The world of high watchmaking meets the boldness of fashion design in an exceptional collaboration between Jaquet Droz and Chantal Thomass. This union of horological tradition and avant-garde aesthetics gives birth to a fascinating creation: “La Ronde des Baisers,” a watchmaking automaton of unparalleled sophistication, where craftsmanship blends with the romantic imagination of the famous fashion designer.
Two Unique Universes Coming Together
Since 1738, Jaquet Droz has distinguished itself with its expertise in the design of automata and exceptional timepieces. The watchmaking house has become an essential reference, combining innovation and tradition. Under the leadership of CEO Alain Delamuraz, the brand today reaffirms its disruptive DNA with the strategy “JD 8.0: A Disruptive Legacy,” continually pushing the boundaries of high watchmaking. Alongside Jaquet Droz, Chantal Thomass, a prominent figure in Parisian fashion, infuses her bold and glamorous spirit. A pioneer of the androgynous style, she has created a unique style, marked by a strong graphic universe, where black, white, pink, and red dominate. Her collaboration with Jaquet Droz is a natural fit: both houses share a passion for innovation and timeless elegance.
“La Ronde des Baisers”: A Poetic and Hypnotic Dance
From this artistic fusion comes an exceptional creation: “La Ronde des Baisers,” a watchmaking automaton that celebrates movement, femininity, and romance. Far from being just a watch, this piece stands out with a 3D checkerboard dial made of 34 cubes of black onyx and Cacholong, which play with light and create a fascinating illusion of depth. Surrounding this graphic backdrop is a mobile, spiral peripheral disc, combining glossy black lacquer and a snow-setting of 376 diamonds, hand-set. But it is the animation that truly captures the eye: a simple press of a button triggers a hypnotic dance of sculpted red gold lips, spinning elegantly. This spectacle lasts up to four minutes, offering a unique visual and sensory experience. Every detail has been meticulously considered: the piece is engraved with Chantal Thomass’s handwritten signature on its gold oscillating weight, enhancing its exclusivity.
Exceptional Craftsmanship
The creation of this timepiece required exceptional work from the artisans of Jaquet Droz, combining precious stone marquetry, setting, and micro-sculpture. The precise assembly of Cacholong and onyx cubes, as well as the hand-setting of the diamonds, demonstrates a level of craftsmanship rarely achieved.
The movement of the automaton relies on cutting-edge mechanics: two barrels dedicated to the animation and two others for time display, ensuring a power reserve of 68 hours. A technical feat that once again proves Jaquet Droz’s mastery of movement in every detail. Beyond its beauty, this timepiece is a true horological work of art, celebrating the expertise and creativity of both houses. It embodies the perfect fusion of prestigious watchmaking and the world of fashion, offering a contemporary and bold vision of feminine elegance.
A Meeting Between Luxury and Poetry
With “La Ronde des Baisers,” Jaquet Droz and Chantal Thomass prove that innovation and boldness can reinvent the codes of luxury. This unique timepiece celebrates movement and emotion, transforming the watch into a living spectacle. This unprecedented collaboration illustrates the meeting of two exceptional worlds: haute couture watchmaking and timeless fashion. A horological jewel that does more than tell the time—it tells a story. An invitation to rediscover the watch as a true work of art, where the precision of movement meets the beauty of creative gesture.
