The Manual Wind: Jaquet Droz Grande Seconde Quantieme

By Ian Schwam Published July 29, 2014

Creating a standout dress timepiece can be somewhat of a challenge. The DNA of the dress watch has not changed for hundreds of years. Slight increases in size might be the only update to date. One watch brand that has its own elegant timepiece DNA is Jaquet Droz. The brand is known for its amazing automatons of yesteryear, exotic dial materials of today, and of course its iconic figure eight dial design; the Grande Seconde. New for 2014, Jaquet Droz has taken the Grande Seconde Quantieme and given the watch its overdue update. This piece is now adorned with a beautiful twice enameled hand painted dial.

The unique process of Grand Feuenamel is used to add depth to the dial really pronouncing the famed Jaquet Droz eight dial. The piece has also received a new manufacture movement with the help of The Swatch Group. Added silicon for less friction and great shock absorption abilities are a modern upgrade. New finishes that include the Côtes de Genève as well as a newly designed rotor make for a timepiece that is aesthetically pleasing from both the front and the back. Made in both a rose and white gold case, a black crocodile strap finishes this modern classic off for a refined look.

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It’s not hard for a brand to make upgrades when they working off of a classic. The Jaquet Droz Grande Seconde Quantieme is a perfect example of that. This figure eight dial is once again given the finishing it deserves and with an upgraded movement to match. Take a look at this modern classic here.

Former Digital Trends Contributor

Contributing writer and watch enthusiast Ian Schwam dons an expert knowledge of all things watches. Having spent a decade in…

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