Tag Archives: Jaquet Droz

Jaquet Droz: Where Disruption Meets Emotion – An Exclusive Conversation with CEO Alain Delamuraz

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In the world of haute horlogerie, few names carry the mystique of Jaquet Droz. Known for its automata, métiers d’art, and poetic approach to time, the brand has spent nearly three centuries challenging conventions while keeping emotion at the heart of every creation.

During his recent visit to India, Alain Delamuraz, CEO of Jaquet Droz, shared his thoughts on legacy, innovation, and the brand’s deepening connection with Indian collectors.

Art Beyond Time

When asked whether Jaquet Droz feels closer to a poem, a painting, or a piece of music, Alain Delamuraz resists a single definition: “I think that all the arts are connected. Watchmaking art, métiers d’art, paillons, enamel, engraving, micro-painting — all these things are together. If you copy an art, you die. All the arts need to be challenged every time.”

For him, watchmaking at Jaquet Droz is less about the object itself and more about the dialogue it inspires: “We do not make a piece and then try to sell it. We create it together with the people who will wear it. It’s a connection, a human connection.”

Disruptive Legacy

With centuries of history behind the brand, the temptation might be to look backward. Alain Delamuraz instead looks forward: “The question is not what did Pierre Jaquet-Droz do, the question is what he would do today if he were still alive… He was a disruptive person — inventive, creative, full of craziness. We have to keep this disruptive attitude. Disruptive is positive — it is not destroying, but it is faster and more creative than normal evolution.”
For him, disruption is not an occasional strategy but the brand’s DNA: “Innovation is our tradition. Disruption is our legacy.”

The Soul of Emotion

Precision is essential, but it is emotion that defines true luxury. As Alain Delamuraz explains: “You can have passion, authenticity, technical excellence — but without emotion, it is nothing. We are in direct connection between an artist and another artist who is the collector. If there is no emotion, people don’t buy. There is never, ever something we do without emotion.”

That emotional connection is rooted in people — the watchmakers, artisans, and collectors who bring each piece to life: “The soul is that you can see the people making your piece of art. You talk with the engraver, the painter, the enameller. You create together. That, I believe, is the soul of Jaquet Droz: putting people together, humanizing luxury, and giving emotion — not only price.”

India: A Dialogue of Cultures

India, with its rich artistic heritage, resonates naturally with Jaquet Droz’s philosophy. “We take inspiration from every culture — Japan, China, India. We also did some Indian themes. Always by hand, always unique, one-of-one. That is why I am here in India — to feel the culture, to meet people, to understand more, and to be more ready to create bespoke pieces of art in the spirit of this culture.”

Indian collectors, he observes, are especially eager to co-create: “It would begin with colors, crafts, and themes unique to India — because this is what connects naturally to our métiers d’art. We work with the client to refine it: more blue, less green, more red, different materials. The idea is always to co-create.”

What excites him most about the market is its youthful boldness: “The younger generation cannot be fooled. They want authenticity, emotion, and individuality. They are curious and bold. That’s why we create both the timeless and the unexpected.”

Collaborations & Living Art

Beyond watches, Jaquet Droz has often blurred the lines between horology and fine art. A striking example is the brand’s collaboration with John Howe, the legendary illustrator behind The Lord of the Rings: “He created a dragon for us — his signature is engraved on the back, and the automaton moves with 16 separate pieces. This is live art. With a lot of pleasure, we are always ready to collaborate with artists. Our concept is to redefine painting, engraving, or sculpture so collectors can travel with their piece of art.”

 

It’s a philosophy that aligns perfectly with India’s own artistic traditions — a fertile ground for future collaborations.

An Industry of Emotion, Not Marketing

In a world where marketing often overshadows craft, Alain Delamuraz insists on a more human-centered approach: “In our case, we don’t do advertising anymore. Our marketing concept is to know the people and to interact with them. Automata are about surprise and emotion — you don’t know what will happen, then suddenly something moves and you say ‘wow.’ That surprise is the emotion. We are not only a brand, not only a watchmaker. We are an emotion.”

Conclusion

Alain Delamuraz’s vision for Jaquet Droz is clear: a brand rooted in disruption, guided by emotion, and deeply connected to its collectors. Whether through métiers d’art, automata, or bespoke creations inspired by India, Jaquet Droz continues to prove that true luxury lies not only in what is made, but in the human connection it creates.

Charming Bird Titanium: The bird takes flight again

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The “Disruptive Legacy” philosophy of Jaquet Droz mainly finds its expression as original creations, however that is not its only inspiration. In 2025, 10 years after winning the “Mechanical Exception” category at the GPHG, the Charming Bird is being reinterpreted in a Grade 5 Titanium case. It is the world’s first wristwatch with musical automaton to be made from this metal, which is as difficult to work as it is modern.

Rarely has the ‘Disruptive Legacy’ philosophy been interpreted so aptly. Here, this legacy is that of musical automata. A tradition which, at Jaquet Droz, will soon be three centuries old. Back then, the family workshop amazed courts around the world with its amazingly realistic singing birds, capable of whistling a melody in perfect tune. There are several examples still in perfect working order around the world.

However, since 1738, clockwork mechanisms have undergone not one, but many disruptions. The most important was miniaturisation. It enabled the workshop, still based in its La Chaux-de-Fonds stronghold, to move on from the music box and life-sized automaton to the wristwatch. The other revolution was in materials. Jaquet Droz has embraced this in all its dimensions: sapphire, silicon and plasma ceramic are the most recent examples. But titanium has always been resistant, both literally and figuratively.

Reputed to be one of the most difficult metals to work with, and with an unfortunate propensity to set fire to the tools used to try and tame it, titanium has long resisted machining, finishing and decoration techniques. It has also long resisted the attraction of collectors, who did not instantly appreciate its perceived value, technical prowess and immediate benefits. These include a well-proven resistance to impacts and scratches, as well as an incredible lightness on the wrist.

This is what Jaquet Droz wanted to highlight in its new Charming Bird Titanium. The watch is 20% lighter, weighing 42 grams less on the wrist. The whistling bird is more ethereal than ever.

In addition to this lightness, and despite the difficulty of machining titanium, Jaquet Droz has managed to preserve the distinctive geometry of its case. It has two unique features. First, a double sapphire crystal, which protects the movement on the dial side and, separately, protects the bird automaton at 6 o’clock. Then there’s a narrow lateral opening, between 8 and 10 o’clock, which allows the air – and therefore the melody – to circulate from inside the case to the outside world. All with a satin-brushed finish executed to perfection.

As for the movement, Jaquet Droz has retained the automaton which has been delighting the most discerning collectors for over a decade. It is fully visible through a metallic sapphire dial at 12 o’clock, which allows the hours and minutes to be read against a black background. The bird, which measures 13.5 mm, sits proudly at 6 o’clock. Hand-engraved and hand-painted, it flies through an opening in the dial towards its owner. It whistles, opens its beak, spins around, and beats its wings and tail.

The automaton has its own power reserve, wound by the crown at 2 o’clock. A simple press on its coaxial push-button triggers the sequence. It can be stopped when required by a second press. If the owner does not intervene, it can last for around thirty seconds, during which time the three notes of the bird’s whistle can be clearly distinguished. The speed of its movements and singing is not controlled mechanically, to avoid friction between metal parts that would inevitably cause wear, but magnetically. As there is no contact, there is also no noise interference, resulting in a purer melody. Made as a one-off piece, the Charming Bird Titanium is taking flight to new horizons.

“Create your own. As unique as you are”

Jaquet Droz Unveils a Masterpiece: The Bushidô Tourbillon Skelet Sapphire

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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.

