Jaquet Droz  GRANDE SECONDE  Watches

Jaquet Droz Grande Seconde: Ode to Its 1785 Pocket Watch

From 1738, Jaquet Droz started out as a small watchmaking workshop with a mission to create timepieces that will remain iconic figures in the watchmaking industry. This mindset allowed Jaquet Droz to further create innovative inventions that led to their classic 1785 Pocket Watch, which became the sole inspiration for the launch of the Jaquet Grande Seconde collection in 2002. With the latest innovations and watchmaking breakthroughs, the Grande Seconde collection offers great functionalities behind each model’s luxurious designs.

Prices at a Glance: Most Popular Jaquet Droz Grande Seconde Watches

How much does a Jaquet Droz Grande Seconde watch cost?

The prestigious Jaquet Droz watchmaking company has been around for several years now. This means that the amount of devotion and passion poured into perfecting each model is still apparent even in the modern era. This leads the price of the Jaquet Droz to skyrocket with its intricate design, functions, and mechanisms. One of the prominent collections that Jaquet Droz launched is the Grande Seconde. These are a series of Jaquet Droz watches that combined the dual off-centered dials of their 1785 Pocket Watch and the latest innovations in the watchmaking industry. That said, how much does a Jaquet Droz Grande Seconde cost? 

Prices for the Jaquet Droz Grande Seconde Deadbeat Black Enamel Models

The Jaquet Droz Grande Seconde Deadbeat Black Enamel J008033201 is a self-winding mechanical movement watch that shows off an exquisite Black Grand Feu enamel dial. It offers a minimalistic design that complements the black dial and the 43mm diameter 18K red gold case. The stylish hand-made black alligator leather strap also adds an extravagant touch to blend well with its color scheme.

Equipped with the Jaquet Droz 2695SMR caliber movement, the Grande Seconde Deadbeat Black Enamel offers a self-winding mechanical movement with a 38-hour power reserve. Much like most mechanical watches, the Grande Seconde Deadbeat provides enough allotted time to keep going when not worn. Since Jaquet Droz is known for its unique design, the Grande Seconde Deadbeat has four 18K red gold hands. 

Based on the materials used as well as the design features and functionalities, the Jaquet Droz Grande Seconde Deadbeat exudes luxury to a whole new degree. Not only does it boast a minimalistic design, but its self-winding capabilities are also its main selling point, much like the other Grande Seconde models. The Grande Seconde Deadbeat can be acquired for the price of $30,500 USD. It is an expensive wristwatch, but it is the perfect value for a highly stylish and functional wristwatch.

Prices for the Jaquet Droz Grande Seconde Moon Ivory Enamel Watches

The Jaquet Droz Grande Seconde Moon Ivory Enamel J007533200 is the brand’’s attempt at creating a wristwatch that indicates the moon phase. It is one of Jaquet Droz’s many astronomical advancements in watchmaking that quickly flew off the shelves due to its intricate design and movement. That said, it cannot be argued that the Grande Seconde Moon has several competitions in regards to showing off a moon phase dial. But one thing is for sure, the Grande Seconde Moon offers a unique take that sets it aside from the other watches in the market.

It has a 43mm 18K red gold case that goes well with its double-level Grand Feu ivory enamel dial. The iconic off-centered dials that indicate hours and minutes are present, and the moon phase and date dial are located at 6 o’clock. The Seconds is also located at 6 o’clock and it is the outer circle of the moon phase and date dial to provide a clearer vision of seconds elapsed. 

The Grande Seconde Moon has the Jaquet Droz 2660QL3 caliber movement. It is a self-winding mechanical movement that provides 68 hours of power reserve and has a frequency of 28,800 vph. This is one of Jaquet Droz’s higher caliber movements that fit perfectly well on the Grande Seconde Moon’s design features. Much like most watches in the Grande Seconde collection, this model also has a 3-bar water resistance, which is the average water resistance a wristwatch should have.

The Grande Seconde Moon Ivory Enamel J007533200 is currently priced at $28,900 USD. It is a classy watch that has vintage undertones, which several connoisseurs and collectors would love. Its silver counterpart, the Jaquet Droz Grande Seconde Moon Silver, offers a significantly lower price of $11,329 USD.

Prices for the Jaquet Droz Skelet-One Ceramic Series

The Jaquet Droz Grande Seconde Skelet-One is by far the most unique model in the Grande Seconde collection. It may not have the iconic 18K red gold as its case, but the use of ceramic added more authenticity to its skeleton dial design. Its front and back case provides a clear view of the inner movement mechanisms which is the selling point of this model.

The Jaquet Droz 2663 SQ is used in creating the Grande Seconde Skelet-One. It is a self-winding skeleton mechanical movement that is specifically made for these types of watch models. Despite its lightweight design, its caliber movement proves to be a powerhouse since it can last up to 68 hours when not worn. The 30 fitted jewels allow for a smooth movement both in winding and rotation of each mechanism. This helps it reach 28,800 vph without fail. Due to it having a clear dial, the Date indicator used in other models in the Grande Seconde collection is scrapped, which only leaves the off-centered Hours, Minutes, and Seconds dial.

