Above the larger dial that displays the time is an orb that spins if you play with it. The steel version has an aventurine stone, the white gold version has a pearl, and the red gold version has a brown pearl. It is a simple thing but enjoyable. Watches and jewelry are however things to touch and feel, which is why materials and textures are so important. While it may seem silly, the idea of having a smooth ball to play with in the watch is a reason many people will want it. Though like mouse tracking balls of old, it will need to be cleaned from time to time.
The dials that display the time are meant to match the concept of the spinning ball, save for the red gold version. On that version there is an engraved floral motif with a pair of flying songbirds which is more and more becoming an integral element of the Jaquet Droz brand DNA. Why? Well because in his heyday, Jaquet Droz himself build automaton singing birds. Go here to see a video of one, as well as a new wristwatch called the Charming Bird that also incorporates a modern interpretation of what Droz is known for.
In addition to dial and orbs, the crown of the watch is fitted with a matching cabochon. Each of the versions is quite nice in its own way. The red gold version is perhaps the most unique, and the white gold version with mother of pearl and the extra diamonds is clearly the most extravagant. What I also like is that Jaquet Droz, like many brands these days is thinking outside of the box in the creation of a totally unique women’s watch that fits with the brand but isn’t merely a smaller version of an existing collection.
Attached to the cases are alligator straps that have a neat figure-eight clasp on the deployant. Inside the watches are mechanical automatic movements. That’s right, no quartz here. While that would have been easy, Jaquet Droz opted to include its caliber 1153 automatic movement with 68 hours of power reserve running at 4Hz. It even has a 22k white gold rotor and is produced by the Manufacture Blancpain (formerly F. Piguet). The movement is visible through a sapphire crystal case back window.
Do these Lady 8 watches by Jaquet Droz have what it takes to bring more women to the brand? Or into luxury watches? I don’t think as a man I am best qualified to comment. Though as a watch lover I think these are interesting timepieces and they offer a fresh sense of elegance that you don’t have elsewhere. They aren’t cheap either. The collection begins with the Lady 8 ref. J014500270 in steel priced at $15,600. The ref. J014503200 in 18k red gold is priced at $27,200, while the ref. J014504570 in 18k white gold with extra diamonds and mother-of-pearl is priced at $40,800. jaquet-droz.com
