In a masterful tribute to one of China’s most enduring symbols, Jaquet Droz has revealed the Tourbillon Skelet Red Gold – Dragon Mask, a one-of-a-kind creation that fuses artistic mastery with horological excellence. The Chinese dragon—long revered as a figure of harmony, power, and transformation—takes centre stage in this remarkable timepiece, where every curve, texture, and gleam tells a story centuries in the making.
The dial becomes a stage for the dragon’s emergence, its long horns, coiled whiskers, and fierce fangs sculpted in meticulous detail. Crafted by hand from an alloy of white, yellow, and red gold, the mask captures light from every angle, breathing life into the legend. Encased in 18-karat red gold, measuring 41 mm across and 13 mm thick, the piece is as much a work of wearable art as it is a feat of watchmaking.
Each mask requires close to a year of design and over 200 hours of painstaking work. From engraving and sculpting to micro-painting and gem-setting, the process calls upon Jaquet Droz’s finest artisans. Carved from a solid block of gold, engraved on both sides, and applied to a richly decorated background, the mask appears to hover over the skeletonised movement beneath.
The eyes of the dragon are brought to life with cabochon-cut emeralds in a bezel setting—precisely cut to blend seamlessly into the gold while intensifying the creature’s gaze. This innovative gem-cutting approach expands the creative possibilities of the brand’s workshops, pushing the boundaries of both artistry and technical skill.
“This piece was the result of a remarkable collective effort,” a Jaquet Droz project manager shared. “Every decision, every detail was studied and refined until we achieved a level of harmony that exceeded even our own expectations.”
Beneath this artistry beats a self-winding skeleton movement, housing a flying tourbillon at 12 o’clock that integrates elegantly with the floral engravings on the reverse side. The Manufacture calibre boasts an eight-day power reserve, marrying visual poetry with uncompromising mechanical performance. Through the sapphire caseback, an engraved oscillating weight bears the phrase “ONE MORE,” a personal message to the collector who commissioned the piece.
This Dragon Mask tourbillon is not merely a watch—it is the result of a dialogue between a passionate collector and Jaquet Droz’s master craftsmen. Every component reflects the owner’s vision, transformed into reality through the brand’s philosophy of the Unique, where art and watchmaking merge into something inseparable.
