The art of enameling watch dials has a solid foundation in modern haute horlogerie. Early in Pierre Jaquet Droz’s re-emergence phase, the Swatch Group-owned brand resuscitated a technique that Jaquet Droz had used on some of his original pocket watches. Now, Jaquet Droz has revealed three new limited-edition watch models featuring intricate paillonné enameling on the dials. Using the same grand feu enamel process that the house’s artisans have practiced since the 18th century, which involves several firings at temperatures that can approach 1000°C, the watches boast a floral design of incredible intricacy in a palette of royal blue and gold.
These three new models – a 39 mm Petite Heure Minute Paillonné , a 50 mm Pocket Watch paillonné and a recently added 43 mm Grande Seconde Paillonné – are a fitting tribute to a three-century-old art form, with the motif playing with circular forms to evoke the floral theme favored by the house’s founder.
The blued steel hands echo the ultramarine dial, while the light in the red gold case, on a blue or black alligator leather strap, seems to reflect the gleaming paillons.
Only eight pieces of each model will be produced, making them fine collectibles.
