In watchmaking, as in life, everything is a matter of angles. A new vision and a new perspective open a vast field of possibilities. An entire destiny can be changed. The “JD 8.0: A Disruptive Legacy” strategy, initiated by Alain Delamuraz on his arrival at the helm of Jaquet Droz in 2021, is based on an original and idiosyncratic reinterpretation of its prestigious heritage. At its Manufacture in La Chaux-de-Fonds, the brand now only produces one-off, made-to-measure models at the request of discerning collectors, won over as much by the brand’s technical expertise as by its craftsmanship and capacity for innovation.
Yet, above and beyond this disruptive and exclusive vision enabling watch lovers to make their wildest dreams come true, the core values are passion, exchanges and sharing. As a result, Jaquet Droz no longer has physical boutiques, preferring instead direct exchanges with customers, whom Alain Delamuraz meets personally, whether by opening the doors of the Manufacture or traveling the world to fly the banner of excellence high. Underpinning this strategy – supported by Swatch Group and the Hayek family – are human adventures that are first and foremost about bold vision and passion.
TIME TO ROCK
Passion, boldness and unique style: three characteristics that define both Jaquet Droz’ vision of Haute Horlogerie and the approach adopted by Jon Bon Jovi. In a career spanning 40 years, the band has sold over 130 million albums and left an indelible mark on rock history. An astute entrepreneur, a recognized philanthropist and a committed activist, Jon Bon Jovi is a man who lives driven by passions – of which the latest is for Fine Watchmaking of the highest caliber. The charismatic Bon Jovi frontman wanted a watch that would reflect his personality. He therefore directly contacted the Jaquet Droz in La Chaux-de-Fonds.
The result of his encounter with Alain Delamuraz and his teams is the Tourbillon Skelet Red Gold – Bon Jovi, developed through close-knit collaboration. Within the confined space of a 41mm red gold case, this timepiece encapsulates Bon Jovi’s DNA and the quintessence of Jaquet Droz’s “Disruptive Legacy”. The model is airy and dial-free. Instead, Bon Jovi and Jaquet Droz have opted for a highly contemporary mechanical structure, with a tourbillon positioned at 12 o’clock, as if suspended in mid-air.
The hours and minutes hands are literally planted in the “heart” of the watch, on a heart-shaped applique engraved with the word “40”, which Jaquet Droz has placed beneath a large, white gold applique handcrafted in the shape of wings unfurled on either side. Satin-brushed, polished and frosted surfaces add a sense of depth to this show, which is topped by a third ribbon-shaped applique engraved with the name Bon Jovi. Alain Delamuraz hand-delivered this disruptive and demanding timepiece to Jon Bon Jovi in Miami, making for a truly unique moment! Collectors who are devotees of the legendary band can now order an interpretation of the one-of-a-kind Jon Bon Jovi model.
HIGHLIGHTING BOLDNESS
Uniqueness is also the hallmark of the Tourbillon Skelet Sapphire Opal model, whose 42mm sapphire case frames a translucent 0.4mm-thin opal dial. The challenge of creating such a fine opal dial is magnificently highlighted by the choice of a sapphire case machined 100% in La Chaux-de-Fonds. On this model providing glimpses of its mechanism – a skeletonized movement suspended in mid-air and powered by a flying tourbillon with an eight-day power reserve – the light shines through every interstice of the watch. The result is a luminous timepiece for aesthetically demanding collectors – ones like Rodrygo, Real Madrid’s star striker and Champions League winner who fell in love with the green and blue shimmer of the opal dial, whose subtle nuances change with wrist movements.
This article is an excerpt from the upcoming GMT XXL World Magazine, debuting at Geneva Watch Days August 29th. Pre-order your copy here.
