Introducing Jaquet Droz Unveils the Tourbillon Skelet Catrina Skull

Jaquet Droz pays tribute to one of the most iconic myths of Mexican culture with a unique timepiece dedicated to the calavera, the emblematic skull motif of the Day of the Dead, and its feminine interpretation known as Catrina. This striking figure dominates the right two-thirds of the dial in the Tourbillon Skelet Red Gold – Catrina Skull unique piece.

The watch is housed in a refined 18-karat red gold case, elegantly proportioned at 39 mm in diameter and 13.20 mm in height. As a one-of-a-kind creation, it carries a special significance, underscored by an exclusive engraving on the case back. The case is water-resistant to 30 metres, though the emphasis here lies in artistry rather than functionality.

The dial is crafted from 18-karat white gold, just 1.1 mm thick, and elevated by intricate hand-engraving. It is enriched with miniature painting and grand feu enamel, offering both depth and vibrancy.

The time display is positioned at 6 o’clock, with 18-karat red gold hands for the hours and minutes, complemented by a blued steel hand for the seconds. At 12 o’clock, the tourbillon takes centre stage, accompanied by the running seconds, where another blued steel hand graces the tourbillon cage.

Catrina’s head is executed in delicate micro-painting, while the floral base to the left of the dial is rendered in grand feu enamel. The surrounding foliage is hand-engraved directly into the gold dial, with each leaf engraved to varying depths, filled with enamel powder, and fired multiple times. Instead of being hand-painted, the gold dots are in fact paillons, a traditional technique Jaquet Droz has mastered for nearly three centuries, capturing hand-chiselled gold motifs beneath an invisible layer of varnish.

At the heart of this unique piece beats the Calibre 25JD, a self-winding tourbillon movement previously seen in creations such as the Gold Dragon John Howe. It features a single barrel that delivers an exceptional seven-day power reserve, a feat of engineering that combines endurance with precision. Beating at a traditional cadence of 21,600 vibrations per hour, the calibre balances classical watchmaking with contemporary performance.

In what may be a first in haute horlogerie, the oscillating weight of this calibre incorporates mother-of-pearl. The 18-karat red gold rotor is adorned with a white mother-of-pearl applique and further enhanced with two gold star appliques framed by multicoloured foliage, an entirely hand-crafted decoration by Jaquet Droz artisans.

Completing this creation is a turquoise rubber strap, secured with a red gold folding clasp. As a unique piece, the price is available upon request.

For more information, visit Jaquet Droz official website.