An emotive approach and the aesthetics of time

At Jaquet Droz, the emotive is intimately linked to the aesthetic.
The dials are designed in such a way as to give excellent legibility, giving them their distinguished appearance. In 1785, Jaquet Droz created the iconic model of the brand, the “Grande Seconde”, and gave shape to a new way of perceiving space. It is the course of the seconds hand that provides us with the best visualisation of the passing of Time, established many centuries ago.
With the “Grande Seconde” dial and its figure-8-inspired design, scientific precision is no longer the reserve of academics, merchants, priests and kings. Now any admirer of fine objects can share the privilege of precision and refinement.
Nearly two centuries after its creation, the philosophical values, aesthetic identity and scientific rigour of this iconic model remain, and prove the perpetuity of Jaquet Droz designs. Since its first launch, the product has appeared in a never-ending variety of different versions “Grande Seconde Email”, “Grande Seconde Email Noir”, “Grande Seconde Cerclée Minéraux”. These models illustrate the extraordinary level of skill of the dial makers and the infinite possibilities for personalisation.

The aesthetics of the model has not aged in the slightest. Resolutely fashionable in the treatment of the typography of the numerals – Roman or traditional for the hours and minutes, modern and immediately accessible for the seconds – the watch incarnates simultaneously an impressive history and the present moment. The relative proportions of the two counters continue a line of geometrical progression inspired by the golden number – the figure 8 – a symbol at the very heart of Jaquet Droz’ identity. “I love the figure 8. It is the source of my inspiration when I design a piece of art. For me, it is also the balance between two polarities in which energy circulates ceaselessly, forever.”

Manuel Emch, President of Montres Jaquet Droz. The “Grande Seconde” finds a natural echo in the “Grande Date” or the “Grande Heure”, exemplary in its new approach to Time with its single hand – the hours hand. Another model that demonstrates exceptional technical and aesthetical prowess is the “Chrono Mono Poussoir”. This watch, powerful and masculine, is the first and only single pushpiece chronograph in the world with an off-centre hours-minutes display. At a time when all watchmaking Manufactures compete in technology and multiply the complications on the market, Jaquet Droz continue in their commitment to the essential, favouring art
and longevity. Much more than a simple movement, a watch is an Emotion, a passion that goes straight to the heart. Jaquet Droz continue to produce timepieces for connoisseurs in searchof perfection, remaining loyal both to the watch and to an emotive and aesthetic approach to
Time.

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