In 2014, Jaquet Droz launches three new Ateliers d’Art models that pay tribute to the sign of the Horse.
The horse has been a key part of Man’s history since the beginning of time. In 2014, China will mark the arrival of a new year with this sign, the seventh in the Chinese zodiac, which is celebrated by Jaquet Droz every year. It is a way of remembering the connection between the Brand’s founder – the first watchmaker to walk through the gates of the Forbidden City – and the Middle Kingdom. The Brand thus continues its annual tradition by honoring this trusty companion and symbol of loyalty, creativity and daring in its Ateliers d’Art series.
Three exclusive models have been created using the exclusive know-how of JaquetDroz’s master craftsmen, specialized in highly complex techniques: engraving, painting and Grand Feu enamel.
Two Arab thoroughbreds – considered the most beautiful horses in the world – have been delicately painted on the ivory enamel dial of the Petite Heure Minute 39mm.
Captured in full gallop, they seem to want to catch up with the sculptural mustang that appears on the dial of the Petite Heure Minute 43mm. Extremely wild and difficult to tame, this horse from the American Northwest – depicted in red gold and engraved in bas-relief – seems to jump out from the black enamel.
The champlevé technique, used here for the first time by Jaquet Droz, highlights the movement of the mane and the tail, both filled in with black Grand Feu enamel. On each of these models, a horse’s head is also represented on the back of the white gold oscillating weight.
The dial of the Petite Heure Minute 41mm has been chosen as the showcase to depict a horse rearing up on its hind legs against a backdrop of the Great Wall of China, engraved and patinated by hand on a mother-of-pearl dial.
Bold, powerful and elegant, this fearless horse in 18-carat red gold appears to protect the Great Wall, which is also hand engraved on the 22-carat red gold oscillating weight next to the Jaquet Droz signature of two stars.
Loyal to its spirit of exclusivity, Jaquet Droz is offering each of these new models in a limited edition of 88 pieces with a red gold case and available on a brown or black alligator leather strap.
1. Petite Heure Minute Horses
Les Ateliers D’art
Numerus Clausus of 88
Reference J005013204
Movement
Jaquet Droz 2653, self-winding mechanical movement, double barrel, 22-carat white gold oscillating weight with hand-engraved horse motif
Indications: Off-centered hours and minutes
Jeweling: 28 jewels
Power reserve: 68 hours
Frequency: 28,800 v.p.h
Case
18-carat red gold, diameter Ø 39 mm
Height 11.52 mm
Individual limited serial number engraved on the case-back
Water resistance: To 3 bar (30 meters)
Dial
Ivory Grand Feu enameled dial
Miniature painting on enamel
Hands: 18-carat red gold
Bracelet
Rolled-edge hand-made brown alligator leather strap
Buckle: 18-carat red gold ardillon buckle
2. Petite Heure Minute Low Relief Horse
Les Ateliers D’art
Numerus Clausus of 88
Reference: J005033201
Movement
Jaquet Droz 2653, self-winding mechanical movement, double barrel, 22-carat white gold oscillating weight with hand-engraved horse motif
Indications: Off-centered hours and minutes
Jeweling: 28 jewels
Power reserve: 68 hours
Frequency: 28,800 v.p.h
Case
18-carat red gold, diameter Ø 43 mm
Height 11.48 mm
Individual limited serial number engraved on the case-back
Water resistance: To 3 bar (30 meters)
Dial
Black enamel dial with hand-engraved and champlevé-enameled 22-carat red gold horse applique
Hands: 18-carat red gold
Bracelet
Rolled-edge hand-made black alligator leather strap
Buckle: 18-carat red gold ardillon buckle
3. Petite Heure Minute Relief Horse
Les Ateliers D’art
Numerus Clausus of 88
Reference: J005023275
