Question from a newbie - mob.watchprosite.com

Question from a newbie
Jul 01 2008,07:11 AM

While I have accumulated about 50 pieces in my collection over a period of two years, I have never owned a Jaquet Droz.

The other day I wondered into an AD and accidentally picked up a Grande Second Medium Email (rose gold with ivory enamel dial, 39 mm) - it really sang to me. I was impressed by its simplicity, color and elegance.

Can anyone advise me why I should not go for it, or consider another JD model over this particular piece? N.B. I have a small build and small wrist - 43 mm for a dress watch may be too big for me

Sam

Song of the Siren
Jul 01 2008,08:15 AM

Hi Sam,

You didn't "accidentally" pick up the Jaquet Droz Grande Seconde, you were drawn to it and now the danger has begun.

Simply put you obviously have amassed a large collection of fine watches yet there is nothing which resembles a Jaquet Droz!

Combine the uniqueness of the elegant design to the craftmanship behind the Grande Feu enamel dial. It is unbeatable. Just like the vintage Pateks with true enamel dials which are held in such high regards today I would dare say that this J*D will have the same "staying power" in the future.

Why? True collectors appreciate the difficulties behind a large enamel dial (the larger the diameter, the more difficult to produce). J*D was the first in the industry to revive this technique, they still employ the best in the business. If you are careful against shocks, the enamel will stay perfect in appearance for a long, long time. IMHO the curves of the case is also a big attraction, better than the case work in Patek. As to the design, the original "8" subdial was first conceived over 270 years ago and still evokes strong emotions today. I have no doubt that the design will continue to inspire long into the future.

I'm not a "movement" guy. I don't believe that every watch has to be powered by a unique, chronometer rated, hand finished to the extreme engine. There are plenty of expensive timepieces that would fall into that catagory. I bet you already own some of these. A Jaquet Droz fits another bill and it sounds like there is a void in your collection or else you would have walked right past the Grande Seconde.

Is there another J*D model that combines all this? I think that you've picked one of the core models to own. Besides perhaps chosing a different case metal I think the first J*D should always be an enamel dial, a grey slate with rehaut ring, or if you can afford it a special stone dial.

As for the size, I would go for the 39mm given your personal description.

Good hunting. Feel free to ask more questions and I hope you will share pics if you decide to proceed with the purchase!

Cheers, Mike

Thx Mike for the prompt response
Jul 01 2008,08:28 AM

Very informative and compelling indeed.

Sam

Another victim, erm, convert!
Jul 01 2008,09:44 AM

Hi Sam,
I second everything Mike said. Couldn't help but notice your avatar. I discovered J*D while on my way to buy an RM 10. Had the same reaction you did--the J*Ds grabbed me and wouldn't let go. I ordered a J*D Les Deux Fuseaux email that same day, but went back a month or so later and bought the Petite Hour Minute email that had called out to me. I almost picked up a rose gold Grande Second with slate dial as well, but thought the second hand was hard to see. I regret not getting it. And the RM 10? In time....

So from one J*D convert to another, enjoy! Looking forward to a wrist shot or three when you make your choice

Cheers,
Dom

Um, 50 watches in 2 years? Awesome.

Sounds awefully familiar...thx Dom. I will keep you posted [nt]
Jul 01 2008,18:04 PM

No message body



By: samwan (registered) PM Posts: 95	Question from a newbie Jul 01 2008,07:11 AM While I have accumulated about 50 pieces in my collection over a period of two years, I have never owned a Jaquet Droz. The other day I wondered into an AD and accidentally picked up a Grande Second Medium Email (rose gold with ivory enamel dial, 39 mm) - it really sang to me. I was impressed by its simplicity, color and elegance. Can anyone advise me why I should not go for it, or consider another JD model over this particular piece? N.B. I have a small build and small wrist - 43 mm for a dress watch may be too big for me Sam Respond to this post \|



By: mkt33 (registered) PM Posts: 1409	Song of the Siren Jul 01 2008,08:15 AM Hi Sam, You didn't "accidentally" pick up the Jaquet Droz Grande Seconde, you were drawn to it and now the danger has begun. Simply put you obviously have amassed a large collection of fine watches yet there is nothing which resembles a Jaquet Droz! Combine the uniqueness of the elegant design to the craftmanship behind the Grande Feu enamel dial. It is unbeatable. Just like the vintage Pateks with true enamel dials which are held in such high regards today I would dare say that this JD will have the same "staying power" in the future. Why? True collectors appreciate the difficulties behind a large enamel dial (the larger the diameter, the more difficult to produce). JD was the first in the industry to revive this technique, they still employ the best in the business. If you are careful against shocks, the enamel will stay perfect in appearance for a long, long time. IMHO the curves of the case is also a big attraction, better than the case work in Patek. As to the design, the original "8" subdial was first conceived over 270 years ago and still evokes strong emotions today. I have no doubt that the design will continue to inspire long into the future. I'm not a "movement" guy. I don't believe that every watch has to be powered by a unique, chronometer rated, hand finished to the extreme engine. There are plenty of expensive timepieces that would fall into that catagory. I bet you already own some of these. A Jaquet Droz fits another bill and it sounds like there is a void in your collection or else you would have walked right past the Grande Seconde. Is there another JD model that combines all this? I think that you've picked one of the core models to own. Besides perhaps chosing a different case metal I think the first JD should always be an enamel dial, a grey slate with rehaut ring, or if you can afford it a special stone dial. As for the size, I would go for the 39mm given your personal description. Good hunting. Feel free to ask more questions and I hope you will share pics if you decide to proceed with the purchase! Cheers, Mike Respond to this post \|



By: d.m (registered) PM Posts: 222	Another victim, erm, convert! Jul 01 2008,09:44 AM Hi Sam, I second everything Mike said. Couldn't help but notice your avatar. I discovered JD while on my way to buy an RM 10. Had the same reaction you did--the JDs grabbed me and wouldn't let go. I ordered a JD Les Deux Fuseaux email that same day, but went back a month or so later and bought the Petite Hour Minute email that had called out to me. I almost picked up a rose gold Grande Second with slate dial as well, but thought the second hand was hard to see. I regret not getting it. And the RM 10? In time.... So from one JD convert to another, enjoy! Looking forward to a wrist shot or three when you make your choice Cheers, Dom Um, 50 watches in 2 years? Awesome. Respond to this post \|