Jaquet Droz presented an exclusive interpretation of the Earth Dragon, the fifth element in the 60- year cycle of the traditional Chinese calendar. For this new creation, in a series strictly limited to 8 pieces (Numerus Clausus), Jaquet Droz has chosen its Petite Heure Minute as its canvas. With its off- centered dial at noon, it offers a large surface on which Jaquet Droz has deployed the magic of its Ateliers d’Art.
The dial of this Petite Heure Minute Relief Dragon was carved from so-called “Spiderman” jasper, named after its web-like mineral veining. It is cut, softened and polished by hand, making each piece unique in its nuances. It features a smaller dial in absolute black onyx, with two red gold hands. Like a precious treasure, an onyx bead hides underneath it.
At the center of the dial, the Earth Dragon appears as a relief appliqué, emerging from the watch’s surface. Hand-engraved in 18-karat solid yellow gold, the mythological animal seems to go over and under the jasper dial in several places, encircled in the fire details of its 41 mm case, made in 18-karat red gold. Each scale and claw, as well as the Dragon’s eyes and tongue, are chiseled by hand. The timepiece plays with light, shadows and reflections to give life to a truly animated work.
Rare among the Jaquet Droz limited series, the creation on the dial side continues onto the case-back. It features an oscillating weight, made of Spiderman jasper, and adorned with a gold engraving of the body of the Dragon on the dial side. The watch’s movement is therefore intertwined with the creature’s reptilian body, giving the illusion that they are one and share the same heart. With a 68-hour power reserve, this self-winding mechanical movement, completed with a silicon balance spring and pallet lugs, is decorated with Côtes de Genève and is resistant to temperature changes and magnetic fields. It comes with a Certificate of Authenticity signed by the craftsmen, embodying the “Philosophy of the Unique” that is cherished by Jaquet Droz.
Technical specifications
| Reference: | J005023292 |
| Movement: | Jaquet Droz 2653.Si, self-winding mechanical movement, silicon balance spring and pallet horns, double barrel, 18-karat red gold oscillating weight with spiderman jasper and 22-karat yellow gold dragon applique |
| Indications: | Off-centered hours and minutes at 12 o’clock |
| Jewels: | 28 |
| Power reserve: | 68 hours |
| Frequency: | 28,800 v/h |
| Case: | 18-karat red gold case Diameter: 41 mm Height: 13.77 mm Individual limited serial number engraved on the case-back |
| Water resistance: | To 3 bar (30 meters) |
| Dial: | 18-karat red gold dial with spiderman jasper and black onyx, hand-engraved and hand-patinated 18-karat yellow gold dragon relief appliques, Onyx bead |
| Hands: | 18-karat red gold |
| Strap: | Rolled-edge hand-made black alligator |
| Clasp: | 18-karat red gold ardillon buckle |
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