mkt33
[PuristS]
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J*D Basel 2008 review by Amr KSA
Hi everyone!
On Monday I had the opportunity to spend several hours at the Jaquet Droz booth with Manuel and many others from the wonderful J*D team ; checking out all the novelties, as well as discussing a special project of mine 
I was honestly overwhelmed by all the new models. Some new complications, some line expansions, and as you would expect from J*D, A LOT of different materials!
After the huge success of the Ceramic Grande Seconde w/Noir Absolu dial last year, J*D decided to release some more ceramic models. First, we have the Grande Seconde with Anthracite enamel dial:
Note how this particlar enamel dial has a much rougher texture which gives the dial an almost matte appearance:
There was also a new Ceramic Grande Seconde w/power reserve model:
The rehaut ring is actually sunken into the dial; making the whole opaline black dial rather flat:
There was also a white ceramic model:
A bit more conservative, the ivory enamel Grande Seconde (in WG) w/power reserve indicator:
One of the major novelties was the Seule Aguille or "single hand". Unlike other single-handed watches, this is AFAIK the only 24-hour single -handed watch. Time moves VERY slowly on this one 
The other major novelty was the SUW (Sports Utility Watch). This was a big step for Jaquet Droz, as they brought forward a totally new look for the brand, yet still managed to retain the J*D DNA. Unfortunately I was too busy chatting with Manuel that I didn't pay attention to the out of focus shots I was taking 
Note the new rotor and ruthenium finish on the movement:
and a really bad lume shot:
Jaquet Droz also launched Grande Date line in RG. Here are two specimens of the Spectrolite dial. #1:
#2:
and the stone itself:
Meteorite Grande Date:
Aventurine Grande Date (impossible to capture its sparkle):
Serpentine Grande Date:
Another novelty is the new chronograph with big date. RG with black enamel:
WG wth Black and Ivory enamel:
SS with opaline slate-gray dial:
Yet another novelty was the expansion of the Date Astrale line: the Date Astrale Zodiaque. 8 pieces will be made for each zodiac sign. What's special about these models is the setting of the zodiac. A new patent for J*D! diamonds are placed in "cavities" filled with luminova. The difficulty arises in cutting the diamonds; which must have a flat end to alow light to pass through rather than just reflect. The end result is quite stunning:
Another line expansion is the Petite Heure Minute. Two models in black and hwite enamel:
And for the ladies:
a touch of color:
and my personal favorite of the bunch:
Also for the ladies, a few medium-sized Grande Secondes.
White diamond-studded case with natural white MOP dial:
same with black MOP:
black diamonds with black MOP (my favorite ladies' novely from J*D):
RG with diamonds and natural brown MOP:
The new tourbillion with power reserve indicator and retrograde date. I originally found it a bit busy, but open closer examination it really works! the indication hands sweep under the dial; adding to the 3-dimensional aspect of this model.
Can you see the secret signature?
And something for those who prefer their watches on the icey side:
And finally, a very special unique piece with the coolest mineral dial: Pietersite! they didn't actually show this in the show, but kept it for me to see what it looks like in real life. as with most things, pictures (especially mine) do not do this material any justice! the reason I'm showing this will be very clear over the next few months ))
and the stone itself:
with its red and less exciting sibling:
I never really understood what you guys saw in this material. From the pics, it looked like somebody shot a paintball at the dial. But in real life... WOW! this trumps all the other minerals, IMO. It has a fluid; almost liquid appearance. Way too cool!
Anyways, I hope you've enjoyed my amateur shots 
Thanks for looking.
-Amr Sindi
