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Jan 22, 2019
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Jaquet Droz celebrates Chinese New Year with four exceptional timepieces

By
AFP-Relaxnews
Published
Jan 22, 2019

In keeping with tradition, Jaquet Droz has unveiled a new limited series of timepieces celebrating Chinese New Year, which starts from February 5.

For 2019 -- Year of the Earth Pig -- the watchmaker has drawn on its skills and expertise to craft four top-flight wristwatches that are rich in symbolism.

Jaquet Droz


After the Year of the Dog in 2018, 2019 ushers in the Year of the Earth Pig. For the occasion, Jaquet Droz has designed four watches that pay homage to this symbolic animal in Chinese culture, notably evoking empathy, fidelity, honesty and integrity, to mention just some of the qualities associated with the animal.

The watchmaker has created two "Petite Heure Minute" models -- a women's watch with a 35mm case in 18-carat red gold set with 232 diamonds (1.23 carats), and a 39mm unisex version, also in 18-carat red gold but without the diamonds. Running on an automatic-winding mechanical movement with a 68-hour power reserve, the two models stand out with their grand feu enamel dial featuring a miniature painting.

This skilled technique is used to depict a young pig in a field of wheat in a scene representing "the abundance and prosperity of a ripe wheat crop, and the calm and good sense of the Pig who stands before it, visibly disinterested."

The gold oscillating mass on the back of the watches is engraved with a similar scene.

Jaquet Droz also presents two versions of its "Petite Heure Minute Relief" model, where engraving takes center stage. Available in 18-carat red gold (no diamonds) and in 18-carat gray gold set with 272 diamonds, as well as 24 diamonds on the buckle -- making a total of 1.16 carats -- the two timepieces are also equipped with an automatic-winding mechanical movement with off-center hours and minutes and a power reserve of up to 68 hours.

Here, a wild pig is the star of the show, depicted in front of eight oak trees to symbolize luck and happiness as well as "power, longevity, and moral and physical strength." This model is crafted from red or gray gold, contrasting with the onyx hours and minutes disc.

Just 28 edition of each model will be available, with the exception of the gray gold "Petite Heure Minute Relief" watch, which is an eight-piece limited series.

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