Jaquet Droz’s Grande Seconde is one of the Maison’s most iconic collections with its large figure of eight dial design that is formed by an off-centred hour and minute subdial at 12 o’clock and a large excentred second indication at 6 o’clock. Over the years, the Grande Seconde collection has been enriched with numerous complications and dial variations, continuously seducing the brand’s clients.
A turning point in design
In 2018, Jaquet Droz’s designers decided to take the Grande Seconde into new territory by completely skeletonising the movement. This new execution was in celebration of the brand’s 280th anniversary and presented a distinctive turning point in terms of design.
The idea was to keep the signature figure of eight, but let the light flood into the timepiece, giving it a very different avant-garde look. The movement was skeletonised with an entirely openworked mainplate and no casing circle. The oscillating weight was also openworked for maximum transparency.
Three new models
The first models were unveiled in red gold and white gold, followed by a high-tech version in black ceramic that included a matching black treatment on the movement. Following on from the success of this model, Jaquet Droz is now unveiling three new Grande Seconde Skelet-One versions in green, sky- blue and yellow, each of which is limited to 28 pieces.
The Grande Seconde Skelet-One
Like with all the other Grande Seconde timepieces, the spirit of these new timepieces stays the same with the brand’s signature figure of eight dial. For the new Skelet-One editions, the dial is crafted out of sapphire crystal and is adorned with 18-karat gold hands and indexes that appear to float above a brushed hours and minutes ring.
Green grass and blue sky
For the green and sky-blue versions, the 41.5mm case comes in black ceramic with 18-karat white gold hands and indexes. The hints of green and sky-blue are found on the hands, the railway track, and on the hand-made fabric straps.
Sunny yellow
The yellow version plays with warmer tones with a plasma ceramic case, 18-karat red gold indexes, and a yellow rolled-edge fabric strap. The plasma case is of particular note as it is forged in a high-temperature kiln before it is embellished with a metallic glow, avoiding the addition of any metal particles. This colour transformation occurs at the molecular level and helps to maintain all the sought-after properties of ceramic – matt finish, lightness, and scratch-resistance – while adding an optimal and harmonious chromatic contrast.
All the details
The new Jaquet Droz Grande Seconde Skelt-One models are powered by the Maison’s Calibre 2663 skeletonised self-winding movement that includes a silicon balance spring, pallet lugs, a double barrel, and an 18-karat gold oscillating weight. The timepieces have a power reserve of 68 hours and are water-resistant to 30 metres.
These splashes of colour bring a range of new looks to the Grande Seconde Skelet-One. The only question remains, which one will you choose?
