The Jaquet Droz Petite Heure Minute collection, known for its off-center watch dial, welcomes three new nature-inspired interpretations. Each is designed to showcase the expertise of the Jaquet Droz Ateliers d’Art, as well as to inspire travel to exotic destinations.
We know that Pierre Jaquet-Droz, born during the Age of Enlightenment, was an avid traveler. So it makes perfect sense that these three watches align with his life-long curiosity about the world. Even more critically, the watches embody the artistic creativity that has characterized today’s Jaquet Droz for many years.
And as is usual for this brand, the dial motifs here are outstanding. We see a flamingo, a koi carp and a lion, each depicted thanks to expert miniature painting on a black Grand Feu enamel background. Each watch design is a limited edition of twenty-eight pieces. A self-winding Jaquet Droz 2653.P with an 18-karat gold oscillating weight powers each watch, and the limited edition number is engraved on the caseback.
The Watches
The Petite Heure Minute Pink Flamingo features a highly detailed hand-painted flamingo resting below center on the dial, with fuchsia feathers that are in elegant contrast to the minimalist background. The watch’s 39mm red gold case is set with 248 diamonds, which is fitted on a black rolled-edge alligator leather strap with a red gold buckle set with 24 diamonds. Price: $39,400.
The Petite Heure Minute Carps, also with a 39mm red gold case, features a colorful water-inspired scene, with carp, cattails and lily pads offering a realistic counterpoint to the stark Grand Feu enamel dial. The 39mm red gold case is 12.23mm in height and the watch is fitted on a rolled-edge hand-made black alligator strap with a red gold buckle. Price: $30,200.
The Petite Heure Minute Lion, the largest of the three watches at 43mm (appropriate for the King of the Jungle), is also crafted in red gold. The majestic lion, shown in profile, is lifelike in its depiction, with virtually every artful brushstroke of his mane visible on the black Grand Feu enamel dial. This watch, too, is fitted on a black alligator strap. Price:$32,200.
