Jaquet Droz "Les Douze Villes"

Founded during the Enlightenment, the Manufacture Jaquet Droz has always created superb timepieces celebrating the brilliance of precious stones and the purity of fine enamelwork. From the musical watches, carillons and mechanical figures presented at the royal courts of 18th-century Europe to its most contemporary creations, the Manufacture has consistently combined great creativity with stunning technical superiority in the avant-garde of luxury watchmaking.

The travel theme has always inspired the Manufacture, starting with its founder, Pierre Jaquet Droz (1721-1790), an extraordinary inventor who captivated not only Old World capitals but also the Forbidden City in Peking. The philosophy of this roving genius, curious about the world and exacting in his craft, inspired several of the timepieces that bear his name; the most emblematic of these is "Les Douze Villes".

Inside a powerfully designed 18-carat white gold case, an ingenious self-winding double-barrel mechanical movement offers a power reserve of 72 hours. its bridges and plates are adorned with prestige "Côtes de Genève" patterning. While the bezel and dial interact gracefully with subtle off-centred curves, a single lancine hand sweeps the minute indicators. The jumping hour subdial is located at 12 o'clock; the respective tempos of twelve cities ("Les Douze Villes") beat at 6 o'clock. Monaco, of course. New York, obviously. London, naturally. But also Moscow, Istanbul, Dubai, Aspen, Mexico, Tokyo, the Azores, Sydney and Shanghai. The sight of these local times appeals to the imagination, suggesting instant time travel or a magic carpet ride!

"When you’re in love with one of its inhabitants," the poet and novelist Lawrence Durrell once wrote, ‘a city can become a world.’

Giving the local time for each of these twelve cities is a declaration of love. That's why the Manufacture Jaquet Droz decided to bring out a Numerus Clausus edition limited to a single watch. It will bear the name of the Principality along with the other cities and wear the colours of its flag: white for the grand feu enamelling and red for the hand, the numerals on the dial and the top-stitching on the strap.

For the Manufacture from La Chaux-de-Fonds, "Les Douze Villes" eloquently expresses two centuries of tradition, second after second. Time, viewed through the prism of love. Love, for the world and its inhabitants.

Specifications :

Reference : J010124217 * Movement : Jaquet Droz 3663-4, self-windingmechanical movement, double barrel, jumping hours and 12 time-zones, 22-carats white gold oscillating weight * Indication : Jumping hour and 12 time-zones (12 cities) through an aperture. Pointer-type minute display * Jewelling : 28 jewels * Power reserve : 68 hours * Frequency : 28,800 v.p.h * Watch case : 18-carat white gold. Diameter Ø 40.5 mm * Water resistance : to 30 / 100 feet * Dial : ivory coloured “grand feu” enamelled
Press Release is as supplied by Jaquet Droz.