 

Once upon a time, Pierre Jaquet-Droz traveled the world and displayed his automated machines to kings and emperors to gasps of awe and wonderment. We like to think that this watch would have been amongst his most prized displays. 

See the Lady 8 Flower.