Review of the Jaquet Droz Grande Seconde Quantième 41mm, A wristwatch offering superior elegance, flawless finishes and a state-of-the-art engine
Several variations have been developed around this model. One of the most appreciated is the Grande Seconde Quantième that adds a practical and decorative date display to the indications of hours, minutes and seconds.
Last May, Jaquet Droz expanded the Grande Seconde Quantième collection with a new mid-size range of models characterized by 41 mm cases that join the 39mm and 43 mm versions. A total of seven new references of the Grande Seconde Quantième 41 mm were launched, three in stainless steel with matte black, sandblasted titanium gray and sandblasted silver dials and four in red gold with precious enamel dials in ivory tones as well as deep blue, burgundy and anthracite.
We recently had the pleasure to go hands-on with four of these models and we are now delighted to share our impressions together with some live pictures.
In particular, we tried out the following references:
- ref. J007020350 in stainless steel with titanium gray sand-blasted dial and 18-karat white gold indexes and applique with blue treatment;
- ref. J007020351 in stainless steel with silver sandblasted dial with 18-karat white gold indexes and applique with grey treatment;
- ref. J007023201 in 18-karat red gold with double level dark blue Grand Feu enamel dial and red gold applique;
- ref. J007023202 in 18-karat red gold with double level burgundy Grand Feu enamel dial and red gold applique.
Rather than just resizing it, Jaquet Droz redesigned many elements of its iconic model.
The 41 mm round case is not only smaller but also thinner (12.10 mm) in order to preserve the beautiful proportions and further improve the comfort on the wrist that is excellent, also thanks to the slightly curved sculpted lugs and a supple rolled-edge hand-made calfskin or alligator strap. The watch is water resistant to a pressure of up to 3 bar (approximately 30 meters / 100 feet).
The large crown is engraved with the brand’s two symbolic stars that represent the founder of the brand, Pierre Jaquet-Droz, and his son.
The slim bezel of the case frames dials that are rich of charme. New finishes were specially developed for the Grande Seconde Quantième 41 mm. The steel models reviewed here feature silver or titanium gray sandblasted dials and white gold indexes with gray or blue treatment, respectively.
The satin-finished ring of the pointer-type date display at 6 o'clock is also crafted from white gold with grey or blue treatment. A third version, not shown in this article, offers a matte black dial with white gold indexes and rhodium-plated applique.
The red gold models become even more precious thanks to Grand Feu enamel dials in a classy deep blue or in a stylish burgundy (ivory and anthracite tones are also available).
Ultra-fine powders and precision kilns are used to obtain these exceptional dials whose colours and graining are unalterable. After undergoing several successive firings at at temperatures of between 780 and 800 degrees Celsius, the enamel will retain its beauty and gloss over time.
When you turn the watch, the sapphire crystal case back offers a spectacle that has not less appeal to the eyes of a watch enthusiast.
The self-winding Jaquet Droz 2660Q2 calibre beats at 28,800 vibrations per hour (4 Hz) and guarantees 68 hours of autonomy thanks to its double barrel. It is equipped with silicon balance spring and pallet horns for greater longevity and increased precision. In fact, silicon is rust-proof, non-magnetic and unaffected by temperature fluctuations.
The 18-karat red gold oscillating weight is openworked to reveal the beautiful finishes of this hand-assembled manufacture movement.
A wristwatch offering superior elegance, flawless finishes and a state-of-the-art "engine" to power it, the Jaquet Droz Grande Seconde Quantieme 41 mm retails at Euro 9,900 in stainless steel or Euro 20,700 in red gold with enamel dial. jaquet-droz.com
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At that price the steel model is seriously tempting me! Thanks for the article and love your pictures. Keep'em going!
ReplyDeleteHighly recommended watch. And glad you liked the article. Thanks for following us.
DeleteThe grey and blue dial is a real beauty.
ReplyDeleteWe are in complete agreement!
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