Classic with a Twist – The new 39mm Jaquet Droz Grande Seconde Off-Centered

A classic with a twist… Much to our satisfaction, we have been seeing smaller watches re-emerge over the past few years. Case in point, the Jaquet Droz Grande Seconde off-centered is now available with a 39mm case, in place of the usual 43mm versions, maybe too large to be called dress watches. Things change. We go hands on with this chic timepiece.

There is something decidedly down to earth about the minimalist Grande Seconde – the signature design from Jaquet Droz. Its striking simplicity is inspired by a pocket watch created by Pierre Jaquet Droz in 1784. Its classicism is balanced with modern, effortless elegance: the off-centered hour and minute counter embraces the large seconds counter, forming the figure eight. Stripped down to the bare essentials, it feels at once understated, sophisticated and elegant.

Part of this collection, the Grande Seconde Off-Centered, has that extra something that makes it different. Its winding crown is located at 4 o’clock, and with it, the figure eight on its dial is tilted by some 30°. This lends the watch its unique character, adding a twist; simplicity with style. It is now available in a 39mm case, in addition to the 43mm version.

Much to our satisfaction, we have been seeing smaller watches re-emerge over the past few years. For a range of wrist sizes, the 39mm cases strike the right balance between elegance, comfort and function. In this instance, it is a great match for the Grande Seconde’s design and dial lay-out, perfectly filling the available space on the watch face.

The two sub-dials combine Arabic and Roman numerals ringed by railroad track scales (for the gold and opaline dial versions). The marking and inscriptions are kept to a minimum, with the JD logo in the seconds sub-dial and the caption ‘manufacturé en Suisse’. The alpha-type hands contrast elegantly with the dial.

Powering the Jaquet Droz Grande Seconde Off-Centered is the automatic caliber JD2663.P. Based on a new design of the FP1150 caliber (with flat bridges and new rotor), this twin-barrel movement features a silicon balance spring, silicon pallet horns and a JD personalized balance with external screws. Ticking at 28,800 vibrations per hour (4Hz), it offers a healthy power reserve of 68 hours. As we have come to expect from Jaquet Droz, the caliber has been finished to a very high standard with Geneva stripes emanating from the center. The rotor has a frosted finish (laser sandblasting) with diamond cut polished surfaces and it is partially skeletonized. As with all the movements from the brand, it is discreetly engraved with a clover.

The Jaquet Droz Grande Seconde Off-Centered 39 mm is available in four different versions. The 18k red gold version has a grand feu enamel dial. The steel versions are paired with either a silvery opaline, a black onyx dial or an aventurine dial.

All variations are complemented with a rembordé alligator strap. The 18k gold version is secured with a pin buckle and the steel versions with a folding buckle. For more information, please visit www.jaquet-droz.com.

Technical specifications – Jaquet Droz Grande Seconde Off-Centered 39 mm

• Case: 39mm x 12.62mm – steel case or 18k red gold – sapphire crystal with antireflective coating on both sides – sapphire caseback – 30m water resistant
• Movement: caliber JD2663.P mechanical with automatic winding – 68h power reserve – 28’800 vibrations/h – 30 jewels – off-centered hours, and minutes, large off-centered seconds.
• Strap: black alligator leather strap with folding buckle
• Reference: J006010240 (steel version, opaline dial)
• Price: CHF 9,400

The Grande seconde off-centered steel with Onyx dial retails for CHF 11,050, the pink gold version with enamel dial CHF 20,000.