Travel has a historical significance for Jaquet Droz. Some three centuries ago, Pierre Jaquet-Droz, his son Henri-Louis, and Jean-Frédéric Leschot, crossed seas and continents to share their mechanical marvels with the world. From Switzerland to Spain, and from France to China via England, the Jaquet-Droz family from 1758 onwards were pioneers of the international clockmaking trade. Hence, the evolution of a piece as iconic as the Grande Seconde Dual Time, has a particular significance for the heritage of the brand.
The new Jaquet Droz Grande Seconde Dual Time, unveiled last week at Time To Move, comes in four versions… Two in steel (onyx or silvery opaline dial) and two in red gold (ivory or black Grand Feu enamel dial). The aesthetics have been thoroughly revised while keeping to the design codes of the Grande Seconde. With a case size of 43mm, the watch has a very distinct look owing to the azimuthal map projection (located in the bottom half of the Grande Seconde’s signature figure 8 dial), that depicts the world’s continents. The powdery finish chosen by the brand brings the modern-day mappemonde to life with the realism and volume of the Earth’s texture. The continents are depicted on a mirror polished backdrop in a choice of black or anthracite.
Another new standout feature, is the 24-hour home time display which is split into two distinct 12-hour segments: white for daytime and black for night. The local time, on the top half of the Grande Seconde dial, is regulated by jumping an hour, which makes it quicker to set the time on arrival at the destination. The date adjusts automatically to this change, and is indicated by a red-tipped hand that sweeps around a circular satin-finished applied ring.
Beating inside the new Grande Seconde Dual Time is a 2663H24 calibre that incorporates a silicon balance spring and pallet lugs. The movement, which is also visible through the sapphire crystal, is beautifully finished and delivers a healthy power reserve of 65 hours.