Jaquet Droz Grande Seconde Ceramique at the MAD

New York, NY (May 6, 2009) – The Museum of Arts and Design unveiled Object Factory: The Art of Industrial Ceramics, a groundbreaking exhibition, documenting contemporary innovation in industrial ceramic production and the renaissance of ceramics in art and design today.

On view from Wednesday, May 6 through Sunday, September 13, 2009, Object Factory examines the unexpected uses of ceramics as time keeping instruments, kitchen appliances, knives and even digital electronics, made possible by new technologies.

The Grande Seconde Ceramique has the honor of being the exclusive watch in the exhibition, due to its distinctive characteristics and superior ceramics quality.

“The limitless potential of ceramics—a medium that has been in use for millennia—is underscored by its use in such innovative ways as the housing of watches like the Grande Second Ceramique created by the renowned Jaquet Droz Manufacture.  We are happy to have this fine timepiece included in Object Factory: The Art of Industrial Ceramics,” said David McFadden, the Museum of Arts and Design’s Chief Curator.

The Grande Seconde Ceramique is the perfect representation of Jaquet Droz, as a brand that has roots in 18th century watch making but is constantly forging a link with the 21st century. The paring of a ceramic case and enamel dial is the perfect synergy between a modern material and the traditional craft of dial making. Jaquet Droz’s Swiss made ceramic cases utilize a complex and cutting edge molding process, and is made with zirconium powder as small as 1/50th the size of a human hair.

About Montres Jaquet Droz SA

After a few years’ absence from the world of watch making, the brand was acquired in 2000 by the Swatch Group, and returned to its town of origin, La Chaux-de-Fonds.

Eight years later, the success of Jaquet Droz is undeniable; the Manufacture is resolutely positioned within the prestige and luxury segment of the Swatch Group. Manuel Emch, President and Head of artistic creation, has set himself the mission of cultivating this spirit of excellence and innovation while continuing to communicate emotional and poetical values. The link between the Age of Enlightenment and the third Millennium is therefore still at the heart of the brand’s creative inspiration.

About the Museum of Arts and Design

The Museum of Arts and Design explores how art, craft and design intersect in the visual arts today. The Museum focuses on contemporary creativity and the ways in which artists and designers from around the world transform materials through processes ranging from the handmade to cutting-edge technologies.

The exhibition program explores and illuminates issues and ideas, highlights creativity and craftsmanship, and celebrates the limitless potential of materials and techniques when used by creative and innovative artists. MAD’s permanent collection is global in scope and focuses on art, craft, and design from 1945 to the present day.

If you would like to visit the Museum and see the exhibition, please contact Amy Chia at 201 271 4644 or amy.chia@swatchgroup.com for complimentary admission tickets.