The Jaquet Droz Only Watch ’09, a unique Grande Seconde, combines a Grand Feu enamelled dial created using an 18th century technique with a case made of 21st century “high tech” ceramic. This unique timepiece proudly displays a rare red dial – red being the color of Monaco, the home of Only Watch.
Creating the red dial required all the know-how of the most skilled craftsmen. An ivory colored enamel dial needs about ten layers to achieve the right color, and each layer must be fired at 800°. Black requires 15 layers and 15 firings, and blue 19. Red needs 22 layers. Each layer requires a new firing, and each firing creates the risk of breakage, bubbling, or both.
Manuel Emch, CEO of Jaquet Droz, says it took the company 6 years to find a way to stabilize the red dial. “It is the first time we have created a completely red enameled dial and, given the complexity, it is probably the last,” says Mr. Emch with a smile.
Only Watch is an auction held every two years in Monaco. The auction will be conducted by Patrizzi & Co. on September 24. All proceeds from Only Watch go to support research into Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, a childhood illness. Because 8 is the first intuitive figure drawn by a child, Jaquet Droz has chosen the Grande Seconde with this symbol on the dial. To emphasize the purity and innocence of childhood the watch was designed with a white ceramic case and a white rubber strap customized with a red patch in injected rubber.
