MB&F x Eddy Jaquet: Engraving Novels on Timepieces

Reading Time: 4 minutes

For those of us past a certain age, reading is a ritual that started in childhood and continues in daily life. While I don’t read as much as I used to, it remains an escape, a place of relaxation where imagination can run free. You can be part of the story, or experience it as a bystander. So, I was thrilled when I got the chance to see the latest creations of Eddy Jaquet. Eight books were used as scenes for the engraved dials of eight unique pieces of the MB&F x Eddy Jaquet LM Split Escapement.

The dials on the LM Split Escapement, engraved by Eddy Jaquet, are inspired by classic young fiction novels. The selected works include:

“Robinson Crusoe” by Daniel Defoe
“The Three Musketeers” by Alexandre Dumas
“The Last of the Mohicans” by James Fenimore Cooper
“The Jungle Book” by Rudyard Kipling
“The Call of the Wild” by Jack London
“Moby Dick” by Herman Melville
“Treasure Island” by Robert Louis Stevenson
“Robin Hood” (anonymous)

Each dial features scenes and characters from these beloved stories, intricately engraved to capture key moments and the essence of each narrative. Each watch is a canvas for Jaquet’s exceptional engraving skills, bringing to life scenes from classic literature directly on the dial plate.

I will brag a bit and tell you that the dials I saw I could recognise the book from the drawings. I have a fair share of fond memories with each book and my imagination had no issue in placing the action of the story onto the dials skilfully engraved by Mr Jaquet.

Artistic Dial Engravings

Jaquet has meticulously engraved each dial with intricate scenes inspired by eight iconic novels, including widely know stories: “Robinson Crusoe,” “The Three Musketeers,” and “The Jungle Book.” These engravings are not mere reproductions but original interpretations crafted after deeply immersing himself in the stories.

Depth and Detail: Each dial is a tableau of meticulously detailed scenes, featuring characters and key moments. The engravings are crafted with such precision that they reveal new elements under magnification.

Creative Challenges: Jaquet worked within the constraints of the movement’s dial plate, which varies in thickness. Careful planning was required to ensure no part of the intricate designs was compromised, even in areas as thin as 0.35mm.

Dynamic Scenes: The compositions are layered and dynamic, with characters often positioned in the foreground to allow the full scene to unfold around them. For example, in “The Jungle Book,” Mowgli is cradled by animal figures, creating a vivid action scene.

Technical enhancements where necessary to make the stories live on the dial

Some changes to the LM Split Escapement‘s design allowed for maximum engraving space. Subdials were openworked, and the bezel was slimmed down to feature wider dial plates. Each timepiece includes date and power-reserve indicators, seamlessly integrated and designed to complement the artistic engravings.

Stainless steel cases house Jaquet’s engravings on a white gold base plate with black subdials, framing the artwork in a contrast that highlights each scene’s depth.

The owners will receive an original drawing by Jaquet and a Loupe System X6 macro lens to explore the engravings’ intricate details.

Through these masterpieces, Eddy Jaquet’s unparalleled skill transforms each LM Split Escapement into a literary journey, offering watch enthusiasts an exclusive blend of horological excellence and artistic storytelling.

The LM Split Escapement movement, developed for MB&F by Stephen McDonnell, is a pioneering horological achievement known for its unique design and exquisite craftsmanship.

Split Escapement: The movement showcases a suspended balance wheel above the dial, with the anchor and escapement wheel positioned beneath the movement, creating a visually striking effect.

Power Reserve: The manually wound movement features double mainspring barrels, providing an impressive 72-hour power reserve.

Balance Wheel: A bespoke 14mm balance wheel with traditional regulating screws is prominently displayed on top, visible through the open dial.

Craftsmanship: The movement boasts superlative hand-finishing, including bevelled internal angles, polished bevels, and Geneva waves, respecting 19th-century horological traditions.

Components and Construction: Comprising 296 components and 35 jewels, the movement demonstrates intricate engineering and attention to detail, harmonizing aesthetic beauty with technical excellence.

LM Split Escapement ‘Eddy Jaquet’ Technical Specifications

Eight unique pieces, with dial plates engraved by Eddy Jaquet, inspired by 8 classic young fiction novels:

Robinson Crusoe by Daniel Defoe
The Three Musketeers by Alexandre Dumas
The Last of the Mohicans by James Fenimore Cooper
The Jungle Book by Rudyard Kipling
The Call of the Wild by Jack London
Moby Dick by Herman Melville
Treasure Island by Robert Louis Stevenson
Robin Hood (anonymous)

Engine

LM Split Escapement movement developed for MB&F by Stephen McDonnell.
Split escapement with the balance wheel suspended above the dial and the anchor and escapement wheel under the movement.
Manual winding with double mainspring barrels.
Power reserve: 72 hours
Bespoke 14mm balance wheel with traditional regulating screws visible on top of the movement.
Superlative hand finishing throughout respecting 19^th-century style; bevelled internal angles highlighting hand craft; polished bevels; Geneva waves; hand-made engravings.
Balance frequency: 2.5Hz / 18,000bph
Number of components: 296
Number of jewels: 35

Functions & indications