Grande Seconde Off-Centered Black Jade

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Grande Seconde Off-Centered Black Jade - Jaquet-Droz
The new Grande Seconde Off-Centered by Jaquet Droz, featuring gold and black jade, brings together the principal codes of the Maison in a 43 mm timepiece that breaks with conventions.

While the design of the Grande Seconde, created by Pierre Jaquet-Droz almost three centuries ago, is ever recognizable, it exudes a resolute difference from the Grande Seconde Off-Centered: the time is off-center. The alignment of the hours and minutes with the independent large seconds is respected but along a slightly slanted axis, from 1 o’clock to 7 o’clock. With a new century comes a new way to be bold.

For the dial, Jaquet Droz gives pride of place to one of its most emblematic skills: the masterful use of minerals. Black jade, also known by its scientific name of “amphibolite,” is almost exclusively of Australian origin. It is an extremely hard stone, thanks to the presence of metal in its composition, and requires lengthy polishing to reveal the tiny silver inclusions that are its hidden secret. Almost imperceptible to the naked eye, they enrich black jade with a unique reflection that allows knowledgeable collectors to distinguish it from onyx.

In China, black jade is a symbol of nobility, perfection and immortality. Black jade amulets are often worn to protect oneself and to concentrate their powerful energies. In ancient cultures over five thousand years ago, it was used as an amulet to attract good luck and fortune. For the Mesoamerican peoples, it had special power and represented elegance. It was used to carve out images of the gods. Finally, for pre-Hispanic peoples, black jade possessed the supreme energies of the universe and was even more precious than gold.

Grande Seconde Décentrée Jade Noir

Today, black jade is at the heart of the new Grande Seconde Off-Centered, limited to 88 pieces. Worked by hand as a mineral sheet just 1mm thick, it is paired with a red gold case featuring warm, coppery highlights. The two circles and fine hands are also in red gold, creating a singular contrast that reflects the Art of Astonishment by Jaquet Droz.

The watch is powered by the Jaquet Droz 2663A.P self-winding mechanical movement, with silicon balance spring and pallet horns, double barrel, flat bridges, 18-karat red gold oscillating weight and 68-hour power reserve.

A black rolled-edge, hand-made alligator leather strap, adds the finishing touch to this elegant timepiece.

Grande Seconde Décentrée Jade Noir

Un bracelet en cuir d'alligator rembordé main, assorti à la couleur du cadran, apporte la touche finale à cet élégant garde-temps.

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