New releases from "TIME TO MOVE 2019" that made me think "This is it!" (Jaquet Droz Edition, Part 1)

In mid-May, Swatch Group held a series of articles introducing new models that were unveiled at "TIME TO MOVE 2019," an exhibition of six brands from the prestige and luxury ranges of the Swatch Group, in Switzerland. In this seventh installment, we will be introducing the new "Magic Lotus Automaton" from Jaquet Droz.

Jaquet Droz "Magic Lotus Automaton"

Expressing an Eastern view of life and death through automata

　More than just watchmakers, the Jaquet-Droz family, father and son Henri-Louis, are known for their automaton creations. Among their masterpieces are the three automata they created in 1774 at La Chaux-de-Fonds: "The Writer," "The Draughtsman," and "The Musician."

　Jaquet Droz has inherited that name and aspirations and is now producing watches with mechanisms that can be considered the pinnacle of art and craftsmanship.

"TIME TO MOVE 2019" featured a presentation of new products and a tour of the workshop at the Jaquet Droz headquarters in La Chaux-de-Fonds.

　Of all the new products, the one that caught my eye the most, or rather, that really captivated me, was the "Magic Lotus Automaton," which I'll be introducing today. Available in white gold and red gold cases, each limited to 28 pieces worldwide, the watch expresses the changing of the seasons and the accompanying reincarnation of life through the combination and movement of two automata: a lotus flower and a carp swimming in the water.

　This automaton watch, for which four patents are currently pending, features a rotating dial that resembles a river, with carp and lotus flowers falling into the water rotating around the outer periphery, once every 30 seconds, eight times over the course of four minutes, showing off various movements.

　What's impressive is the ingenuity that's been incorporated into this tiny mechanism. The lotus petals, which represent autumn and are set to have fallen into the water, have a gem appear in the center that randomly changes between blue sapphire, yellow sapphire, and ruby. The Nishikigoi carp swimming through the river not only wags its tail from side to side, but also moves up and down, appearing above the water and then diving.

　Additionally, a dragonfly located between 8 and 9 o'clock acts as a power reserve indicator, moving from the air onto the lotus leaf as the automaton operates.

　The intricate beauty of the flowers and carp, rendered in gold, gemstones, mother-of-pearl, and Grand Feu enamel, is clear to see when you look at the photographs.

　I am in awe of the passion of the engineers, designers, watchmakers and other craftsmen who spent approximately three years planning and producing these watches.

　I would also like to express my respect once again to the customers who recognize the value of these watches and purchase them, thus acting as patrons of the brand.

　The official video uploaded to YouTube is also excellent, so please enjoy it by checking out the video below.