Introducing Tourbillon Skelet Sapphire Bushidô, Jaquet Droz's Masterpiece Inspired by the Samurai

It has been ten years since Jaquet Droz first turned its attention to Japanese artistry. Now, the brand revisits this theme with an extraordinary creation, placing the mask of the Japanese warrior at the heart of its design. This Tourbillon Skelet Sapphire Bushidô Tourbillon is a masterful interpretation of the samurai spirit, blending respect for tradition with artistic freedom. More than 200 hours of craftsmanship and the expertise of over half a dozen artisans were required to bring this exceptional piece to life. As always with Jaquet Droz, it remains a one-of-a-kind creation.

If the dial is the face of a watch, what could be more fitting for a timepiece inspired by Japanese culture than featuring the most iconic face of the archipelago, the mask of the Bushi warriors? Known to the world as the Samurai, these legendary figures have been an integral part of Japanese history for centuries. To pay homage, Jaquet Droz seamlessly merges traditional craftsmanship with innovative techniques.

The case is made entirely of sapphire, while the dial is meticulously engraved and enameled by hand in the brand’s La Chaux-de-Fonds atelier. Capturing such a rich cultural heritage in a timepiece is no small feat and requires the expertise of master engravers, painters, sculptors, and enamellers.

The 100% sapphire case creates the illusion of the mask being worn directly on the wrist, offering a perfectly clear view of every intricate detail. Measuring 42 mm in diameter, the case is crafted from transparent sapphire, while the crown is made of red gold, adding a striking contrast to the ethereal design.

The dial showcases a samurai mask, with its main surface hand-painted and its horns rendered in translucent enamel. None of the mask’s surfaces are flat—intaglio engraving on the red gold base accentuates the eyes, nose, and mouth, each outlined in gold. In a first for Jaquet Droz, the face is further enhanced by Murano glass beads, emphasizing the dominant jade green hue and the striking red accents, which extend to the two hand-painted hands.

Adding to its uniqueness, the back of the mask is also hand-painted with delicate sakura (cherry blossoms)—a rare detail, as the reverse of appliqués is typically polished rather than decorated.

At the heart of this timepiece beats the Manufacture Calibre 2625SQ. The tourbillon, positioned beneath the dial at 12 o’clock, features a lightweight titanium cage, while the single barrel at 6 o’clock provides an impressive eight-day power reserve.

The openworked red gold oscillating weight, visible through the sapphire case back, bears the engraving “Unique Piece”, underscoring its exclusivity. The movement incorporates a silicone balance spring, beats at a frequency of 21,600 vibrations per hour (3 Hz).

Completing the watch is a green rubber strap, secured by a stainless steel folding clasp. This one-of-one creation is priced at approximately CHF 427,000, equivalent to AED 1,735,000.

For more information, visit Jaquet Droz official website.