A unique tourbillon piece, the Tourbillon Skelet Sapphire – Bushidô embodies the power of the Japanese warrior's mask in a sapphire case. Expressive and superlative, combining 200 hours of manual craftsmanship and boasting an 8-day power reserve, it illustrates the Disruptive Legacy of Jaquet Droz with equal respect and freedom.
The Tourbillon Skelet Sapphire – Bushidô represents a harmonious symphony of exquisite craftsmanship and extraordinary artistry, manifesting as the latest tribute from Jaquet Droz to the rich tapestry of Japanese culture. This timepiece, a singular creation meticulously crafted over 200 hours by an ensemble of over half a dozen master artisans, encapsulates the profound symbolism and aesthetic allure of the samurai legacy. Steeped in history yet resonating with modernity, this unique watch serves as a canvas upon which the revered Bushidô mask comes to life, fusing ancient values with contemporary elegance.
An artistic odyssey
The dial of the Tourbillon Skelet Sapphire is an artistic odyssey in itself, capturing the enigmatic visage of the legendary Bushi warriors, or Samurai, whose imagery transcends the realms of lore and reality. The face of the watch, an intricate tableau, is meticulously hand-painted and adorned with translucent enamel horns which frame the mask.
Distinctively, the dial incorporates Murano glass beads, ingeniously set to evoke a vibrant jade hue interspersed with ominous red accents, a testament to Jaquet Droz‘s commitment to creating a powerful visual experience. The intaglio engraving on its red gold base accentuates the contours of the mask, with the eyes, nose, and mouth outlined in gold, an homage to the mask’s role in symbolizing power and spiritual protection.
Manufacture calibre movement
Underpinning this masterpiece is a Manufacture calibre movement characterized by its symmetry and precision. The watch features a tourbillon, strategically positioned at the 12 o’clock mark, which counterbalances the barrel situated at 6 o’clock. This dynamic is visible through an openworked red gold oscillating weight, a testament to both mechanical ingenuity and aesthetic finesse. Enhanced by an 8-day power reserve, this movement underscores Jaquet Droz’s engineering prowess, embodying a fusion of art and technique. Uniquely, the reverse side of the appliques diverges from traditional polish with hand-painted sakura, or cherry blossoms, an intricate detail rarely afforded such prominence, thereby amplifying the narrative depth of this horological marvel.
100% sapphire case
Encasing this exquisite mechanism is a 100% sapphire case, a marvel of Swiss craftsmanship heralding from La Chaux-de-Fonds. Unlike its contemporaries which often incorporate screws or inserts, this case achieves unobstructed clarity, providing an unrivaled view of both the movement and dial. This transparency echoes the narrative of the Bushidô mask, seemingly worn directly on the wrist, transcending its material confines to embody the watch’s thematic core. The case, a mere 42 mm in diameter, not only showcases the intricacies within but also stands as a testament to Jaquet Droz’s dedication to pushing the boundaries of aesthetic and technical design, encapsulating the brand’s JD 8.0 philosophy: “A Disruptive Legacy.”
“Create your own. As unique as you are.”
The Tourbillon Skelet Sapphire – Bushidô, a unique timepiece, is more than a tribute to the ethos of the samurai; it is a disruptive declaration of horological artistry. Jaquet Droz has masterfully captured the essence of the Bushidô spirit, weaving its seven virtues, integrity, respect, bravery, honour, compassion, honesty, and loyalty, into the fabric of the watch itself. As a singular artifact, it transcends conventional watchmaking to embody a legacy that is as personal and unique as its beholder, reinforcing the ethos: “Create your own. As unique as you are.”
