Pierre Jaquet Droz's idea was to miniaturize the art that he found existed in real life. The result of his musings was tangible in the three surviving large androids currently on display in Museum of Art and History in Neuchâtel: the draughtsman, the writer and the musician.
This is one of the reasons that Jaquet Droz, the modern-day watch manufacturer, has created a brand-new department within its modernly-styled La Chaux-de-Fonds factory building. Enamel is a traditional art that has been practiced at Jaquet Droz since the early days and is perfectly exemplified by the elaborately decorated pocket watches of the brand's early days. Techniques such as grand feu and paillonée enamel combined with engraving were the order of Pierre Jaquet Droz's day.
Today, these techniques exist within a special room at the Jaquet Droz factory. They are reserved for dials of the very top end of the collection, the most exclusive timepieces that this niche brand manufactures. Here, two handfuls of artisans work on the dials, finishing them all the way to the printing of the nostalgic grand feu examples.
Four artisans work in the métiers d'art section of the company, one of whom is an enameller who joined the company in early 2012. A kiln was even special-ordered for her so that the precious dials could be fully completed in-house.
An oeuvre d'art
All this know-how and history have gone into the making of what is surely to be Jaquet Droz's biggest and most complicated work of art in the modern era. Drawing on both Pierre Jaquet Droz's propensity for automata and the company's artistic predilections, a very limited edition 47 mm wristwatch of historic proportions is slated to be launched next week. Currently dubbed The Bird Repeater, its mechanical movement includes a tourbillon and a repeater, the latter simultaneously moves the bird automata, which replicate a species found in the Jura called mésange. The moving birds are set against a waterfall background. This beautiful play of water also exists in the region: le Saut du Doubs.
Jaquet Droz will only make 16 of these beautiful works of art: eight encased in 18-karat gold and eight additionally set with diamonds, the price of which will run close to half a million Swiss francs. If all goes well, the first piece will be completed this month. It is slated to go on a world tour of Jaquet Droz boutiques, starting with Hong Kong, then moving to Shanghai, Tokyo, Paris Vendôme, and of course Switzerland.
