The Dragon is one of the few mythical creatures that has both a terrestrial and celestial nature. This winged reptile, inhabiting land and air, is an endless source of inspiration of legends and tales. The Dragon transcends cultures and millennia, from Africa to the Nordic countries through Asia and especially China.

The New Jaquet Droz Petite Heure Minute Relief Dragon
Jaquet Droz Petite Heure Minute Relief Dragon

Jaquet Droz presents a very 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 skillfully deployed the magic of its Ateliers d'Art.

Jaquet Droz Petite Heure Minute Relief Dragon Dial
Jaquet Droz Petite Heure Minute Relief Dragon

The dial of this “Petite Heure Minute Relief Dragon” was carved from so-called “Spiderman” jasper, named after its web-like mineral veining. The dial, that juxtaposes brown, ocher and burgundy, is entirely 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 in perfect harmony with the dial, we find an onyx bead underneath it, a symbol of well-being, luck and prosperity.

Jaquet Droz Petite Heure Minute Relief Dragon
Jaquet Droz Petite Heure Minute Relief Dragon

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.

Jaquet Droz Tour Manufacture
Jaquet Droz Petite Heure Minute Relief Dragon

Each scale and claw, as well as the Dragon's eyes and tongue, are chiseled by hand. The piece plays with light, shadows and reflections to give life to a truly "animated" work, in the etymological sense: endowed with a soul.

Jaquet Droz Petite Heure Minute Relief Dragon Wach Review
Jaquet Droz Petite Heure Minute Relief Dragon

Rare among the Jaquet Droz limited series, the creation on the dial side continues on the caseback side, with an oscillating weight also 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.

Jaquet Droz Petite Heure Minute Relief Dragon In House Movement
Jaquet Droz Petite Heure Minute Relief Dragon

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 who provided their talent and passion for this creation, embodying the “Philosophy of the Unique” so cherished by Jaquet Droz.

Jaquet Droz Petite Heure Minute Relief Dragon Watch Review
Jaquet Droz Petite Heure Minute Relief Dragon

Jaquet Droz Petite Heure Minute Relief Dragon

Technical specifications:

Reference: J005023292

Description:

·       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.

·       18-karat red gold case.

·       Self-winding mechanical movement.

·       Power reserve of 68 hours.

·       Diameter 41 mm.

·       Numerus Clausus of 8.

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

·       Jeweling: 28 jewels

·       Power Reserve: 68 hours

·       Frequency: 28,800 v.p.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 bars (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

The price for the Jaquet Droz Petite Heure Minute Relief Dragon ref. J005023292 is CHF 74,550 and is limited edition to 8 pieces.

For more information please visit Jaquet Droz Online.