Jaquet Droz Lady 8 Hands-On Review

KIH · 2014-03-10T06:21:14Z

Hands-on review of the Jaquet Droz Lady 8 collection, featuring white gold MOP, blue aventurine, and red gold garnet models with rolling pearls and exquisite dials.

KIH

WPS member · Horological Meandering forum

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Finally, Jaquet Droz Basel 2013 Novelty "Lady 8" came to Japan and they kindly invited me to take a look as long as I wanted. J*D is apparently shifting more to Lady's line and I personally think that it is a smart move, considering its specialty for the dial making. This Lady 8 line was announced last year Basel but they took as long as they needed to make the production model attractive and prefect as its "first installment" of the new lady's line. Let's take a look:

0. Amuse

Attention to details?

You will find out what these represent later

1. WG + MOP, Diamond outer & inner bezel (J01 4504570)

128 diamonds on the inner bezel and 148 diamonds on the outer bezel - total 1.621 cts.

White pearl on the 12h top, which can roll when you touch and play with it - impressive.

Also, do you see the "curvy" MOP dial? J*D amazes with its dial craftsmanship.

A bit hard to see, but these are blued steel hands.

2. Blue Aventurin + SS case (J01 4500270)

50 diamonds on the bezel (total 0.473 cts). The hands are a bit hard to see - SS hands.

3. Brown Garnet + 18K Red Gold case (J01 4503200)

Again, impressive dial.

Blued steel hands...

4. Buckles

They are basically all shaped as "8": for Brown Garnet edition with the stones on the upper part of "8" buckle.

For WG MOP, Pearl edition, stones are put on the whole "8".

For Blue Aventurin SS edition, no stone at all on the buckle.

5. Movement and Case

Automatic. Power reserve 68 hours.
Case diameter 35mm.

I say the finish on the movement bridges are well don, too.

Conclusion: - Each of these three has unique aspect and attractiveness (price range varies, too).
- That the big stone on 12h can roll is amazing and interesting.
- Buckle variation corresponds to the price range, but interesting variation.
- Finish is good as well.
- Curvy dial surface and the hands bent along is also impressive, let alone the dial design and execution.
- 35mm must be ideal size for ladies these days.
- A bit thick and it may turn some ladies off (?)

Overall, I believe this line will be a big hit and well deserves so. Their shift to lady's line may be a right move.

Hope you see them in person and I want to hear what you or your GF or wife think... After all, I am just a guy

Thank you, Jaquet Droz Boutique Ginza for showing me these impressive pieces!

Thanks for reading!

Ken

This message has been edited by KIH on 2014-03-10 06:24:18 This message has been edited by AndrewD on 2014-03-12 01:30:43 This message has been edited by AndrewD on 2014-03-13 16:04:30

The Discussion

Bill

Mar 10, 2014

Great review of the Jaquet Droz Lady 8

You had me going at first as I thought the first series of pictures where wax prototypes or something until I realized it was confectionery . Looked pretty and made me hungry. I also did not notice the typical LE count. 1 0f 88 etc.. What are the quantities produced. Thanks Bill

KIH

Mar 10, 2014

As far as I remember, I did not notice...

... any LE number on the back or anywhere, so I assume these will be the regular models. I have been wrong many times, though... Thanks, Bill! Ken

takashi78

Mar 10, 2014

Love the aventurin model

I'm sure under various light the dial will be a sight to hold! I guess the enamel models will follow soon? Since JD is famous for that.

KIH

Mar 10, 2014

That would be a fantastic idea! I am sure there will be..

... such variation! Ken

patrick_y

Mar 11, 2014

Nice photos!

Is this the store in Ginza with the gigantic elevators? Those are actually really interesting watches. Good job Jaquet Droz! The problem is the biggest competitor is right down the street (or probably in the same building). The Breguet Reine de Naples is a successful incumbent. Great photos KIH! My favorite is the one that has the pearl on top. The fact that the stone/pearl rolls is interesting. Thanks for posting!

KIH

Mar 11, 2014

Yup, that building :-)

.. this may compete with Breguet lady's line.... And, I like the big stone rolling, too! Thank you! Ken