What more can you want when you've already reached the heights of fame? In a career spanning 40 years, the band Bon Jovi has sold over 130 million albums and its frontman, Jon Bon Jovi, has spanned the decades as a rock star with mass-market appeal, a shrewd entrepreneur, and a committed campaigner renowned for his philanthropy. Now at this mature stage of his life, his accomplishments are driving him on to new horizons. Among these, his desire for a watch that reflects his personality: exacting, disruptive, unique. The path between his native New Jersey and La Chaux-de-Fonds opened up before him, and could only stop at Jaquet Droz.
Jaquet Droz is no stranger to the world of high-end watchmaking. Founded in 1775, the brand has a rich history of innovation and technical prowess. They are credited with creating some of the most intricate and automata watches ever made, including a writing automaton capable of inscribing a miniature portrait onto a watch dial and a singing bird automaton that could flap its wings and chirp.
Courtesy of Jaquet Droz
The brand is also known for its close collaboration with artisans from other disciplines, such as enamellers and miniature painters. This commitment to artistry and technical excellence has made
Jaquet Droz a favorite among watch collectors and connoisseurs alike.
In recent years, Jaquet Droz has embraced a more contemporary aesthetic, while still staying true to its heritage of innovation. The brand's "Disruptive Legacy" collection is a testament to this new direction. These watches are characterized by their bold designs and use of cutting-edge materials.
The Tourbillon Skelet Bon Jovi is a perfect example of this disruptive spirit. This one-of-a-kind watch crafted in rose gold and measuring 41 mm was created in collaboration with Jon Bon Jovi himself, and it reflects his unique style and personality.
Courtesy of Jaquet Droz
Let's start with the watch's most striking visual element: its skeletonized design. The movement, rather than being hidden behind a dial, takes center stage. The traditional dial is absent, allowing the wearer to gaze directly into the intricate mechanical workings. The bridges of the movement, treated with a black PVD coating, create a sense of visual depth and stark contrast, much like a stage set for a dramatic rock concert.
The tourbillon, a complex and delicate mechanism originally designed to counteract the effects of gravity on pocket watches, is a testament to Jaquet Droz's technical virtuosity. Positioned prominently at 12 o'clock, the tourbillon cage seems to defy gravity, rotating on its axis in a mesmerizing dance. This hypnotic display of micromechanics serves as a constant reminder of the mastery required to orchestrate such precision within a miniature space.
Courtesy of Jaquet Droz
The centerpiece of the Jaquet Droz Tourbillon Skelet Red Gold - Bon Jovi is undoubtedly the hand-crafted 18-karat white gold applique. This intricate design features a heart pierced by a dagger, flanked by outstretched wings – all iconic Bon Jovi imagery. Further celebrating the band's 40th anniversary, the number "40" is boldly integrated into the heart of the applique.
This meticulously crafted emblem is where the watch truly transcends mere timekeeping and becomes a piece of wearable art. The varied finishes applied to the applique - polished, satin-brushed, and grain textures - create a stunning play of light that seems to echo the energy of a live Bon Jovi performance.
Courtesy of Jaquet Droz
The Jaquet Droz 2625 SQ self-winding skeletonized tourbillon movement is a sight to behold. Each of its 30 jewels shimmers, testament to the careful finishing of every single component. With an impressive 8-day power reserve and a balance spring made of silicon, the movement promises exceptional accuracy and reliability for the rock-n-roll lifestyle.
Turning the watch over, the exhibition caseback offers another window into the mechanical artistry at play. Here, the 18-karat red gold oscillating weight, engraved with Jon Bon Jovi's name, becomes a focal point.
Completing the package is a supple black rubber strap contrasted by a bold 18-karat red gold folding clasp. The combination of rubber and precious metal is a testament to the watch's disruptive nature - it's both luxurious and ready for the rigors of stage life.
Courtesy of Jaquet Droz
The Jaquet Droz Tourbillon Skelet Red Gold - Bon Jovi is an embodiment of collaboration, a testament to the shared values of artistry, technical mastery, and a bold spirit that both Jaquet Droz and Jon Bon Jovi possess. This isn't simply a watch; it's a wearable declaration of a life lived on one's own terms.
For those fortunate enough to catch a glimpse of this timepiece, perhaps on the wrist of the legendary rocker himself, it will serve as a striking reminder that time can be a canvas on which we express our passions, our achievements, and our unique identities.