Not all images were able to load for printing. Please close the print window and try again. Jaquet Droz Grande Seconde Quantieme Satin-Brushed Blue (Live Pics)
The classic time-and-date Grande Seconde watch in a new, handsome blue version.
The Grande Seconde Quantieme by Jaquet Droz has become, in just a few years, the cornerstone of this collection, defined by its elegant and balanced figure 8-shaped display. Combining the model’s originality, refinement and minimalism with daily practicality, it feels like the most coherent watch to get… Reason why JD is regularly bringing out new versions of this watch. And the latest Jaquet Droz Grande Seconde Quantieme, with its Satin-Brushed Blue dial, is another handsome edition.
Don’t expect multiple new elements on this Grande Seconde Quantieme Satin-Brushed Blue. It sticks to the recipe that made the model successful. In this instance, it retains the same dimensions, specifications and details as other models in the Grande Seconde collection. This version is mostly a colour update. Still, a pleasantly elegant one, without being too formal.
As usual with Jaquet Droz, the Grande Seconde Quantieme Satin-Brushed Blue is available in two versions, differentiated by the diameter of their cases. The classic version is housed in a 43mm diameter case, while a downsized model in 39mm is also offered – a good option for smaller wrists, men who want something more elegant/discreet or even for ladies. The case is made of stainless steel, shaped in a smooth way and finished with entirely polished surfaces. As always, the case is quite large and not particularly thin, yet the highly curved lugs and reversed conical shape make a comfortable piece on the wrist.
Side-by-side, the two models are pretty close, with only the tracks and sub-dials redimensioned. The display consists of the classic 8-figure – which echoes the epoch when Jaquet Droz sold pocket watches to China. On top sits the hours and minutes sub-dial. The second, oversized sub-dial at 6 o’clock is used for the Grande Seconde (large seconds) and for additional complications – in this context, a pointer date. Practical, elegant, this solution helps retain the iconic display even with extra functions – for instance, a moon, a dual-time or a chronograph.
New for the Jaquet Droz Grande Seconde Quantieme is the Satin-Brushed Blue dial, with a pattern radiating from the centre of the seconds/date sub-dial. The blue tone is rather subtle and combined with rhodium-plated hands and white gold applied indexes. A discreet touch of red helps to read the date indication easily. This version is here paired with a dark blue, rolled-edge hand-made alligator strap with steel folding clasp.
Powering the Grande Seconde Quantieme (either 43mm or 39mm) is the in-house calibre 2660Q2.P. This automatic movement, with a skeletonized and engraved rotor, features multiple delicacies, such as a double-barrel for a comfortable 68h power reserve and stable delivery of the torque. The escapement is antimagnetic, thanks to a silicon balance spring and pallet horns. The finishing is very neat and visually elegant, with Geneva stripes radiating from balance and polished bevels on the bridges.
The Jaquet Droz Grande Seconde Quantieme Satin-Brushed Blue (ref. J007010244 for the 39mm and J007030249 for the 43mm) is part of the regular collection and will soon be available at retailers. It will be priced at EUR 9,700 for both versions. More details at www.jaquet-droz.com.
5 responses
I really don’t see how this could be improved. Delightful.
Well executed and elegant but essentially a very tiny watch in I full sized case.
That’s OK though, I think. Deconstructed minimalism is what they’re going for with the Grande Seconde range, and they do it really well. I wouldn’t get a watch like this in blue, though. Black or ivory enamel are where they shine; but I suppose you don’t get those in steel.
I don’t think legibility will be a problem Phil.
I love the look o this watch