Monochrome Watches
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The Jaquet Droz Grande Seconde Skelet-One Tourbillon For Only Watch 2021

Skeletonized movement and plique-à-jour enamel for maximum transparency.

| By Xavier Markl | 2 min read |

Only Watch is a biennial charity auction of luxury timepieces made by some of the finest watchmakers to fund research into Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. For the 2021 edition and its ninth consecutive participation in the fundraiser, Jaquet Droz has created a spectacular version of one of its most iconic watches. Based on the recently launched Grande Seconde Skelet-One watch, it adds a tourbillon regulator and a superb plique-à-jour enamel layout revealing part of the movement. 

Presented in 2018, the Jaquet Droz Skelet-One added a strong, modern note to the signature Grande Seconde collection. This architectural skeletonized watch brought the model into contemporary, modern territory. On the occasion of Only Watch 2021, the brand presents a truly exceptional version of the model. The movement is regulated by a one-minute flying tourbillon, which is new for this openworked watch. With no upper bridge to hold it, the tourbillon seems to be floating at the heart of the splendid architectural movement. Made of titanium, the cage has been lightened to optimize its chronometric performances. The balance spring and pallet lugs are made of silicon. Running at 21,600 vibrations per hour, the power reserve of this automatic movement is of 7 days when fully wound.

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To further grace this superb unique piece, Jaquet Droz put to work its Ateliers d’Art to create the plique-à-jour enamel. The spectacular composition of its dial is made up of cells of different colours and shapes. With the beautiful and varied colours of light shining through, it resembles a stained-glass window. Every tone of enamel has been meticulously selected and fired several times before the ultimate polishing step. Turning the watch over, the gold rotor is fully skeletonized to enhance the transparency of the movement.

The Jaquet Droz Grande Seconde Skelet-One Tourbillon Only Watch 2021 is presented in a 41mm pink gold case. It is worn on a rolled-edge alligator leather strap secured by a pink gold folding buckle. At the time of mass-produced everything, this beautiful piece of art is certainly one of the hidden gems of Only Watch 2021! The estimate is CHF 160,000 to CHF 200,000. 

For more information, please visit www.jaquet-droz.com.


Created in 2005, Only Watch is a biennial fundraiser for research on muscular dystrophy – Association Monégasque Contre les Myopathies (AMM). Organised under the patronage of HSH Albert II de Monaco, the watches of the 9th edition will be auctioned by Christie’s on Saturday, 6 November 2021. More details at www.onlywatch.com.

https://monochrome-watches.com/jaquet-droz-grande-seconde-skelet-one-tourbillon-only-watch-2021-hands-on/

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