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Press release: The Jaquet Droz Grande Seconde Marine
Grande Seconde Marine
HOMMAGE Genève 1784
Here are countries where, at sunset, the ocean appears to catch fire, shrouding itself in a purple colour that is reflected by the waves all the way to the distant line of the horizon. This magical, capricious horizontal line that perpetually recedes as one tries to approach it, is tinged with the colour of hope and desires. How can one know what lies beyond that line, except by going there?
Representing the persistent object of the wildest dreams and challenges, this far horizon was reached from the 15th century onwards by brave, bold, optimistic and dedicated men. Christopher Columbus, Marco Polo, Alvarez Cabral, Vasco da Gama, Vasco da Balboa, Ferdinand Magellan: these men, known as the Great Navigators, dared to set off on some incredible journeys. Clinging tightly to the sea and the winds, with their unpredictable movements and their sudden surprises, they explored the secrets of the planet and brought continents closer together.
Pierre Jaquet Droz, founder of the Swiss watch brand, also dared. In 1774, he set off for England to establish a manufactory in London. From there, he sailed on to China to open a "comptoir" or trading post. Sea routes had become more reliable, thanks to the emergence of measuring instruments: the sextant, which measured latitudes; and the marine chronometer coupled with astronomical observation, for determining longitudes at sea.
In creating its Grande Seconde Marine model, a marine chronometer endowed with extreme precision certified by the COSC (Swiss Official Chronometer Testing Institute), the Jaquet Droz Swiss Manufacture of Haute Horlogerie pays tribute to the Portuguese, Italian and Spanish maritime pioneers who enabled people to travel the world; to the 18th century watchmakers who developed marine chronometers; and to the seamen of this century who continue to live out their passion and to share it through the wonderful challenges they set themselves. The Grande Seconde Marine makes part of the "Numerus Clausus" concept and is thus issued in a limited edition of 8.
The Grande Seconde Marine chronometer is equipped with the Jaquet Droz Calibre 2663, a self-winding mechanical, double-barrel movement with 68-hour power reserve and an oscillating weight in 22-carat white gold. Its blued steel hands as well as its off-centered hours and minutes and the large seconds subdial make it very much a part of the Grande Seconde line by Jaquet Droz. Its glass and case-back are in glareproofed sapphire and its generously sized case has a diameter of 43 millimetres. Nonetheless, a specific feature of this exceptional model with black "grand feu" enamelled dial is revealed on its bezel, in the form of three screws guaranteeing its water resistance to 100 metres and giving it a striking resemblance to the portholes found on early 19th century ships. Also its case-back is secured with screws, while its crown is screwed-on. The watch is equipped with a rubber-lined leather strap.
The Swiss watch brand Jaquet Droz, like the great seamen, and like the founder himself, is placing its signature on a daring accomplishment: that of devoting a wealth of watchmaking know-how to the distinguished service of contemporary aesthetes in love with the sea.
Posted for SJX.
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