The house of Jaquet Droz celebrates the Chinese New Year with four new exceptional models inspired by the sign of the Fire Monkey.
With this new capsule collection, Jaquet Droz celebrates its historic ties with China, since its founder was among the first European craftsmen to discover the Middle Kingdom in the 18th century, and was permitted to showcase his creations to courtiers in the heart of the Forbidden City. Joining in with the Chinese New Year celebrations, the artisans of the Maison have designed two new models—each available in two versions—based on the emblematic Petite Heure Minute.
The dials of the watches belonging to the Year of the Monkey collection are inspired by the legend of Sun Wukong, known as the Monkey King, a main character in the Chinese classical novel Journey to the West. This warrior, rebel, trickster, and monk, is also found in many later stories and adaptations, as one of the most enduring Chinese literary characters. Sun Wukong, a skilled fighter, is also capable of casting powerful spells, and being transformed into clones of the Monkey King, as well as into various objects and animals. According to the Chinese legend, the Monkey King was appointed to watch over the Garden of Celestial Peaches, but instead ate the sacred peaches in order to attain immortality. Peaches symbolizing immortality, or the wish for long and prosperous, healthy life, is a common symbol in Chinese art.
The Petite Heure Minute Monkey depicts the animal leaping onto a branch to pick a peach. The dial is made using ivory Grand Feu enamel, on which the brand's artist has drawn this dynamic image that conveys an almost palpable sense of movement. These hand-painted dials are presented in red gold cases measuring either 35 or 39 mm in diameter, with the smaller version boasting a set of brilliant-cut diamonds.
The Petite Heure Minute Relief Monkey features a gorgeous hand-made ornamental relief rendered in lacquer and mother-of-pearl. The filigree decoration discloses a monkey figurine, which is made of solid gold. The monkey is depicted as, perched on the branch of a peach tree against a background of delicate foliage. Again, there are two versions to choose from: one is enclosed in a red gold case, while the other comes in a white gold set with diamonds. The oscillating is made of gold, which is first engraved then patinated, and black onyx.
Both models, in both of its variants, are powered by the Jaquet Droz 2653.P, self-winding mechanical movement, which comes with a special 22-carat red gold oscillating weight with monkey motif. The movement beats at a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour, and promises up to 68 hours of power reserve. Water resistant to 30 meters. Each version available in a limited edition of only 28.
Petite Heure Minute 35 mm Monkey - J005003216
Ivory Grand Feu enameled dial with miniature painting.
18-carat red gold case, set with 232 diamonds (1.22 carats)
Petite Heure Minute Monkey - J005013208
Ivory Grand Feu enameled dial with miniature painting.
18-carat red gold case. 39 mm diameter.
Petite Heure Minute Relief Monkey - J005023281
18-carat red gold dial with black lacquer and hand-engraved and hand-patinated white mother-of-pearl, hand-engraved and hand-patinated 18-carat red gold monkey relief applique, onyx hours and minutes subdial. Diameter 41 mm.
Petite Heure Minute Relief Monkey - J005024280
18-carat white gold dial with black lacquer and hand-engraved and hand-patinated black mother-of-pearl, hand-engraved and hand-patinated 18-carat white gold monkey relief applique, onyx hours and minutes subdial.
18-carat white gold case, set with 272 diamonds (1.05 carats). Diameter 41 mm.
Author: Marina Milojevic Pinterest
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