A Closer Look at the Jaquet Droz Grande Heure Minute Silver

I first saw this atypical Jaquet Droz during the brand's recent summer preview. What struck me most about the Grande Heure Minute Silver was its off-center small seconds subdial positioned at 9 o'clock and set against a very minimalistic matte silver dial. While reinterpreting dial layouts is nothing new to the La Chaux-de-Fonds atelier, this watch felt particularly special.
 

This piece marks the new entry-level ($8,400 USD) for Jaquet Droz. Sized at 43mm and encased in stainless steel, the Grande Heure Minute Silver is a remarkably punchy watch. The blued steel hands contrast the silver dial quite nicely while the rhodium plated ring around the off-centered seconds gives off a classic antique Breguet pocket watch vibe.
 

Powered by Jaquet Droz's 1169.Si automatic movement and boasts a power reserve of 68 hours. Like other Jaquet Droz timepieces, the Grande Heure Minute Silver features a silicon balance spring and a hidden cloverleaf engraving on one of the bridges (see if you can spot it).
 

Much of the movement is hand finished in the brand's workshops. Attention to detail is paramount in these endeavors, and Jaquet Droz doesn't disappoint. You'll notice a vibrant striping pattern across the main plate and bridges, a Jaquet Droz signature.

While you may know Jaquet Droz for their masterful work in enameling, the Grande Heure Minute's silver dial is quite remarkable. Not the typical hand-painted and kiln fired dial you're accustomed to, but a refreshingly smooth matte silver dial which sets the perfect backdrop to the small seconds subdial and blued hands. This dial is quite stunning in the metal and under various lighting conditions. A+ in my book.
 

(Photography by Liam O’Donnell)