There is something deeply poetic about the paths we choose to take. While we often speak of personal journeys and climbing to new summits in the abstract, the artisans at Jaquet Droz are taking these expressions entirely literally. The house is introducing a bold design where illustration and three-dimensional artistry converge to map out the very geography of a life well-lived.The initial inspiration for this creation sparked during a discussion between the workshop and members of the Supercar Owners Circle. This private collective of sports car enthusiasts meets annually at the Oberalp and Furka Passes, sending some 70 supercars winding through technical bends and breathtaking views at altitudes of up to 2,044 meters. This specific 11-kilometer stretch of closed road, framed by alpine summits above and a lush green plain below, became the perfect muse.The result is the Jaquet Droz Petite Heure Minute Red Gold, featuring a concept named Golden Road. Rather than offering a finished, static piece, the brand presents a canvas that collectors can shape according to their own individual adventures.On the 41 mm dial, the house captures the Andermatt region route in meticulous detail. The Golden Road itself winds from 4 o’clock to 9 o’clock, deeply hand-engraved into the gold base of the dial and manually reworked to catch the light like asphalt shifting between shadow and sun. To recreate the surrounding Oberalp plain, the workshop utilized a base of cloisonné enamel with gold wire, using green and white tones to depict the alpine landscape of rocks and fir trees.Beneath a 4 mm sapphire crystal, the timepiece offers ample space to simulate shifting altitudes. Each mountain is hand-sculpted from a block of gold segmented into layers, a direct nod to the traditional topographical surveys pioneered by Switzerland’s Federal Topographic Office in 1838. It serves as a moving tribute to local craftsmanship, marrying cartography with the finest hand-crafted watchmaking.Moving forward, this Topographie concept gives each individual the complete freedom to create their own custom piece. The depiction does not necessarily have to be a road. It could just as easily trace a transatlantic sailing route, a journey by air, a marathon milestone, or the contours of a childhood village.As the house invites future collectors to consider: “Create your own. As unique as you are.”
