Jaquet Droz has released a new Grande Seconde Off-Center with a black jade dial, limited to 88 pieces worldwide.
This model follows the design of the Grande Seconde, created by Pierre Jaquet-Droz nearly three centuries ago, but its design is differentiated by a meticulously calculated "off-center hour-minute" display. As before, the hour and minute displays and a separate seconds display are displayed side by side, but each subdial is aligned along a slightly tilted axis connecting 1 o'clock and 7 o'clock, creating a bold design unlike any other.
■Automatic winding. 30 jewels. 28,800 vph. 18KRG case (43 mm diameter). Black jade dial. Approximately 68 hours of power reserve. Water resistant to 30 meters. Limited to 88 pieces worldwide. 2,820,000 yen (excluding tax)
Black jade is different from onyx
Black jade (scientific name: amphibolites) is a mineral found primarily in southern and eastern Australia. Jade is extremely hard due to its metallic content, and requires prolonged polishing to reveal tiny silver inclusions. These inclusions, barely visible to the naked eye, give black jade its unique luster. This luster distinguishes it from onyx, allowing discerning collectors to distinguish it.
Known as "treasure" in China, black jade symbolizes grace, perfection, and immortality, and has long been highly valued as a talisman. Black jade amulets are often worn for personal protection and to focus powerful energy. In ancient cultures dating back more than 5000 years, it was used as a talisman to attract good luck and wealth, while Mesoamericans carved it into the image of a god as a symbol of elegance and special powers. To pre-Hispanic people (those before the discovery of the Americas), black jade was believed to possess the highest energy in the universe, even more precious than gold.
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