A decade ago, Jaquet Droz turned its artistic gaze toward Japanese craftsmanship. Now, the brand revisits this rich tradition with an extraordinary creation—the Bushidô Tourbillon Skelet Sapphire. At its heart lies the iconic mask of the Japanese warrior, reimagined with artistic freedom while honoring its storied heritage. This singular masterpiece required over 200 hours of meticulous craftsmanship, engaging more than half a dozen artisans. True to Jaquet Droz’s legacy, it remains a one-of-a-kind creation.
If the dial is the face of a watch, what could be more fitting than to feature Japan’s most emblematic visage—the mask of the Bushi warrior? Known worldwide as the Samurai, these legendary figures have long straddled the line between myth and history. In Japan, masks are more than ornamental; they hold profound cultural significance, as seen in Noh and Kabuki theatre, with nearly 140 documented styles. However, the Bushidô mask (literally, “one who follows the way of the warrior”) is unique. It embodies the Samurai’s seven core values*, asserts authority, instills fear in adversaries, offers spiritual protection, and conveys reverence for elders. To achieve this, its design borrows from the deities and demons of Japanese lore.
Translating such cultural depth into a timepiece was no small feat. Jaquet Droz called upon its finest artisans—engravers, painters, sculptors, enamellers, and gem-setters—to craft a piece that delivers maximum visual impact.
At the forefront of this masterpiece is micro-sculpture, bringing the Bushidô mask to life in striking three-dimensionality. Encased entirely in sapphire, the watch creates the illusion of the mask resting directly on the wrist. This sapphire case is a marvel in itself—unlike most counterparts on the market, it is 100% Swiss Made, produced in La Chaux-de-Fonds, with no screws or inserts to obstruct the view of the movement and dial.
This unobstructed clarity reveals the mask’s exquisite details. While its primary surface is hand-painted, its horns are sculpted in translucent enamel. No part of the mask is flat—the red gold base is intaglio-engraved to accentuate the eyes, nose, and mouth, all outlined in gold. In a first for Jaquet Droz, Murano glass bead settings highlight the jade-green hues while fiery red accents echo in the two hand-painted hands.
Beneath the artistry, a sophisticated Manufacture calibre drives the Bushidô mask. The tourbillon at 12 o’clock is counterbalanced by the barrel at 6 o’clock, both visible from the caseback. A striking detail awaits on the reverse: the back of the mask is delicately hand-painted with sakura, or cherry blossoms—a rarity, as appliques are typically polished, not adorned.
Measuring 42mm with an 8-day power reserve, the Bushidô Tourbillon Skelet Sapphire encapsulates Jaquet Droz’s JD 8.0: A Disruptive Legacy philosophy. Bold in its sapphire skeletonized construction yet deeply reverent of Japanese heritage, this timepiece is a testament to both innovation and tradition—where art, history, and horology converge in an unparalleled masterpiece.
