Press Release: A minimalist tribute to astronomy and an ode to the poetry of the stars, these two latest variations on the Grande Heure Minute shine a new light on the Astrale collection by Jaquet Droz.
Jaquet Droz Grande Heure Minute
“Perfection is attained not when there is nothing more to add but when there is nothing more to remove.”
This quote from Antoine de Saint-Exupéry is an apt commentary on the two new Grande Heure Minute watches by Jaquet Droz. These exclusive variations are the latest additions to the Astrale family. Paying homage to astronomy –the predecessor of watchmaking– the Astrale collection showcases a minimalist expression of the art of watchmaking in which only the essential remains.
The two latest Grande Heure Minute watches are no exception. Each is housed in a 43 mm steel case and powered by a high precision self-winding movement: the Jaquet Droz 1169.Si calibre. “Si” refers here to silicon, a key element in contemporary watchmaking that is expertly put to use in this calibre. Hard-wearing, rust-proof, non-magnetic and unaffected by temperature fluctuations, silicon endows the balance spring and pallet lugs with stellar longevity and astronomical precision. Thanks to a 68-hour power reserve this performance can be maintained for almost three days.
The minimalism of the two pieces is striking. Only the essential is left on the dial: hours, minutes and seconds. Discreet motion work simply tracks the minutes. Jaquet Droz demonstrates here its masterful attention to the tiniest detail: dainty rhodium-plated studs are employed as five-minute markers, introducing a barely perceptible relief, while a rhodium-plated ring lends the motion work a subtle sheen. This composition inspired by the stars is punctuated by the brand’s signature off-centred seconds hand at 9 o’clock. Ringed by an off-centred circle, the hand suggests the revolution of a celestial body in a nod to the Astrale collection.
These Grande Heure Minute are available in a choice of a slate grey dial with blued hands or a silver-plated dial with rhodium-plated hands. This duo is a sleek new tribute to the magic of the night skies, dreams of galaxies and the immeasurable poetry of the infinite.
“Some watches tell time, some tell a story.”
Jaquet Droz Grande Heure Minute Ardoise, Ref. J017030240
DESCRIPTION
- “Slate-gray dial, rhodium-plated applied ring.
- Stainless steel case.
- Seconds dial off-centred at 9 o’clock.
- Self-winding mechanical movement.
- Power reserve of 68 hours.
- Diameter 43 mm.”
MOVEMENT
- Jaquet Droz 1169.Si, self-winding mechanical movement, silicon balance spring and pallet horns, double barrel, oscillating weight in heavy metal.
INDICATIONS
- Centred hours and minutes
- Small seconds at 9 o’clock
JEWELING
- 31 jewels
POWER RESERVE
- 68 hours
FREQUENCY
- 28,800 v.p.h.
CASE
- Stainless steel case
- Diameter 43 mm
- Height 11.77 mm
- Individual serial number engraved on the case-back
WATER RESISTANCE
- To 3 bar (30 meters)
DIAL
- Slate-gray dial
- Applied ring with rhodium treatment
HANDS
- Rhodium treatment
STRAP
- Rolled-edge hand-made slate-grey alligator
CLASP
- Stainless steel ardillon buckle
Jaquet Droz Grande Heure Minute Silver, Ref. J017030241
DESCRIPTION
- “Silvered dial, rhodium-plated applied ring.
- Stainless steel case.
- Seconds dial off-centred at 9 o’clock.
- Self-winding mechanical movement.
- Power reserve of 68 hours.
- Diameter 43 mm.”
MOVEMENT
- Jaquet Droz 1169.Si, self-winding mechanical movement, silicon balance spring and pallet horns, double barrel, oscillating weight in heavy metal.
INDICATIONS
- Centred hours and minutes
- Small seconds at 9 o’clock
JEWELING
- 31 jewels
POWER RESERVE
- 68 hours
FREQUENCY
- 28,800 v.p.h.
CASE
- Stainless steel case
- Diameter 43 mm
- Height 11.77 mm
- Individual serial number engraved on the case-back
WATER RESISTANCE
- To 3 bar (30 meters)
DIAL
- Silvered dial
- Applied ring with rhodium treatment
HANDS
- Blued steel
STRAP
- Rolled-edge hand-made black alligator
CLASP
- Stainless steel ardillon buckle
For more information, please visit the Jaquet Droz Website.