Jaquet Droz TOURBILLON SKELET CERAMIC – SKULL PINK POINTILLISM: DEATH NEVER LOOKED SO GOOD…

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Rarely has a Tourbillon Skull gone to such lengths. Chic yet punk, perfectly controlled yet completely untamed… A skilful combination of extremes, executed by the master Artisans at Jaquet Droz. A unique piece crafted by hand in a bold pink set in an intense black ceramic case, it offers a vision of time suspended between life and death; a carpe diem encapsulated in a watch as audacious as it is elusive.

There will only ever be one piece, as it was born from the imagination of a single collector. Jaquet Droz brought this vision to life. The Tourbillon Skull Pink Pointillism is a meeting of minds. On the one side, a lover of fine watchmaking who has pushed the boundaries of tradition to create their own. On the other, a master watchmaker with expertise in this tradition dating back over 250 years, today offering a vision of Disruptive Legacy that straddles the centuries and the arts to produce unique pieces of great beauty.

At the heart of the piece lies the Jaquet Droz Tourbillon Skull movement, an original creation that is a skeletonised, atomised version of the famous figure-of-eight design. At the top is the tourbillon, mirroring the off-centred hours and minutes at 6 o’clock. Over the suspended skeleton architecture, a hand-sculpted and hand-painted 18-karat gold skull offers an unnerving interpretation of tempus fugit. The piece conveys the passage of time with the skull, the classic element of still life, combining it with the brightest and happiest of colours, a bold, striking pink.

What truly makes it stand out is a technique dear to the Jaquet Droz Artisans: pointillism. Almost all of the skull is covered with dots of paint – more than 3000 in total – individually applied by hand with brushes, some of which have only a single bristle. The shades of pink enhance the geometry of the calibre, a modern, structured design which highlights both the material and the movement, and the spaces between. With perfect harmony, this composition is set inside a ceramic case of an uncompromising and intense black, which reinforces the contrast with the pink of the skull and the textured rubber strap that accompanies it.

Studio 8 at Jaquet Droz was instrumental in allowing the collector and artisans to share a vision. This hub of cutting-edge technology in La Chaux-de-Fonds allows remote customers to be virtually present at each stage of the creation of their timepiece. From the brief to the 3D model, and for the validation of all the technical and aesthetic choices, Studio 8, with its integrated 4K cameras allowing digital immersion into the heart of the watch, allows the wildest of dreams to become reality. The Skull Pink Pointillism is no exception.  The spirit gave rise to the method, the material dictated how it was used. Within the equally masculine and feminine 42-mm case beats the Jaquet Droz flying tourbillon self-winding movement with a power reserve of eight days. The screws and finishes are all custom-made, including the unique engraving on the oscillating weight. Once again, Jaquet Droz has been able to capture the imagination and personal preferences of a collector to manufacture an exceptional and unique custom piece which truly reflects them.

“Create your own. As unique as you are”

JAQUET DROZ POCKET WATCH AUTOMATON – PARROT REPEATER

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THE ESSENCE OF OUR HERITAGE DISTILLED IN A MOVEMENT

It took a whole year and no fewer than ten Jaquet Droz artisans to bring this unique piece – the Pocket Watch Automaton – Parrot Repeater – to life. This extraordinary task required close coordination between the various Ateliers in La Chaux-de-Fonds, fostering a sense of devotion and pride, not to mention a great deal of emotion. For Jaquet Droz, the piece represents the peak of its expertise. Once finished, it immediately joined the collection of a private customer.

With its skeleton tourbillon in a sapphire case, this pocket watch, a unique piece, epitomises the master crafts and the Artisans at Jaquet Droz who embody the brand’s philosophy of Disruptive Legacy each and every day. It straddles the centuries, either uniting or breaking with tradition and modernity through creations designed to echo the passions of their collectors. The new Pocket Watch Automaton – Parrot Repeater takes these talents and condenses them into a dazzling creation, a contemporary homage to the naturalistic heritage of Jaquet Droz.

