Jaquet Droz shows off its mastery in enameling and artistic horology in a trio of watches.
Jaquet Droz timepieces are universally acknowledged for their mechanical excellence and fine decoration, including painted dials, engraving and enameling at the hands of master craftsmen at the company’s Ateliers d’Art in La Chaux-de-Fonds. Enameling is notoriously tricky, and to achieve an enamel finish with even grain and color requires knowledge and mastery of high firing techniques, as well as access to the best resources available.
Founder Pierre Jaquet-Droz was a champion of paillonné enameling, which dates to the 18th century. It incorporates gold paillons (thin foil) positioned by hand and set in place under translucent enamel to add brilliance to a watch dial. It is one of the signature decorative techniques used by Jaquet Droz.
Gray, violet and blue are the three main colors in the Petite Heure Minute 39mm, while the pocket watch is in blue or red (pictured above). These colors evoke the spirit and visual identity of the Renaissance (think da Vinci and rich fabric patterns), but modern technology transforms the timepieces into something much more.
Each watch features an engraved number, marking the exclusivity of this limited edition.