In 2016, two new models join into the Jaquet Droz Lady 8 Flower line, an exclusive collection offering high jewellery timepieces for women.
Introduced in 2013, the Lady 8 instantly distinguished itself in the watch-making realm. Its sculptural form evokes the figure 8 –the brand’s tutelary number and a symbol of completeness and infinity–and, following the great tradition of naturalism and the inventive animations of Pierre Jaquet-Droz (1721-1790), it was enhanced by a flower automaton that adds refinement and heightens the Lady 8’s power to enchant.
In 2016 the Lady 8 Flower prolongs the fabulous tale of mechanical and ornamental virtuosity that has marked out Jaquet Droz’s uniquely distinctive art of astonishment since the Age of Enlightenment.
The Lady 8 Flower is first and foremost a spectacular vision that dazzles the beholder with its two superimposed dials and its soft lines. It manifests the most beautiful simplicity in the roundness of its curves and the lower dial crafted in slightly convex mother-of-pearl. Fashioning such a dial is a veritable feat, considering how fragile this material is, with its myriad shimmering light effects set off by the meticulously worked hands and a guilloché sunray pattern on the white gold model.
Even these creative heights are surpassed by the spectacular upper dial. The lotus flower symbolizes peace and refinement in Asia, where it is sacred to some cultures. This living flower that opens and closes with the passing days and nights has fascinated poets, painters and botanists since time immemorial. Here, it is sheltered under a sapphire crystal dome.
Simply press the push-button at 2 o’clock, and it opens: the six gold petals –polished and satin-brushed by hand –unfurl to reveal a twirling briolette-cut sapphire or ruby in the heart of the lotus flower, illuminating the gold of its petals. Then, very gently, they close again, the better to guard their secret, inherited from age-old jewelry-making traditions passed down within Jaquet Droz. It creates a fascinating effect, just as when Pierre Jaquet-Droz’s first automata were presented to the 18th-century Royal Courts.
Astoundingly meticulous research and miniaturization were required as two separate movements drive this watch. Both of them are entirely visible through the back, along with a pirouetting oscillating weight inspired by the beautifully feminine graphic motif of accordion pleats.
The Lady 8 Flower possesses a 38-hour power reserve and offers a choice of white or red gold, each version limited to only 8 pieces.
Technical details
Lady 8 Flower, Reference: J032003270
Automaton
“Mechanical opening flower automaton movement.
18-carat red gold petals. Briolette ruby (0.30 carat) swivels both ways. Automaton mechanism triggered directly by pressing a push-button at 2 o’clock. Animation length: 6 to 8 seconds”
Case
18-carat red gold, set with 114 diamonds (1.40 carats)
Diameter 35 mm
Height 1: 12.76 mm
Height 2: 17.45 mm
Individual limited serial number engraved on the case-back
Water resistance: To 3 bar (30 meters)
Dial
White mother-of-pearl
18-carat red gold ring with studded motif
Small white mother-of-pearl dial under the flower with 18-carat red gold ring
Hands: 18-carat red gold, with curved contours
Strap
Rolled-edge hand-made brown alligator leather
Buckle: 18-carat red gold folding clasp
Total Carat Weight / Diamonds / Colored Gemstones
Diamonds: IF to VVSI, Full Cut, D to G
Total number of diamonds: 114 and 1 briolette ruby
Total carat weight: 1.40 carats + 0.30 carat for the briolette
Lady 8 Flower, Reference: J032004270
Automaton
“Mechanical opening flower automaton movement
18-carat white gold petals
Briolette pink sapphire (0.29 carat) swivels both ways. Automaton mechanism triggered directly by pressing a push-button at 2 o’clock. Animation length: 6 to 8 seconds”
Case
18-carat white gold case, set with 114 diamonds (1.40 carats)
Diameter 35 mm
Height 1: 12.76 mm
Height 2: 17.45 mm
Individual limited serial number engraved on the case-back
Water Resistance: To 3 bar (30 meters)
Dial
White mother-of-pearl with structure
18-carat white gold ring, set with 88 diamonds (0.17 carat)
Small white mother-of-pearl dial under the flower with 18-carat white gold ring
Hands: 18-carat gold, with curved contours and black gold treatment
Strap
Rolled-edge hand-made black alligator leather
Buckle: 18-carat white gold folding clasp
Total Carat Weight / Diamonds / Colored Gemstones
Diamonds: IF to VVSI, Full Cut, D to G
Total number of diamonds: 202 and 1 briolette pink sapphire
Total carat weight: 1.57 carats + 0.29 carat for the briolette
Movement Specifications
Jaquet Droz 615, self-winding mechanical movement, silicon balance spring and pallet horns, platinum oscillating weight.
Indications: Centered hours and minutes
Jeweling: Caliber 29 jewels, automaton 24 jewels
Power Reserve: 38 hours
Frequency: 21,600 v.p.h.
