It’s impossible that the Jaquet Droz Petite Heure Minute Mother-Of-Pearl Watches don’t grab your attention. Whether it’s the dial or the bezel or the fact that it has two versions – there is something very intriguing about these two watches. Let’s start with the dial. It features the signature off-center display, showcasing a single circle for the hours and minutes.
This off-center display is close to the 12 o’clock spot and brings about a sense of balance and aesthetics to the dial. It gives ample room to admire the beautiful white mother-of-pearl dial, which captures iridescent gray and white reflections, when viewed from certain angles.
The low-key midnight blue hands move elegantly, showing us the current time and beam perfect luminescence. I like the detailing of the white gold ring used for framing the off-center display. It just adds to the build-up of the watches. I’m torn between the plane and the encrusted bezel, and that’s what we should discuss now.
Crafted on an elegant 35 mm stainless steel case, the diamond encrusted bezel houses 160 stones (0.97 carat). The watch looks very rich, especially when teamed with the hand-made rolled-edged alligator leather strap. Like I said I’m torn, and this is because I love the simplistic view of the plain bezel. It feels understated, but is impactful in terms of finishing. I’m leaning more towards this watch than the bling version.
Under the hood is a Jaquet Droz 2653.P self-winding mechanical movement that is powerful enough to juice it up for 68-hours. This is a good amount of power reserve and its thanks to the double-barrel mechanism. I am enjoying the fact that the stainless steel version makes it more durable and an everyday wear.
Those of who have been with us for long, know that Omega Constellation holds a sweet spot in my heart – I wear that watch every day! I’d be happy to sport the plain Jaquet Droz Petite Heure Minute Mother-Of-Pearl watch as a swap for a couple of days – which is a big move for me, when I say it out loud. The blue alligator leather strap is fastened by a stainless steel ardillon buckle.
The diamond-bezel version – ref. J005000274 – can be bought for $15,200, and the steel-only case – ref. J005000273 – can be picked for $8,400.