The Jaquet Droz Grande Heure GMT
New for 2013, the Jaquet Droz Grande Heure GMT watch.
I am already familiar with and smitten by the Jaquet Droz Grande Seconde, which with its classic interlocking layout of sub-dials provides an uncluttered panorama. But this Grande Heure GMT model presents a new plainness - only that which is necessary remains, resulting in a dial which although reduced to only its essential elements is both functional and exquisite.
The piece has just two hands, rose gold for local time and blued for indicating the second time zone. These encircle a Grand Feu enamel dial of the utmost quality, marking the hours whose diminutive Arabic numeras have been painstakingly painted around the dial edge.
A traditional Grand Feu enamel dial is created using fine glass powders, which are laid onto metal before being oven-fired. The extreme heat melts the ultra-fine powders. The result, when successful is loupe-worthy perfection of the utmost purity and the craftsmen and women at Jaquet Droz are experts in the art of enamel dial-making, producing showcase dials which are quite rightly featured throughout their portfolio.
Inside is the Jaquet Droz in-house automatic calibre 5N50.4 featuring a 22kt gold rotor which produces a power reserve of 68 hours.
The Jaquet Droz Grande Heure GMT is presented in a 43mm 18kt rose gold case, more details at the brand's official website here.