With the Jaquet Droz Grande Seconde Skelet-One’s unique design, the retail price is expected to be at a higher range. But since the materials used in the model’s case are only ceramic, it only costs $23,600 USD. A great price for an extraordinary watch.

Prices for the Jaquet Droz Grande Seconde Côtes De Genève Watches

The Jaquet Droz Grande Seconde Côtes De Genève boasts a classy dial that provides class and extravagance. As the name suggests, this model has a Côtes De Genève dial with a silvered opaline sundial that indicates Hours, Minutes, and Seconds. Côtes is a french word for the word “ribs”, which is a reference to the dial’s folds or rib-like design. This dial, along with its 43mm and 18K red gold case adds a delightful blend of dark and light color scheme.

The Jaquet Droz 2663 self-winding mechanical movement is used in the Grande Seconde Côtes De Genève. Much like the other models in this collection, it has a power reserve of 68 hours when not in use. Not only that, but it is also capable of reaching a consistent 28,800 vph. This is made possible due to the 30 jewels fitted in the rotor and gears within the mechanical movement.

The design of the Grande Seconde Côtes De Genève is rather simple and straightforward. But the Côtes De Genève dial and the Off-centered hours and minutes and the large seconds subdial provide a more luxurious feel to it. Currently, its retail price is $19,500 USD, a fairly affordable price for a luxury watch.

Prices for the Jaquet Droz Grande Seconde Quantieme Ivory Enamel Models

Using the original 1785 Jaquet Droz Pocket Watch as the basis for all the Grande Seconde collection, the Grande Seconde Quantieme provides a more refined design with only minor changes. It has a double-level ivory enamel dial that is enclosed with a 41mm 18-carat red gold case. There is also an 18-carat red gold applique within the sundial that indicates the date. The hands that point towards the Hours, Minutes, Seconds, and Date markings are also made using 18-carat red gold. The Date hand has a red lacquered tip to avoid confusion when reading the time.

There are five variations of the Quantieme model, but the most iconic one is the Grande Seconde Quantieme J007023200 due to its elegant color scheme that perfectly blends the ivory enamel and the red gold case. Plus, the hand-made light brown alligator leather provides consistency in the design and maximum comfortability. 

The caliber movement used in the Grande Seconde Quantieme is the Jaquet Droz 2660Q2. This is a self-winding automatic movement that provides an accurate reading of time and a 68-hour power reserve. The 30 jewels fitted in the rotor and the oscillating weight provide a consistent 28,800 vibrations per hour. 

The Quantieme does not deviate from its fellow Grande Seconde watch models. The 3-bar water resistance and the iconic off-centered dial design are also present. That is why the listed price for this model is not too far off compared to the other models. For $20,000 USD, it cannot be argued that it is a fair price for a sophisticated watch model.

History Behind the Jaquet Droz Grande Seconde Collection

In 2000, the Swatch Group acquired the Jaquet Droz company as an addition to the many luxurious watchmaking brands. This led to many watch innovations and launches that quickly became popular in the market. The classic 1785 Pocket Watch was used as an inspiration for the Jaquet Droz Grande Seconde’s launch in 2002. Revitalizing the use of the Grand Feu enamel and the overlapping off-centered dials, the popularity of the Grande Seconde was an instant success. And to commemorate the launch, the 18th-century Pocket Watch became available in the market back in 2008, allowing connoisseurs and collectors to acquire the ageless timepiece.

3 Reasons to Buy a Jaquet Droz Grande Seconde Watch

A number of reasons arise when it comes to considering buying a Grande Seconde watch. Aside from financial capability, the features and functionalities should also be considered. Here are a few reasons to buy a Jaquet Droz Grande Seconde watch:

1. The design is pure elegance

Setting aside the price, the design and color scheme of each Grande Seconde watch exudes class and elegance. It is clear that watchmakers took the design seriously and with great consideration with their target audience. The variations provide a wide array of choices to add more flexibility in matching certain outfits. This is why the Grande Seconde is perfect for those who frequent formal events.

2. The heritage dates back to the 18th century

As mentioned before, the Grande Seconde took inspiration from the 1785 Pocket Watch. This means that both collectors and connoisseurs will get their money’s worth with each model. Plus, with the rerelease of the 1785 Pocket Watch, it would surely be an amazing addition to their collections.

3. The calibers used in each model are engineered meticulously

All of the watch models in the Grande Seconde collection are equipped with self-winding automatic movements. These movements have the capability to reach up to 68 hours, with the exception of the Grande Seconde Tourbillon that can last for 7 days. The consistent vibrations per hour rate provide an accurate reading and precise movement that cater to the wearer’s needs.

A Tribute to the Brand’s Rich Heritage

Jaquet Droz took advantage of its rich heritage and launched the Grande Seconde collection. Each model is carefully engineered to perfection to pay tribute to its predecessors and the deep foundation of the Jaquet Droz brand. With the acquisition of the Jaquet Droz by the Swatch Group, it cannot be denied that many innovative and top-notch models are sure to come in the future. In other words, the Grande Seconde is only the tip of the luxurious iceberg that Jaquet Droz has up its sleeve.