Celebrating the timeless allure of Rock’n’Roll and the vivacity of youth, Jaquet Droz collaborates with the iconic Rolling Stones for a cause dear to both their hearts. This extraordinary partnership has resulted in the creation of a one-of-a-kind timepiece, the Rolling Stones Automaton, exclusively designed for the Only Watch 2023 charity auction. A marriage of horological excellence and philanthropy, this endeavor supports children’s charities and reinforces the commitment of both parties to making a difference in the world.
Founded in 1738 by Pierre Jaquet-Droz, the Swiss luxury watch brand Jaquet Droz has been synonymous with innovation and craftsmanship for almost three centuries. Renowned for its artistic and mechanical mastery, the brand has been a trailblazer in the world of haute horology. With a legacy marked by astonishing automata, intricate enamel work, and a commitment to preserving traditional craftsmanship, Jaquet Droz has continually pushed the boundaries of watchmaking to create pieces that are not only functional but also works of art.
Only Watch is a biennial charity auction that brings together the world’s most prestigious watch brands to create unique timepieces for a noble cause. Since its inception in 2005, the event has raised millions of dollars to support research on Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, a genetic disorder that affects children and young adults. The auction attracts collectors and enthusiasts from around the globe, eager to bid on the exceptional pieces created exclusively for this event.
To commemorate the 60th anniversary of the Rolling Stones, Jaquet Droz joined hands with the legendary rock band to craft a collection of exclusive timepieces, one of which is the Rolling Stones Automaton for Only Watch. This groundbreaking collaboration marks the first time in watchmaking history that the essence of the iconic band has been encapsulated in a 43mm automaton. A testament to the band’s longstanding support for children’s charities and the invaluable Only Watch project, the Rolling Stones have fully endorsed Jaquet Droz’s participation in the auction.
The design of the Rolling Stones Automaton is inspired by the whimsical world of children at play, with vibrant colors and dynamic movements that captivate the imagination and evoke the inner child in everyone. At the core of the timepiece lies a desire to give the automaton a fresh and playful face, while paying homage to the musical legacy of the Rolling Stones.
Beneath the offset hours and minutes display at twelve o’clock, a first disc showcases the instruments of the Rolling Stones, harking back to their initial records, early concerts, and the breaking of societal taboos. Instantly recognizable are Ron Wood’s guitar and Charlie Watts’ drum kit, accompanied by the other guitars of Ron Wood and Keith Richards. Meticulously crafted from gold blocks and painted, even Mick Jagger’s harmonica, just a few tenths of a millimeter across, is represented. The instruments are arranged on a satin black vinyl-colored disc, replicating the LPs of yesteryears.
Surrounding the scene is a second disc that animates when activated by a pusher, completing eight rotations, each lasting 30 seconds. The iconic tongue of the Rolling Stones rises and falls, moving from left to right, adding a dynamic element to the dial. At nine o’clock, the power reserve is indicated by a cam replicating the tonearm and stylus of a traditional record turntable. As it rotates, a brightly-colored spiral creates an optical illusion reminiscent of a child’s spinning top. Each color is hand-painted using only natural pigments to match the Only Watch 2023 palette, resulting in a seamless blend of hues without any physical separation.
At the center of the timepiece, another Rolling Stones tongue glows in the dark, evoking the comforting presence of a nightlight in a child’s bedroom. This luminescent feature adds a touch of magic to the watch, making it not only a symbol of rock and roll history but also a nostalgic reminder of childhood.
The Jaquet Droz Rolling Stones Automaton for Only Watch is a masterpiece that showcases the brand’s commitment to innovation, artistry, and philanthropy. A tribute to the Rolling Stones and their support for children’s charities, this unique timepiece captures the spirit of music, youth, and the desire to make a positive impact in the world. As it goes under the hammer at the Only Watch auction, it will undoubtedly capture the hearts of collectors and enthusiasts alike, while contributing to a cause that touches the lives of many.
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