Jaquet Droz has been creating beautiful pieces of horology and automata for nearly three centuries, and in that time there has been little to no emphasis on exposed or skeletonized movements. Yet here we have the new Grande Seconde Skelet-One! Check out why Joshua Munchow thinks this is a stunning piece of horology even though it may be outside the brand’s established design arena.
While it is true that today most gem-set watches are created with the female wrist in mind, which means that these timepieces are smaller and perhaps less suitable for wear by men, based largely on the growing number of new pieces I have seeing launching of late gem-set watches for men could well be making something of a comeback. Take a look at 5 examples of new gem-set watches for men from 2018 by Rolex, Hublot, Jaquet Droz, Chopard, and Antoine Preziuso.
The idea of transparency seems to have come full circle with the development of sapphire crystal cases, making the entire watch see-through – and much more expensive. Now designers often use translucency as a newer, more unique way of offering views to the movement. “Transparent” is often confused with “translucent,” and many use the terms interchangeably. But there is an important difference to note.
Here are five recent examples of skeletonization – both traditionally and contemporarily crafted – that take the art form to the next level. Each one of them has a strong allure that derives from the meticulous finishing and uncluttered design of mechanical “bare bones.”
The lines between form, fun, and functionality have been blurry, especially in recent years. Which is why we see more and more mechanical objects with relationships to time but perhaps not directly related. Here Martin Green explores three such objects by Jaquet Droz, Urwerk, and MB&F.
Whenever Sabine write articles about high-end ladies’ watches, she is fascinated by how masterfully some of them blend technological expertise and sublime design. And to highlight what she’s talking about, here are five recent horological treasures from Romain Gauthier, Jaquet Droz, Breguet, Chopard and Patek Philippe, exquisitely fashioned for the demanding aficionada’s wrist.
Introduced in time for the 280th anniversary of Jaquet Droz in 2018, the Signing Machine was officially launched at Baselworld 2018. The Signing Machine is definitely a worthy descendant of Pierre Jaquet-Droz’s Writer automaton, widely considered one of the first computers in the world.
While I know my own ethics, most of you don’t, and such is my appreciation for the Jaquet Droz Grande Seconde Moon Black Enamel that I am slightly concerned that some of you might feel I’ve taken a bribe. So to you I promise to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth.
This visually stunning video is a treat whether you like watches or not. And there’s also a bonus video of the recently released Tropical Bird Repeater.
Despite seeing aventurine in six new wristwatches at SIHH – more than the number of new tourbillons Elizabeth counted – it remains a decorative artisanal element used only by luxury watchmakers in small series or unique pieces for its beauty and decorative properties. While there is some uncertainty about the origin of aventurine, it continues to add mysterious shine and scintillating glamour to watches. Here is what aventurine really is and where it comes from.