Model: Jaquet Droz “Quantième” Grande Seconde
Year: 2011
Features:
The History. Born into a farming family in 1721, Pierre Jaquet-Droz grew up in an increasingly watch-centric La Chaux-de-Fonds. He quickly picked up the trade, under the guidance of his older relatives, and by the tender age of 17 his watchmaking journey had officially begun. By 37 he was selling his creation to the Monarchs and nobility in Europe, and in his 50s he became the first watchmaker to sell watches to China. His legendary designs were globally dominant.
The Design. Produced in 2011, the “Quantieme” Grande Seconde on offer today is a faithful recreation of his famous pocket watch from 1784, complete with his signature figure-eight dial layout. It’s hard to say whether the original design was ahead of its time or if the modern version is effortlessly timeless - perhaps both?
The Complication. The Quantième, or date complication, adds a modern touch, while the rest of the dial remains defiantly minimal. Two overlapping subdials are sunken into the silver opaline dial, creating a clean, spacious design that’s hard to ignore.
The Movement. Just as Pierre would have wanted, the automatic movement inside is made by Jaquet Droz. The in-house 2660Q2 calibre features double barrels for a 68-hour power reserve, and the silicon balance spring and pallet horns make the escapement fully antimagnetic. It’s beautifully finished, mechanically robust, and historically proud - a trifecta that’s not always easy to achieve in modern watchmaking.
Specifications:
Condition: In great condition. Just serviced. Small hairlines can be seen on close inspection, but there are no marks of any significance. With the original strap and buckle.
Scope: Full box and papers.
Movement: Automatic 2660Q2
Dimensions:
- Case Width: 43.0mm
- Lug to Lug: 50.4mm
- Case Thickness: 12.2mm
- Lug Width: 22mm
