Press Release: Jaquet Droz Grande Seconde

GRANDE SECONDE TRIBUTE

Jaquet Droz celebrates its 280th anniversary by paying tribute to the Grande Seconde

 

It spans centuries and generations, fashions and trends. Since the Grande Seconde by Jaquet Droz was brought back to life in 2002, its line has become an icon. 

It is this historic and aesthetic tradition that Jaquet Droz celebrates today as part of its 280th anniversary. With the Grande Second Tribute, limited to 88 pieces and presented in an exclusive box, it is the first time the brand offers a wristwatch version in yellow gold.

The model reflects the care Jaquet Droz takes to develop its creations while respecting its heritage. A clear continuation of a story begun in 1784, the Grande Seconde Tribute puts three centuries of fine watchmaking at the wearer's fingertips: no shortcuts, no compromises. It is the direct descendant of a prestigious line of timepieces that left a mark on their time. True to that legacy, this creation is sure to make its mark in the new century. 

Drawing on its heritage, the brand has preserved the perfect design created by Pierre Jaquet-Droz. It features the hours and minutes counter at 12 o’clock, with indexes alternating between Roman and Arabic numerals two centuries before it was common place, for the perfect readability of two dials in line with one another. At 6 o’clock, the large seconds counter sweeps around a slightly larger circle, breathing life into the signature Jaquet Droz figure “8”. The model is also adorned with a dial in Grand Feu enamel, a centuries-old technique that remains difficult to achieve, and to which only a handful of watchmakers can lay claim. Not only is Jaquet Droz one of these, it is likely the only one able to obtain a perfectly uniform ivory tone. Its composition renders the Grande Seconde Tribute as impervious to the test of time as the steady ticking of its precision mechanics.

As for the entirely hand-assembled Caliber 2663 movement, it stands proudly in its modernity. The self-winding mechanical movement features two barrels, ensuring almost three days of power reserve (68 hours). Its precision is guaranteed by a silicon escapement (balance spring and pallet lugs), making it resistant to variations in magnetic fields and temperatures. Finally, its oscillating weight features two decorations specific to the Grande Seconde Tribute. First, it is decorated with traditional hand guilloché. Then there are the brand’s two symbolic stars. Applied and polished, they represent the Jaquet-Droz father and son, shining bright in the firmament of history and rich with today’s new chapter.