Jaquet Droz introduced the fully-skeletonized Grand Seconde Skelet-One in red gold, white gold, and ceramic variants in 2018. For 2020, they’ve announced two new versions.
Based on the previous Grand Seconde Skelet-One collection the new timepiece maintains the same case dimensions of 41.5 mm x 12.48 mm, and the same in-house made Jaquet Droz caliber 2663 SQ movement — with a new look in both ceramic and red gold.
Previously the Skelet-One in precious metal had Roman numerals for the off-centered hours and minutes dial, and Arabic numerals for 5, 6, 7, as well as for the entire small seconds subdial below it. Like the existing ceramic models, the two new 2020 models have the modern aesthetic that features faceted, applied indices for the hours and minutes, and the oversized small seconds display has just a train track chapter ring with no numerals. The Alpha hour and minute hands are the same across the collection, as is the long baton small seconds hand with open-tipped counterweight. Overall the clean contemporary look is perhaps even more attractive, which is likely why the precious model version also received the treatment.
As for the materials, there are two case materials available for the 2020 Skelet-One: plasma ceramic and red gold. The former is unique in that it has metallic properties fused with the benefits of ceramic. “This plasma is made by transforming white ceramic with gas heated to 20,000°C, giving it a unique metallic glow without adding any metal fragments to the process. This core modification maintains all the inherent properties of ceramic. It is just as hard, lightweight and scratch-resistant as high-tech ceramic, a material that has widely stood the test of time,” according to Jaquet Droz.
The time-only piece utilizes the same 4Hz automatic skeleton movement as before and retains the impressive 68-hour power reserve. The main plate and bridges have a black treatment, silicon balance spring and pallet horns, double mainspring barrel, and 18K white gold oscillating weight with the individual number engraved on it.
The main dial remains sapphire and has the two off-centered dials affixed via 5 screws, along with matte gray treated bridges. The hands, indices, fixing screws, and base are made of 18K white or red gold, depending on the case material.
Completing the red gold version is a rolled edge alligator strap, and for the plasma ceramic it comes with a rolled-edge hand made gray fabric strap. The folding clasp is in 18K red gold or stainless steel and plasma ceramic.(Ref. J003525542)
The retail price starts at $23,600 in ceramic.
