This year the watch brand Jaquet Droz has once again joined the group of brands keeping a close eye on the Eastern calendar.
Following Chopard's L.U.C XP Urushi Year of the Oх and Vacheron Constantin's Métiers d’Art Legend of the Chinese Zodiac - Year of the Oх, the watchmakers who have inherited Pierre Jaquet-Droz’ legacy presented a watch dedicated to the animal attributed to the coming year of 2021. It doesn’t matter that the year of the Ox only begins on February 12, the Swiss have started making their preparations early.
The fascination watchmakers share with the Chinese zodiac is no coincidence; consumers in the Celestial Empire are the ones helping revive sales after the shock wave caused by the global pandemic. According to analysts from Bain & Company, mainland China's luxury goods market will likely achieve 48% growth in 2020 despite all of the turbulence this year, and Chinese consumers will be the most active buyers of premium watches on the global market by 2025.
For Jaquet Droz, the connection with Eastern markets is an important part of the watchmaker's history. At the end of the 18th century, the amazing automata and pocket watches by La Chaux-de-Fonds native Pierre Jaquet-Droz found passionate fans in China.
Within 10 years, more than 600 models were exported from Switzerland to the Celestial Empire. Considering this background, the appearance of four exquisite watches for the year of the Ox is right on time. The special collection includes two models in red-gold cases that have dials decorated with exquisite miniatures depicting an ox in a mountainous landscape reminiscent of traditional Chinese paintings.
The model for him which is 41 mm in diameter is more low-key, while the 35 mm ladies’ version of the Petite Heure Minute watch is boldly decorated with diamonds that run right around the bezel and onto the lugs. This series also includes two watchmaking masterpieces with onyx dials.
The figure of next year's zodiac animal created using the artisanal technique of relief engraving looks particularly impressive against this black canvas. The landscape is complemented by a plum tree with red ruby blossoms. The dial couldn’t have been made without including popular Chinese symbols.
In Chinese mythology, the ox symbolizes new beginnings and spring, which is what we are all waiting for after such a difficult 2020! The symbolic imagery is consolidated by the plum — a symbol of youth and renewal. And finally, the ruby is a symbol of longevity and passion.
As it happens, the ruby was used in headwear during the Qing dynasty to distinguish officers of the first grade, which was higher up on the list of "seven treasures" than sapphire, gold and crystal. The models with ox relief engravings are 41 mm in diameter.
The versions with miniature paintings are equipped with the self-winding Jaquet Droz 2653.P movement. Its red-gold rotor is decorated with with hand-engraved and hand-painted designs. The power reserve is enough to last 68 hours. The Jaquet Droz 2653.Si caliber has been selected for the watches with onyx dials.
The artists decided to continue to develop the animal theme, and created a relief depiction of oxen from gold. All of the zodiac watches are being released in a limited edition of 8 pieces — another symbolic and lucky number. Lucky for both for the Chinese and for Jaquet Droz.