The New Jacquet Droz Lady 8 Shiny

The Jacquet Droz Lady 8 Shiny stands as a stunning example of haute joaillerie from this amazing Swiss watchmaker. The Lady 8 collection on a whole has done well as it is quite different from other offerings from contemporary watchmakers.

The Lady 8 Shiny is crafted from 18kt white gold and is set with 544 full cut, IF-VVS1 diamonds that carry a color range of D-G. Personally, I think that D-G is a bit wide in range for color as this covers two color categories on the recognized GIA scale. These diamonds total 4.92 carats. The unique case design, which by the way looks like an 8, features a ball bearing totally encrusted with diamonds, producing a dazzling lightshow. The ball bearing itself carries an additional 146 diamonds that adds another 1.4 carats. The main crown is textured, and is set with a cabochon cut diamond.

The case size of this watch comes in at a standard 35mm, and rises off the wrist just 12.7mm. The strap is an integral rolled edge black alligator leather, which has been hand made by the artisans at Jacquet Droz. Securing the alligator leather strap is a single folding clasp, also made from 18kt white gold, and furnished with yet more diamonds totaling 1.51 carats, divided into 125 individual stones. The Jacquet Droz Lady 8 Shiny is produced in a limited series of just 28 examples, with the individual number displayed on the case back (XX/28). Water resistance on this model stands at 30 meters.

The dial of this magnificent timepiece was not left out from the diamond treatment, and features 343 round brilliants, totaling 1.11 carats. The dial itself is crafted from 18kt white gold, and it features no hour markers, but there are feuille-shaped hands in black steel. To put these diamonds into perspective, the watch is set with a total of an astounding 1,160 stones, with a total carat weight of a breathtaking 7.92 carats.

Powering this watch is a self-winding mechanical movement caliber 1153. The balance wheel vibrates at 28,800 alternations per hour, and it carries an autonomy of 68 hours provided by its double barrel system. The oscillating mass is made in 22kt white gold, which has been rhodium plated for an immaculate shine.