Only Watch

Monte Carlo, Sep 22, 2005

LOT 21

Jaquet Droz, Grande Seconde Algue Petrifiée, Numerus Clausus of 1.

EUR 18,000 - 22,000

Sold: EUR 32,000

The Grande Seconde Algue Pétrifiée belongs to the Hommage Genève 1784 collection which is directly inspired by an 18th century model. It features two off-centered subdials, one for the hours and minutes and the other for the large seconds display, elegantly framed by a white gold ring that is beveled, drawn out with a fi le and secured by blued screws. Its most striking feature is of course the dial base crafted from petrifi ed algae, originating from Australia. At an estimated age of 3.5 billion years, it is the world?s oldest form of plant life. The curving 18-carat white gold case measuring a diameter of 43 mm is enhanced by a domed crystal. Visible through the transparent case-back, the sunburst motif of the 22-carat gold oscillating weight as well as the ?Côtes de Genève? decorative pattern on the bridges and plate vividly illustrate the know-how of the master-watchmakers within the Manufacture. Movement: Jaquet Droz 2663, self-winding mechanical movement, double barrel, 22-carat white gold oscillating weight Indications: Off-centered hours and minutes. Large seconds subdial Jewelling: 30 jewels Power reserve: 68 hours Frequency: 28,800 v.p.h Watch case: 18-carat white gold. Diameter Ø 43 mm Water resistance: To 30 m / 100 feet Dial: Petrifi ed algae dial, silvered subdials. Applied 18-carat white gold ring, beveled and drawn out with a fi le, secured by blued-steel screws Strap: Rolled-edge hand made alligator leather strap Buckle: 18-carat white gold ardillon


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The Grande Seconde Algue Pétrifiée by Jaquet Droz is fully representative of the intrinsic character of the Swiss Haute Horlogerie brand. Splendid contemporary aesthetics; exceptional quality and know-how; extreme care in the choice and treatment of materials; an exclusive approach; and creations produced in limited editions ? in this case of just one. Jaquet Droz is dedicated to conceiving, developing and producing timeless masterpieces embodying the union of Haute Horlogerie and art. It applies the principles that shaped the success of its founder, Pierre Jaquet Droz, in the Age of Enlightenment. As a skilled entrepreneur and creative talent, he acquired a brilliant reputation through the magnifi cence of his watches, clocks and snuffboxes featuring animated scenes and breathtaking enamelled decorative motifs, sparing no effort in travelling the length and breadth of Europe and even conquering the remote Chinese Empire with his famous android automatons. Like him, the Jaquet Droz brand is open to the world, constantly listening and feeling its pulse in the process of developing unique and timeless masterpieces.