Within its 56 mm red gold case, the movement features a Minute Repeater coupled with an automaton boasting eight animations, activated in concert by a single bolt mechanism at 9 o’clock. The scene comes to life as the waterfall in the background flows, the two parent parrots move, their egg hatches and their chicks shuffle. The scene, created entirely by hand by the Artisans at Jaquet Droz, called for the very highest levels of craftsmanship: micro-painting, engraving, Grand Feu enamel. The case has been entirely hand-set and hand-painted, both on the dial side and the back, and features a secret mechanism (for which two patents were filed) in an opening hidden within the bow. The part has 1240 hand-set jewels, including 486 emeralds, 727 sapphires and 16 rubies

Parrot Repeater Automaton Pocket Watch.
The most expensive watch in Jaquet Droz’ history at over CHF1.6 million.

 

Alongside the talent of the watchmakers in developing and assembling this Automaton Minute Repeater, ten artisans spent an entire year bringing the aesthetic choices made by the future owner of the piece to life: three gem-setters, three engravers, two enamellers, an expert in miniature painting and an escapement fitter responsible for adjusting the secret case opening mechanism. Expert eyes will note the curved and ribbed Grand Feu enamel on the leaf covering it, at 12 o’clock; the angled enamelled surface of this cover is considerably harder to create than a flat surface. The scene is framed by a luxurious jungle expressed in rubies, sapphires and emeralds set in golden vines. The case back features a parrot painted on an enamel background, set in a tropical forest accentuated with paillons in gold leaf.

 

“Create your own. As unique as you are”. JAQUET DROZ

 

JAQUET DROZ PAYS TRIBUTE TO CHINESE CULTURE’S MOST SACRED CREATURE: IMPERIAL DRAGON AUTOMATON RED GOLD – CUPRITE

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A masterpiece of art and engineering, this unique animated piece brings to life the mythical creature at the heart of Chinese culture. Meticulous attention paid to its minute details makes for a truly stunning representation. This unique piece combines the talents of John Howe and the master sculptors, painters and engravers at Jaquet Droz to create a Dragon animated by nine different movements.

The Dragon is an animal with historic links to Jaquet Droz. The Atelier’s founder was one of the earliest official suppliers to the Imperial Court of China, 280 years ago. Today, Jaquet Droz still regularly explores the symbolism of the Dragon in collaboration with John Howe, conceptual designer for the “Lord of the Rings” trilogy and one of its most consummate connoisseurs.

The Imperial Dragon Automaton Red Gold – Cuprite embodies this narrative continuity, and continues to enrich it with the deeply disruptive approach of the new Jaquet Droz. It is a modern piece, powerful and unique. It captures the past with both deference and creativity. Respectful yet audacious.

Its dial is made from cuprite, a stone symbolising strength, energy and vitality, with its bright red colour representing the Dragon’s characteristic fire. However, not many people are aware that the Dragon is also associated with rain, which is why the Jaquet Droz Artisans have surrounded its head and tail with clouds painted in shades of gold and ochre. This dragon features all of the distinguishing traits from Chinese culture: two moustache tendrils pointing upwards, a full beard, gently rounded teeth – the Dragon was not necessarily menacing, often representing a benevolent force. Each scale on its body is hand-shaped and hand-patinated. Its toes and claws are disturbingly life-like, which is only accentuated by the movements they make.

At 6 o’clock, the animal grasps a ball of red jasper, chosen for its properties of attracting success and abundance, and protecting and promoting openness to the world. On it, the Jaquet Droz Artisans have trapped fragments of gold dust beneath a layer of transparent varnish. To showcase the animation, discreet openings cut into the dial above the ball and at three o’clock allow a part of the magic – created by 19 moving parts in total – bringing the nine different animations on the piece to life to be glimpsed. These include the undulating of the sacred animal’s spine, the opening and closing of its jaw and eye, the movement of its tongue, the raising and lowering of its crest, and its claws grasping the jasper, which also rotates constantly. The sequence of the animation changes each time it is activated, to retain the magic and mystery for its one and only future collector.

https://www.jaquet-droz.com/imperial-dragon-automaton-red-gold-cuprite