The Jaquet Droz Grande Seconde Ceramic Clous De Paris is a brand new revitalization of the iconic brand’s classic line. These three new watches combine high-end materials including ceramic cases with refined and elegant lines and reserved styling into an eminently luxurious and wearable classic watch.
Swiss watchmaker Jaquet Dros has been around making luxury watches since the late 18th century. The brand rose in popularity as increasingly sophisticated features were incorporated into sleek timepieces. The Grand Seconde line of three watches comes from a long tradition of watches which feature the second hand prominently – including a number of pocket watches and chronometers. This latest line brings the long line into the present day with scratchproof coatings, ceramic materials, and an updated – yet classic – look.
Despite the long history and luxurious look, the Grand Seconde Ceramic is teched out to the max – the one white and two black cases are made of an extremely durable, scratchproof, and unlike other materials, will maintain their finish and color over time. You’re getting the best materials of today built with generations of wearers in mind.
On the crystal side, of course you’re getting a scratch proof crystal, mating seamlessly with the thin ceramic bezel. A refined fabric strap rounds out the package, matching perfectly the “Clous De Paris” motif on the dial.
The line is powered by a Jaquet Droz 2663A self-winding mechanical movement, double barrel, heavy metal oscillating weight, giving you a 68 hour power reserve. Nervous about your reserve? Pick up the power reserve indicator black model and you’ll know how much you have – although personally I love the clean two dials, unbroken by a power reserve indicator.
The Clous De Paris motif, interrupted boldly by the clean oversized dials hits home for me. No complicated patterns, floral engravings here – just a simple diamond pattern, naturally mirrored by the comfortable fabric strap. The overlapping dials give the face a bit of visual interest, and the sweep of the oversized second hand ties it all together.
The watch is nice and slim, making it easy to wear with a suit, slick and unobtrusive going about my day, but distinctly present with a standout crown and exhibition caseback. This watch is as nice to wear as it is to pass around.
This watch is for the lady or gentleman looking for a classically styled, reliable luxury watch built with high tech materials that fits with a suit, evening wear, or at any party you could imagine. Grab this and be prepared to talk to people about that giant sweeping second hand.
Our Review
In a market with endless selections of “luxury” timepieces with every conceivable complication, dial, indicator, and feature, it’s nice to see a restrained style, which speaks to its heritage, using advanced materials. I’m a huge fan of the focus on the second dial, and appreciate the dialogue of the face and strap.
Technical Specs
GRANDE SECONDE CERAMIC CLOUS DE PARIS
NUMERUS CLAUSUS – Numerus Clausus of 28
REFERENCE- J003036540
MOVEMENT – Jaquet Droz 2663A, self-winding mechanical movement, double barrel, heavy metal oscillating weight
INDICATIONS- Off-centered hours and minutes, large off-centered second
JEWELLING- 30 jewels
POWER RESERVE- 68 hours
FREQUENCY- 28,800 v.p.h.
CASE- White ceramic with crown in 18-karat red gold, Diameter 44 mm, Height 12.23 mm, Individual serial number engraved on the case-back
WATER RESISTANCE- To 3 bar (30 meters)
DIAL- Dial with white “Clous de Paris” decoration, Subdial in white ceramic
HANDS – Hours, minutes and seconds in 18-karat red gold
STRAP- Rolled-edge hand-made white fabric
BUCKLE- 18-karat red gold ardillon buckle
