Introducing Jaquet Droz Unveils the Petite Heure Minute Red Gold Hummingbird

Jaquet Droz builds on the naturalistic tradition that has defined the brand since its earliest days, a legacy visible in its historic pocket watches, snuff boxes, and automata, many of which are now on display at the Atelier’s private museum in La Chaux-de-Fonds. Today, the Maison continues this story with a unique piece that celebrates its finest métiers d’art.

Commissioned by a private collector, the watch brings together many of Jaquet Droz’s signature codes. Foremost is the naturalistic theme, expressed through two birds gathering nectar from hibiscus flowers, a nod to the Enlightenment-era fascination with herbariums and botany. Birds have been integral to Jaquet Droz creations since 1738: painted, engraved, animated, caged, or set within automata that once captivated courts and empires.

The Maison pays tribute to this culture of fauna and flora with a richly decorated 39 mm case crafted from 18-karat red gold. Measuring 13.20 mm in height, the rounded case is fully polished and fitted with sapphire crystals on both sides. “Unique Piece” is engraved on the caseback, and the watch offers 30 metres of water resistance.

The dial also in 18-karat gold and white gold — is entirely handcrafted, down to the finest details of the gold paillon pollen grains. Flowers, leaves, and birds are engraved and then hand-painted in delicate shades of enamel. Each colour is selected for its brightness and depth, with gradients rendered in bold yet seamless transitions: from red to sunny yellow in the flowers, subtle tonalities of white on the birds’ wings, and a sky shifting from navy blue at 6 o’clock to radiant zenith at noon. Every hue is achieved through multiple kiln firings, in accordance with Grand Feu enamel tradition.

At 12 o’clock sits a floating tourbillon. Its cage and bridge are crafted from translucent sapphire, a contemporary flourish for a mechanism first patented in 1801, at a time when Jaquet Droz had already risen to prominence.

Powering the watch is the Calibre 25JD, a self-winding tourbillon movement created for the most discerning collectors. It features a single barrel delivering an impressive seven-day power reserve, ensuring both endurance and precision. Operating at 21,600 vibrations per hour and equipped with a silicon escapement, it marries the classic cadence of traditional watchmaking with modern technical performance.

The oscillating weight, also crafted in 18-karat gold, is finely engraved and hand-painted in hummingbird hues.

The Jaquet Droz Petite Heure Minute Red Gold “Hummingbird” is a unique piece, paired with a blue rubber strap and a red gold folding clasp set with 32 diamonds (0.23 carat). Price is available upon request.

For more information, visit Jaquet Droz official website.