Introducing Jaquet Droz Celebrates the Next Chinese Year with the Two Unique Timepieces

Jaquet Droz unveils two unique interpretations for the next Chinese astrological year, which will be in 2025, with Chinese New Year falling on January 29. One features a mother-of-pearl dial, and the other a Sonora Sunrise mineral dial. For the first time, they do not have traditional hands. Master craftsmanship has been taken to an unprecedented level. The solid gold curved body of a serpent is enameled in graduated colors, punctuated by a motif designed by John Howe, a friend of the brand and the creator of artwork for The Lord of the Rings novels.

This year marks the Year of the Dragon, which has seen numerous special editions paying tribute to the legendary creature. Now, Jaquet Droz transitions to the Year of the Snake with these two timepieces.

Both unique pieces are 41 mm in diameter and made from red gold, with a height of 13.78 mm to house the complicated automaton inside the case. Hours and minutes are displayed via dragging discs, with the snake’s head indicating the hours and its tail pointing to the minutes.

Between these two extremities, Jaquet Droz has imbued its creation with symbolism and artisanal excellence. The animal's long body is reminiscent of the calligraphy for the Chinese character for happiness. It is sculpted from five blocks of solid white gold, assembled with perfect continuity. The snake commands attention on the dial: at its highest point, it measures 4 mm, resting just beneath the sapphire glass, almost within touching distance.

The true achievement lies in the intricate craftsmanship of the snake's design. Its smooth curves create a form so complex that applying enamel seemed impossible. Yet Jaquet Droz artisans succeeded, mastering an innovative technique. The enamel seamlessly follows the snake's undulations, transitioning from light to dark green or intense blood red, depending on the model. Precision is key enamel is applied in shallow gold cavities, fired, and polished to perfection. The hand-polished white gold surfaces form a "Ruyi" motif, designed by John Howe, symbolizing protection and good fortune.

The two interpretations place the snake back in the heart of its natural habitat. The first luxurious dial is mother-of-pearl, delicately engraved with a bamboo motif and filled with a graduated miniature painting.

The second dial is crafted from a mineral, a long-standing artisanal tradition at Jaquet Droz. For this unique piece, the choice of rock is particularly special: Sonora Sunrise. This is also a first for Jaquet Droz, as the atelier has selected it for its harmonious blend of soft green with black inclusions and blood red flecked with dark marbling. Finding such a piece with pronounced colors on such a small surface is as challenging as cutting it into a dial only 0.8 mm thick.

The sapphire case back reveals the Jaquet Droz 2653 caliber, a self-winding mechanical movement with a silicon balance spring. It beats at 28,800 VPH and features a red gold oscillating weight with a mother-of-pearl or Sonora Sunrise insert decorated with a Ruyi motif. The movement provides a 68-hour power reserve from two barrels.

Each of these two unique pieces is worn on a green rubber strap. Both are unique pieces, with pricing available upon request.

For more information, visit Jaquet Droz official website.