Jaquet Droz - Grande Seconde Skelet-One

The Grande Seconde is one of the symbols of the unique watchmaking style of Jaquet Droz. While several variations of this model have been created over the years, this is the first time that the brand presents a sapphire dial integrated within a skeleton composition and it is not a coincidence that such stylistic turning point is happening on occasion of the 280th anniversary of the Swiss watchmaker.

In creating the architectural dial of the new Grande Seconde Skelet-One, it was mandatory to preserve the figure “8” shape, the true aesthetic signature of this line.

And, in fact, Jaquet Droz maintained the distinctive hours and minutes counter with Roman numerals at 12 o’clock, intertwined with the large seconds counter with Arabic numerals at 6 o’clock.

While remaining faithful to these key elements, the Grande Seconde Skelet-One is radically new thanks to the play of transparencies and the alternation between full and empty.

The sapphire dial, on which the large seconds hand turns, beautifully complements the skeleton movement, constructed in successive layers. The plate is entirely openworked. The casing-up circle has been eliminated, allowing for a more open composition.

At 12 o’clock, the hours and minutes turn around a sapphire hour ring, set on a base of gold. The ensemble is held together by five indexed screws, oriented in a chosen direction. Used for the first time by Jaquet Droz, this procedure was derived from an existing armory system and adapted by the brand’s technical teams.

Another detail that we love, the oscillating weight in gold has also been openworked to let light diffuse freely into the heart of the movement.

The Grande Seconde Skelet-One is powered by the hand-assembled Calibre 2663 SQ equipped with silicon double barrel, balance spring and pallet horns. Beating at 4 Hz (28,800 vph), it offers 68 hours of power reserve.

The 41 mm case of the Grande Seconde Skelet-One is available in three variations: red gold, white gold and black ceramic with prices of Swiss Francs 34,600 for the gold versions or Swiss Francs 24,850 in ceramic. jaquet-droz.com