Butterflies in your stomach? Well, we prefer to keep them on our wrist.

IT ACTUALLY LOOKS LIKE THE FIGURE 8

As a symbol of harmony, perfection and infinity, the number ‘8’ is significant to the house and is referenced on many Jaquet Droz collections, from the Grande Seconde to the Lady 8.  Introduced in 2013, the Lady 8 (above) was Jaquet Droz’s first women’s watch, featuring a round dial with a spherical gemstone above the dial at 12 o’clock. The result? A sculptural figure 8 on the wrist. In the latest update, Lady 8 Flower, the gemstone is replaced by a domed sapphire crystal harbouring a beautiful lotus automaton within. 

THE LOTUS BLOOMS ON DEMAND

Chosen by the house for its symbol of serenity and poetry, the lotus flower is revered in many Asian cultures as it is able to thrive even in murky waters. With this timepiece, a pusher at two o’clock activates the automaton and causes the lotus to “blossom”, revealing individually enamelled petals that surround a briolette diamond that swivels in both directions.

DIFFERENT MÉTIERS D’ARTS ARE USED

In the red gold version, the guilloché dial forms the backdrop for an 18K red gold butterfly applique created through a process of engraving and grand feu enamelling, before being meticulously hand-painted to display the depths of the enamel. On top, the bevelled, polished and satin-finished lotus sits over a small white mother-of-pearl disc. A second version (above) of the timepiece features an 18K white gold diamond paved case and dial with white gold butterfly applique set with blue sapphires. The astounding number of gemstones total 151 baguette-cut diamonds, 383 brilliant-cut diamonds and 54 blue sapphires.

IT RUNS ON TWO SEPARATE MOVEMENTS

Since there are two mechanisms within the watch—for both timekeeping and automaton—two separate movements are required to ensure neither interferes with the other within the 35mm case. This took in-depth research and miniaturisation to achieve the desired outcome. The movements can be seen through windows in the caseback where an oscillating weight with a ‘sun pleat’ motif swings rapidly back and forth.

Check out the VIDEO of the watch in action here: