Baselworld 2017 – Jaquet Droz Grande Seconde Moon (Hands-On)

For Baselworld 2017, Jaquet Droz integrates what certainly is the most poetical complication in their very poetical watch, unique in its display, the Grande Seconde. Based on the now iconic 8-shaped dials, with a second larger than the rest of the time, what the brand has done is a perfect example of integration. Indeed, this moon-phase feels like it has always been part of the concept, as natural evolution of the watch… Here is the new Jaquet Droz Grande Seconde Moon. And you already know that it is a perfectly achieved watch by just reading this introduction.

Admittedly, this new Jaquet Droz Grande Seconde Moon isn’t renewing the overall concept of the Swatch-owned brand. In fact, it is a rather simple evolution of a watch that we already know for some years. Yes, this moon-phase display feels more a detail than a revolution. But still, from time to time, a detail can create ce-je-ne-sais-quoi that actually transform a design, and make it even more desirable. This happened with the Grande Seconde Moon, which feels like the adult, achieved version of the 8-shaped dial timepieces.

The new Jaquet Droz Grande Seconde Moon is based on the same architecture as the Jaquet Droz Grande Seconde Quantieme and the Jaquet Droz Grande Seconde Dual Time that we already covered here, on Monochrome, two watches that we praised for their elegance, their presence on the wrist, their comfort and the beauty of their movements. The specificity of these watches, apart from their unique display, comers from this surprising combination of modernity, timeless appeal and sensation of sleekness, without feeling void either. This minimalistic approach, which remains the same on all the versions, even those with added complications, is what makes the Jaquet Droz Grande Seconde highly desirable. Thus, it’s with pleasure that we welcome this moon evolution.

The case of the Jaquet Droz Grande Seconde Moon is the same perfectly round and smooth case used in other iterations, with a 43mm diameter (large for some, but 39mm editions also exist). The finishing, entirely polished, is flawless and adjustments between the different parts of the case are perfectly executed. The diameter, rather large on paper, is manageable for most wrist, even if smaller ones will certainly benefit from the 39mm versions – we still have to confirm if this moon version will be available or not in the smaller case. Yet, the lugs are curved, allowing for a great comfort. It is secured to the wrist by the usual non-stitched alligator strap, as clean as the rest of the watch.

The display of the Jaquet Droz Grande Seconde Moon is based on the iconic 8 figure, with the hours indicated in a smaller sub-dial at 12. Don’t worry, as the legibility remains extremely clear. As guessed by its name, the star of the show is the second sub-dial, oversized and placed on the lower half of the dial. It is the perfect location to integrate complications, such as a date-by-hand, a second time-zone, and now a moon phase, combined by a date on its periphery. The complication is here used in a precise version (1 day deviation every 122 years) and is, to my tastes, perfectly integrated on the dial. First of all, it benefits from a large size (larger than most of the watches on the market) and from a more central position than the usual 6 o’clock window. This gives the watch a certain uniqueness and some appeal, as balanced differently. This is where a detail can change it all.

3 editions of the Jaquet Droz Grande Seconde Moon will be offered:

• A stainless steel version, with opaline dial, blued steel hands and blued steel moon disc, with a finely engraved moon and 6 stars applied. Secured by a black strap and a folding clasp – CHF 15,700
• A stainless steel version with black Onyx dial, with applied metallic rings around the dials, a black moon disc and the same finely engraved moon. Secured by a black strap and a folding clasp – Boutique Exclusive version (Only at official Jaquet Droz boutiques and Tourbillon boutiques) – CHF 17,850
• A 18k red gold version with ivory enamel dial, a gold ring sound the moon, gold hands,  blued steel moon disc, with a finely engraved gold moon. Secured by a black strap and a gold pin buckle – CHF 29,700

The Jaquet Droz Grande Seconde Moon is powered by the same base calibre as the other Grande Seconde watches, meaning a highly-finished movement with modern features. This twin-barrel movement with automatic winding features a free-sprung balance, a silicon balance spring and silicon pallet horns. It runs at a modern 28,800 vibrations per hour (4Hz) and offers a healthypower reserve of 65 hours. It is beautifully finished with Cotes de Genève radiating from the balance wheel and an open-worked rotor, executed with polished chamfers and frosted surfaces.

The Jaquet Droz Grande Seconde Moon is not only an other addition to the collection. It feels achieved and perfectly proportioned. Finally, the moon-phase indication is greatly integrated into the dial and also fits entirely the concept of the 8-shaped dial. More details on www.jaquet-droz.com.