8 TELLS THE TIME
The masterful Grande Seconde now has a mono-pusher chronograph with each indication carefully considered so that it preserves the balance of Jaquet Droz’s lucky number
In 1785, Pierre Jaquet-Droz (1721-1790) designed a pocket watch in a pared-down style which provided an unprecedented time display. On the dial, the hours and minutes were pushed to the back while the seconds were given pride of place, with everything forming the perfect loops of a figure of 8. The symbol of infinity and eternity, this masterpiece was reinterpreted by Jaquet Droz in the 2000s before becoming the face of the brand. With new complications added over the years, it now has a mono-pusher chronograph which demonstrates a technical and aesthetic feat in preserving the brand’s lucky number. The Grande Seconde Chronograph is available in two versions: the classic version with its ivory Grand Feu enamel dial and red gold case and a contemporary version with the 8 off center and a steel case.
Both these new models are regulated by an exclusive automatic movement, the JD 26M5R caliber, which offers a power reserve of 40 hours. It displays the hours and minutes off center at 12 or 1 o’clock depending on the version, with the chronograph seconds at the center of the dial and the minute counter at 6 or 7 o’clock where the pointer-type retrograde date is also located.
For the 88-piece limited edition ivory version, the index markers combining Arabic and Roman numerals, the seconds scale, the minute counter and the date are created with black and blue Petit Feu enamel. The lancine-type hour and minute hands are made of red gold, the date hand has a lacquered red tip and the chronograph hands are made of blued steel.
For the modern version, the sandblasted dial is offered in three shades – silver, blue, or taupe – highlighted with blued or rhodium-treated hands.
So as not to clutter the profile of the 43 mm case, the Grande Seconde Chronograph has a single push button to start, stop and reset the chronograph located in the crown at 3 or 4 o’clock.
Price: 20,000 CHF (steel version) – 31,900 CHF (limited edition in red gold) jaquet-droz.com
By Sharmila Bertin