The La-Chaux-de-Fonds-based brand has risen to a new mechanical challenge, creating a pocket watch bearing the signature "Jaquet Droz" and entirely conceived around an original 18th century movement, the external parts of which have been lost to time.
A Jaquet Droz movement dating from the end of the 18th century was the basis of a unique timepiece dreamt up by the firm's artisans to celebrate the mechanical ingenuity of Pierre Jaquet-Droz, as well as his awareness of beauty and taste for aesthetic refinement. The antique movement with its crown wheel, or verge, escapement was originated in the 13th century and enjoyed an uninterrupted reign over the horological world until the mid-19th century. The movement, completely dismantled and cleaned, took six months to restore.
The pivot holes were rebushed and the pivots repolished in such a way that the original gilt finish on the plate and bridges was preserved. Winding is done with a key inserted beneath the 2 o'clock index. As there was no original key, this was entirely designed and made in our workshops.
The enamel painters, engravers and jewel-setters of the Jaquet Droz Ateliers d’Art devised a new exterior for the timepiece. Its secret signature of a four-leaf clover and the combination of Roman numerals (for the hours) and Arabic (for the minutes) on the dial. The case, fashioned from 18-carat gold, as was standard practice among watchmakers of the era, is ornamented with rubies and pearls in keeping with the jewelry-making techniques popular during the 18th century.
It was inspired by a legendary past, this unique timepiece is reserved for the Jaquet Droz Museum.
Click on the image above for a comprehensive photo gallery and discover the Museum pocket watch renovation.
