Have all complications been explored? Probably. Once calendar functions, time zones, tides, and chronographs have been addressed, not to mention striking mechanisms and some more exceptional functions (like the depth gauge), 99% of mechanical engineering is covered. There remain a few rare fields to explore, such as the barometer or thermometer, but those who have tried haven’t lasted long.
On the other hand, the métiers d’art have only the imagination of the artists as their limit. Artists... and collectors, Jaquet Droz would add. Because the maison today specializes almost exclusively in unique pieces made by, for, and with its final clients.
For passionate watch enthusiasts, this practice can be frustrating: almost all pieces conceived this way go directly from the workshop to the wrist of the commissioner. No photos, no videos, no testimonials, and certainly no chance to try it on.
Camel Trophy
In this light, getting a client’s approval to communicate about their commission is a little trophy gladly seized. Such is the case with the Petite Heure Minute “Camels.”
The piece has just been unveiled. It’s surprising because the client’s wishes were anything but ordinary. First, they wanted a platinum case. That had never been done on this model. It might seem anecdotal, but it’s not: a new case means new tools, new tests, new engravings, appropriate finishing, etc. You don’t change a precious metal case like you change a strap!
But above all, the client wanted to see an unusual scene represented: camels against a desert backdrop covered with lavender. Such a landscape exists, it is endemic to the Sahara, and here it is crafted in gold appliqué. Each lavender sprig is hand-engraved, one by one. It’s likely no other watch in the world has ever depicted such a scene.
Beauty of the Sands
The same applies to the camelids: these are no ordinary camels but the client’s own competition animals—white camels with a unique expression. The artisans at Jaquet Droz had the mission of reproducing the exact physiognomy of the collector’s camels. The workshop chose two. To make them stand out from the scene, they are made in appliqué, thus positioned in the foreground above the desert setting.
The latter was reproduced at night. The effect is twofold. On one hand, the white camels stand out more clearly. On the other, the night allowed Jaquet Droz to paint in the background a tent where Bedouins and a crackling campfire are visible. Each brushstroke is well under a millimeter in width. Above the scene floats an aventurine sky (0.55 mm thick!) with a golden lunar appliqué, hand-engraved.
Shooting Star
As soon as it appeared, it disappeared: it’s a safe bet that almost no one will see this piece with their own eyes. But that’s not the point. Jaquet Droz’s message is clear: between automata and métiers d’art, there is probably no horological desire the maison cannot fulfill. Until proven otherwise...
