Jaquet Droz and Parsons The New School for Design Team Up to Launch the Jaquet Droz Prize

Jaquet Droz President and Creative Director, Manuel Emch at the Jaquet Droz 270th Anniversary Party in the Museum of Arts and Design, New York.

NEW YORK, Nov. 12 / — Jaquet Droz, the high-end Swiss watch brand synonymous with high design, use of diverse materials and revival of dial crafts, has teamed up with Parsons The New School for Design to create the Jaquet Droz Prize. The prize will reward young artists and designers who best embody the spirit of innovation and aesthetic refinement of the Jaquet Droz brand and its founder Pierre Jaquet Droz.

“We are looking for artists who have shown creativity in the execution of their works but still appreciate the value of craftsmanship. These artists must display a technical mastery of their craft but are willing to take risks in their concepts and designs. These artists will reshape the landscape of their craft, just as Jaquet Droz is reshaping the landscape of fine timepieces,” said Jaquet Droz President and Creative Director, Mr. Manuel Emch.

The announcement was made at Jaquet Droz’s 270th Anniversary celebration at the Museum of Arts and Design. Timepieces dating back to 1780s were specially flown from Switzerland for a one-night appearance at the museum. In his opening speech, Mr. Emch talked about the four pillars of the brand — rich history, unique design aesthetics, exceptional craftsmanship and technical mastery. Guests were dazzled by the display of Jaquet Droz timepieces including the 2008 Grande Seconde Sports Watch and The Grande Seconde Ceramique Power Reserve. But the star of the night was clearly the Grande Seconde Pocket Watch from 1791 which, more than 2 centuries later, remains a constant source of inspiration for Jaquet Droz.

Jaquet Droz Manufacture is situated in La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland, in the same location that Pierre Jaquet Droz chose to establish his company in 1738. Specializing in the Art of Watchmaking, Jaquet Droz has developed the concept of limited production quantities and unique pieces. The dial of the watch represents the DNA of the brand, while the Grande Seconde model, inspired by the 1791 timepiece, is its icon. Eight years after the company was acquired by the Swatch Group, its success is undeniable. Within the Group, the Manufacture is resolutely positioned within the luxury and prestige segment of the market and is now established throughout the world.