Besides the iconic figure-eight-shaped dial layout, the new Jaquet Droz Grande Seconde Quantieme now adds to the mix a simple, yet elegant calendar indicator.
Thanks to the clever use of a calendar display with a stick-shaped pointer, the new watch now sports a more elaborated, while still simplistic and refined, design. With both sub-dials equipped with their own pair of hands, the Grande Seconde Quantieme looks even more balanced than the “simpler” versions.
The lower sub-dial now features not one, but two scales with the outer rim marked for seconds and the inner reserved for the date indicator.
The Arabic and Roman numerals on the chapter rings are not particularly large but are still bigger than similar indicators used in chronographs with calendars.
The Jaquet Droz Grande Seconde Quantieme arrived in three versions: black on black (ref. J007030240), polished steel on black (ref. J007030241), and blue on silver (ref. J007030242).
The first monochromatic combination is the flashiest. The third offers the most contrasting and easy-to-read layout. Yet, it is the version with a black sandblasted dial and polished steel hands, numerals, and chapter rings that is definitely the most elegant and even stately among them.
In fact, this is the watch that I myself would gladly put on my wrist if invited to a black-tie event or some royal wedding ceremony.
In fact, it would be a good idea if Jaquet Droz eventually decided to make a limited edition in white gold: the precious material is the best choice for such a dressy timekeeper.
Speaking of bodies, this one is offered in a relatively slim case that, being 43 millimeters in diameter, is, according to official specifications, less than 13 millimeters thick.
Beating inside this meticulously crafted case is the new Jaquet Droz 2660Q2 automatic caliber.
The movement is offered as an in-house job, but, as far as I understand, it is still based on the Frederic Piguet caliber 1153 that guys from Jaquet Droz (and a lot of other respectable brands) love so much.
Thanks to its double-barrel design, the winding system of the movement offers as long as 68 hours of continuous power supply, which makes this watch especially handy if you don’t plan to wear it on weekends.
See also: Louis Erard 1931 Chronometer Chronograph 79 220 OR 22
Photos: Jaquet Droz
Jaquet Droz Grande Seconde Quantieme specification
Price: $9000 (MSRP)
Movement: Automatic, Jaquet Droz caliber 2660Q2, 4.05 mm thick, modified and decorated in-house, Swiss Made
Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds, date
Power reserve: 68 hours
Case: Stainless steel
Shape: Round
Size: 43.00 mm
Case height: 13.00 mm
Dial: Silvered or black, sand-blasted
Numerals: Arabic and Roman
Hour markers: Railway-style
Hands: Blued, Polished Steel or Black
Water resistance: 30 meters
Strap: Black natural leather strap with stainless steel folding buckle
Crystal: Sapphire, antireflective
Back: Sapphire