Jaquet Droz Petite Heure Minute 35mm

Jaquet Droz Petite Heure Minute 35mm


by Johnny McElherron
Categories:
Jaquet Droz

Jacquet Droz have added five new models to their Petite Heure Minute 35mm portfolio. Every Jaquet Droz watch is an art form in miniature and nothing receives their marque unless it is flawless. Each year the company challenge their artisans with new designs on which to employ some very traditional techniques. The dial arrangement of the Petite Heure collection is one which begs to be decorated with its off-centred hours and minutes dial leaving plenty of empty space on which to showcase their artistic skills. These new editions offer a much wider choice, proving the versatility of the collection which was first unveiled in 2012.

Jaquet Droz Petite Heure Minute 35mm Shiny

Jaquet Droz Petite Heure Minute 35mm Shiny

Jaquet Droz Petite Heure Minute 35mm – A Carpeting of Precious Stones

First – the most opulent, the Petite Heure Minute 35mm Shiny. Despite its rather un-elegant title (much more suited to its French name “Eclat”) this piece wears its carpeting of precious stones with poise. The 18 carat red gold dial has been set with 565 diamonds and only the mother-of-pearl inner dial escapes the gem-setter’s touch. There is a further sprinkling of sparkle on the 18 carat red gold case and lugs with more still on the red gold ardillon buckle. The superior appearance of this model is matched by its exclusivity – just 28 models will be available for purchase.

Jaquet Droz Petite Heure Minute 35mm Day

Jaquet Droz Petite Heure Minute 35mm Day

Jaquet Droz Petite Heure Minute 35mm – Contrasting Day and Night

Steel is becoming more widely used by Jaquet Droz and two new steel-cased editions have been unveiled, demonstrating comparisons to day and night to great effect. A pale blue mother-of-pearl dial on one of these new models calls to mind a gentle dawn sky with a sunray structure emanating from the off-centred hours and minutes dial. The fortuitous number 8, a signature feature of Jaquet Droz collections, is represented using 8 little applied stars. The other steel model which features an aventurine dial is evocative of the night sky and has a rich hue with a star-studded quality. Although steel may be a less noble metal than gold, Jaquet Droz do not discriminate, and each of these models features a bezel adorned with 160 diamonds.

Jaquet Droz Petite Heure Minute 35mm Night

Jaquet Droz Petite Heure Minute 35mm Night

The white gold edition features a mother-of-pearl dial which has been decorated with a sunray motif, a technique which presents its own particular challenges considering the frangible nature of this material. Blued steel hands enhance the time indication of this piece, but no further embellishment is necessary to detract from its superior artisan dial.

 

Jaquet Droz Petite Heure Minute 35mm Pearl

Jaquet Droz Petite Heure Minute 35mm Pearl

Jaquet Droz Petite Heure Minute 35mm – A Rich Ruby Heart

Finally, the Ruby Heart model adds a touch of luxury to the collection – not attained from precious gem-setting, but from its rich garnet and rose hues which are perfectly in harmony with its 18 carat red gold case. The designers at Jaquet Droz wisely leave this model bereft of diamonds, and the plain bezel provides the exquisite dial with an excellent frame.

Jaquet Droz Petite Heure Minute 35mm Ruby Heart

Jaquet Droz Petite Heure Minute 35mm Ruby Heart

Each of these new models is powered by the Jaquet Droz 2653 self-winding mechanical movement providing a generous power reserve of 68 hours. The fine decoration of the calibre is viewable through a sapphire crystal caseback.

Jaquet Droz Petite Heure Minute 35mm - Caseback

Jaquet Droz Petite Heure Minute 35mm – Caseback

    Author Bio

    Articles by Johnny McElherron

    CONTRIBUTOR

    Johnny McElherron was busy minding his own business as a successful company director, when one day he fell in love with watches. So deeply that soon after his eureka! moment he established The Watch Press as a vehicle where he could indulge his passion with gusto. What his eye beheld he would write about, in his own unique style, and in time his work penetrated through to numerous national and international mainstream and online publications. Today Johnny creates engaging content for watch industry clients, and in 2014 joined forces with the highly respected watch industry specialists Delos Communications, with whom he works to provide Delos clients with high quality content to ensure no part of their company message gets lost in translation.