Quick specs Jaquet Droz Imperial Dragon Automaton Red Gold – Cuprite
Price: approx. € 385.000 | CHF 363’000 | approx. $ 415,000 | approx. £ 329,000
Size: 43 mm
Reference: J0327330081 – limited to one piece
In honor of the Year of the Dragon, Jaquet Droz unveils the Jaquet Droz Imperial Dragon Automaton Red Gold – Cuprite. With a blend of art and technology, this special creation brings the dragon from the Chinese zodiac to life. The unique piece is a collaboration between John Howe, a conceptual designer, and the skilled artisans at Jaquet Droz. They combine their talents to animate a dragon using special movements.
The case is red gold and measures 43 millimeters with a thickness of 16.96 millimeters. This thickness is needed to house all the excitement underneath. But first look at the dial, from cuprite (Cu2O), a bright red oxide mineral with copper-colored crystals. As it is a minor ore of copper. And in some cultures it symbolizes strength, energy, and vitality.
The dragon on the dial can actually move
The red hue of the dial perfectly embodies fire associated with the dragon. However, many people are unaware that the dragon is also associated with rain. Which is why there are clouds painted in gold and ochre that can be seen around the dragon’s head and tail.
Jaquet Droz shaped the dragon with traits from Chinese culture, with two moustache tendrils pointing upwards, a full beard and gently rounded teeth. The hand-engraved dragon is crafted from red gold and features 9 intricate moves. These encompass the undulating of the sacred animal’s spine and the opening and closing of its jaw and eye. Furthermore the movement of its tongue, the raising and lowering of its crest, and its claws grasping the jasper, which also rotates constantly. It’s almost miraculous.
Upon activation, the animation unveils a unique sequence each time, preserving its hidden or unknown aspects exclusively for its one and only owner.
The Jaquet Droz Imperial Dragon Automaton Red Gold – Cuprite has a power reserve of 38 hours
The automatic Jaquet Droz caliber 6150 drives and powers the watch and it can be admired through its sapphire case back. On the dial side there are also small openings to see how the animation works, controlling 19 moving parts for the 9 different animations. The animation itself takes about 10 to 15 seconds. It has a power reserve of 38 hours if you don’t use the dragon’s movement a lot.
The Jaquet Droz Imperial Dragon Automaton Red Gold – Cuprite comes on a burgundy rubber strap secured with an 18-karat red golf folding clasp.
| Technical data Jaquet Droz Imperial Dragon Automaton Red Gold – Cuprite |
| Reference: J0327330081 – limited to one piece |
| Movement: Jaquet Droz caliber 6150 | Automatic | Frequency: 21,600 vph (3 Hz) | Jewels: 107 (78 for automation, 29 for hours and minutes) | Hours, minutes, automation | Power reserve: 38 hours |
| Case and dial: 43 mm | 18-karat red gold case | Thickness: 16.96 mm | Sapphire crystal | Open-worked dial and sub dial in red cuprite | Hand-engraved dragon in 18-karat red gold | Hand-painted steel eye and tongue | Red jasper ball, hand-decorated with gold powder | 18-karat red gold hour and minute hands | Sapphire case back | Water resistance: 3 ATM / 3 bar / 30 meters / 165 feet |
| Strap: Burgundy rubber strap | 18-karat red golf folding clasp |
| Price Jaquet Droz Imperial Dragon Automaton Red Gold – Cuprite: approx. € 385.000 | CHF 363’000 | approx. $ 415,000 | approx. £ 329,000 |
| Website: www.jaquet-droz.com |