By Jovan Krstevski
I love minimalist designs and if applied meticulously, you can pretty much get the best of both worlds which are of subtlety and stardom. For an gentleman’s watch, though, the new Grande Heure Minute Quantième is quite a steal since it forms part of Jaquet Droz’s famous Astrale collection. This minimalist watch is indeed a unique combination of contemporary styling elements with the classical appeal of the twin stars brand. The effect is simply fascinating and if you’re after swankiness, this precious steel watch is a must have.
BLUE CÔTES DE GENÈVE DIAL (REF. J017510241)
The Grande Heure Minute Quantième comes in two variants differentiated by their dial designs and sizes. The case is only available in stainless steel, as per the entry level markup however, you’re given a choice between a larger case that’s a bit thinner against a smaller case that’s a bit thicker. Personally, I’d go for the bigger case at 43 mm x 10.85 mm against the 39 mm x 11.09 mm. Now, the difference is pretty much obvious on the dial, one is of blue Côtes de Genève while the other is of silver opaline. Going back to the case, it’s pretty much the successful marriage between subtle lines and clean geometry that gives the watch its unique masculine appeal. The lugs are neatly stacked against the smooth bezel while the crown rests peacefully at the 3 o’clock with the brand’s signature engraving.
SILVERED OPALINE DIAL (REF. J017510240)
Jaquet Droz’s styling elements are more deliberate on the silver opaline dial compared to the blued variant where the railroad minute tracks pretty much take the excitement of the red tipped seconds hand. The blued steel hands on the silver opaline dial is simply powerful and the date at 6 o’clock feels more like you’re peering at a hollowed signage thanks to its wide bevels. The hour markers are clean and not overly glamorous making its readability supreme. I don’t see any design flaws for a minimalistic watch, it does its job well and you won’t regret flaunting it against your friend’s more dramatically designed exuberant watches.
Compared with the brand’s Astrale Collection, though, the Grande Heure Minute Quantième’s date aperture is a brand new design element utilizing beveled edges instead of traditional corners. The result is an elegant presentation of Jaquet Droz’s signature red-colored last date of the month. Well at least you know when the month ends prompting you to think ahead, so it’s still a plus design.
The Grande Heure Minute Quantième is being powered by the JD1150P calibre featuring a silicon hairspring. It beats at 28,800 vibrations per hour or at 4 Hz frequency and it is capable of delivering an impressive 68 hours of power reserve. This feat is also courtesy of the self-winding movement’s anti-magnetic property using silicon for its encasements making it work optimally even at extreme conditions with varying changes in temperature and pressure.
Now, if you turn the watch, you’ll be greeted with an exhibition caseback along with the large Jaquet Droz’s etchings. The movement’s open worked rotor and its impressive double barrel technology is clearly visible through the sturdy sapphire crystal. Plus you get to wear one of these babies on luxurious leather straps in black or blue.
For more info, please visit jaquet-droz.com
JOVAN KRSTEVSKI – FOUNDER, PROPRIETOR & EXECUTIVE EDITOR
Watch collector, aficionado and an Event profile in the Swedish nightlife. He launched Watchgeek back in 2011, which is now known as WristReview and is one of the most widely read watch blogs on the Web. He quotes ’WristReview is a site to help people find, explore, discover and enjoy wristwatches.’ His passion jump started in his early teens when he was given his first mid-range wristwatch which was an Omega Seamaster. Since then he has always been in love with wristwatches! Besides WristReview, he also writes for a number of publications. Read his articles here.
