Jaquet Droz Grande Seconde Deadbeat

The complication of independent seconds, also known as “deadbeat” seconds, was developed during the Age of Enlightenment, at the time of Pierre Jaquet-Droz. On a deadbeat seconds watch, the direct-drive seconds hand no longer advances in a linear fashion, but rather makes a small jump at every second. With its accurate measurement, it is considered to be a precursor of the chronograph complication.

This is exactly the complication that Jaquet Droz is proposing with their latest model in the Grande Seconde collection. Particular to this model is the position of the seconds hand, which receives a prime role here, being place at the heart of the Ivory Grand Feu enameled dial. If on the historic model the seconds hand is off-centered, on the Grande Second Deadbeat it is replaced by the retrograde date indicator.

Just as they did with the Grande Seconde Quantième Ivory Enamel, the watchmakers at Jaquet Droz have again incorporated an anti-magnetic balance-spring made of silicon. The need to combine Independent Seconds, Calendar and Hour and Minute functions has led to the creation of a totally new caliber for which a patent has been applied for. The 34 jewels automatic calibre 2695SMR, has a frequency of 21,600 v.p.h and a power reserve of 40 hours.

The front and the back of the Jaquet Droz Grande Seconde Deadbeat.

Many of the smaller components of this movement were created by taking advantage of Swatch Group’s expertise in nanotechnology, particularly using the LIGA process that combines three techniques: lithography, electroplating and molding.

Finally, the choice of a 10-toothed cam rather than the 30-toothed variety normally used for an Independent Seconds function, together with the optimization of the shape of the pallets, combine to make the Independent Seconds a spectacle that is as aesthetically elegant as it is technically ingenious.
Limited to only 88 pieces, I’m sure the Jaquet Droz Grande Second Deadbeat will be on the radar of connoisseurs.

More about Jaquet Droz at www.jaquet-droz.com.