For the first time in its history, the Jaquet Droz Manufacture is elucidating some of its best-kept professional secrets.

Acclaimed by watchmaking professionals and connoisseurs alike as one of the most innovative manufactures of luxury Swiss watches, Jaquet Droz has followed the same philosophy, based on uniqueness, since 1738. For over two centuries, its dials embellished with "grand feu" enamelling or set with precious stones, its off-centred subdials and its mastery of the most impressive watchmaking complications have been references in the art of timekeeping. Enlightened connoisseurs may be familiar with these references, but the craftsmen at the workshops in La Chaux-de-Fonds (Switzerland) have always scrupulously guarded their secrets. These mysteries, from the blued steel used for watch hands to the precious grand feu enamelling technique, have remained intact since the days of the Enlightenment.

For the first time in its history, Jaquet Droz will be revealing its identity codes. It has organized a landmark exhibition entitled Les Codes Essentiels at the Cité du Temps in Geneva, a major venue in Swiss watchmaking and internationally. For the first time, the Manufacture will not only present its models but also invite the public to discover its original codes, like its "DNA", at premises offering a photography exhibition space and a showroom. Visitors to this show, which focuses on the 14 key codes used by Jaquet Droz and reconciles the art of watchmaking with its technical heritage, will better grasp the magic of the perpetual calendar or the incredible precision of its finest complications. Starting on December 12, 2007, you will be able to tackle these mysteries.

"Les Codes Essentiels" exhibition, December 12, 2007 to January 28, 2008, at the Cité du Temps, Pont de la Machine 1, 1204 Geneva.

Press release