The Jaquet Droz Imperial Dragon Automaton Sapphire-Opal is a horological marvel, a creation that stretches across centuries while embracing both tradition and audacity. Conceived as a unique piece for a discerning collector, it is inspired by the symbolism of the dragon, a creature that simultaneously evokes the distant Asian journeys of Pierre Jaquet-Droz and the lasting graphic universe of John Howe, the mastermind behind The Lord of the Rings. The watch draws from nearly three centuries of watchmaking pedigree and yet dares to challenge expectations at every level, marrying cultural myths with disruptive contemporary design in spectacular fashion.
The dial offers an immediate and visceral impression. At its heart lies opal, a gemstone selected for both its rarity and its luminous, ever-changing blue tones, specifically requested by the collector. The opal dial is openworked, revealing a centre of deep, intense onyx, creating a striking juxtaposition and serving as an elegant canvas for the white gold hands. The centre disc in onyx ensures high legibility with its rich black, offsetting the visual dynamism of the opal’s iridescence.
Commanding attention is the hand-engraved dragon, coiled with tangible energy at the lower part of the dial. Sculpted from solid 18-karat white gold, its presence is life-like, elevated further by painted steel details in the eye and tongue. The dragon’s claws grasp a gleaming Akoya pearl, a nod to Japanese mastery in cultivating pearls of exceptional lustre. Every element on the dial, from the mineral backdrop to the animated dragon, denotes a level of artisanal involvement that transcends the ordinary, presenting a face in perpetual movement befitting its mythological inspiration.
Within the sapphire case beats a sophisticated hand-wound mechanical automaton movement. The Jaquet Droz calibre 6150 is responsible for orchestrating an extraordinary mechanical ballet: nine separate animations bring the dragon to life: undulating spine, opening jaw, protruding tongue, animated crest, and grasping claw, among others. Triggered by a discreet pusher, the entire sequence unfolds randomly over a 10-15 second cycle, preserving mystery and marvel. Notably, the movement comprises a staggering 611 components, each painstakingly hand-decorated, which speaks to Jaquet Droz‘s philosophy of uncompromising craft.
The automaton mechanism itself integrates a silicon escapement, developed and manufactured in-house. Its technical prowess is matched by aesthetic refinement: the bridges are flat, while the oscillating weight in 18-karat white gold bears John Howe’s signature finished in black. The union of tradition and the latest material science defines the beating heart of this watch, a unique synthesis of age-old watchmaking with the possibilities opened by modern engineering.
The power reserve stands at 38 hours, with indications for off-centre hours and minutes. Jewelling is significant: 78 rubies adorn the automaton movement, with a further 29 for the timekeeping mechanism itself, enhancing both longevity and fluidity.
The case itself is constructed from grown sapphire, rendering it fully transparent and offering unobstructed views of the dial and movement from every angle. With a commanding diameter of 45mm and a height of 18mm, the timepiece asserts its presence without compromising elegance. The sapphire case is assembled uniquely, notably devoid of screws and inserts, the fitting system guaranteeing seamless cohesion and purity.
Water resistance reaches 3 bar (30 metres), an admirable feat for such an elaborate construction. Customisation is evident in the engraved signatures: Pierre Jaquet-Droz’s handwriting appears on the middle band alongside ‘Pièce Unique’, meticulously laser-engraved to fit the complex curvature of the polished sapphire case. These details further underline the piece’s individuality and the level of technical accomplishment achieved in its execution.
Completing the ensemble is a blue rubber strap paired with a folding clasp in stainless steel and plasma grey ceramic, encapsulating the watch’s contemporary spirit without detracting from its classic credentials.
The Jaquet Droz Imperial Dragon Automaton Sapphire-Opal stands as a singular triumph in horological artistry not only as a technical showpiece, but as a living synthesis of aesthetic and mechanical ingenuity. It is the only example to be made, marking an unrepeatable fusion of ancient symbols, precious minerals, and cutting-edge engineering. From the iridescent opal dial and animated white gold dragon to the sapphire case and rare Akoya pearl, every component bears the mark of dedicated handwork and vision. The mechanical complexities within, underscored by randomised automaton animation and in-house silicon escapement, prove Jaquet Droz’s mastery of blending history with the future, always under the unblinking eye of the dragon. This is a watch that does not simply tell time; it narrates a legend.
