High watchmaking and philanthropic patronage are set to intersect once again as Jaquet Droz unveils its latest creation for the upcoming TimeForArt charity auction. Crafted as a unique piece, the Petite Heure Minute Les Volumes du Temps represents a fascinating collaboration between established Swiss horology and emerging artistic talent. Designed by Fiona Djukanovic, a student artist at the esteemed Académie de Meuron in Neuchâtel, the watch marries the brand’s traditional mastery of métiers d’art with a refreshingly modern, architectural perspective.
The timepiece departs significantly from the conventional aesthetic codes collectors have come to expect from Jaquet Droz. Rather than relying on traditional, centrally mounted hands to track the passage of time, this unique creation utilizes dragging hour and minute discs visible through an X-shaped composition on the dial. The watch will headline Jaquet Droz’s contribution to the third edition of TimeForArt, a groundbreaking charitable initiative featuring exclusive timepieces donated by leading watch manufacturers to support contemporary artists through the Swiss Institute. Phillips will offer the watch during The New York Watch Auction XV, scheduled for December 5, 2026, with pre-sale estimates ranging from CHF 100,000 to CHF 150,000.
Initial Thoughts on a Collaborative Masterpiece
The Petite Heure Minute Les Volumes du Temps draws deeply on Jaquet Droz’s historical expertise in high artistic crafts, with a particular emphasis on grand feu enamel. However, what sets this watch apart from standard production models is the deeply personal and creative vision brought to life by Ms. Djukanovic. Under the guidance of Jaquet Droz CEO Alain Delamuraz and the brand’s artisans, the student artist conceptualized a dial that shifts away from representational motifs toward abstract geometry.
The dial’s architecture is defined by an X-shaped framework that creates two distinct apertures. One window houses the dragging hours disc, while the second reveals the dragging minutes. This display methodology borrows its functional DNA from the Ophidian Hour introduced by the brand previously. Instead of utilizing a jumping mechanism that snaps from one numeral to the next, the movement drives both the hour and minute discs forward in a continuous, gradual motion.
Beneath the intricate artistry of the dial lies a variant of the familiar Jaquet Droz caliber JD2653. Equipped with a silicon balance spring, this automatic movement is a direct descendant of the legendary Frédéric Piguet caliber 1150. Operating at a frequency of 28,800 beats per hour, the twin-barrel architecture delivers a robust power reserve of 68 hours. For nearly four decades, this reliable mechanical foundation has served some of the most prestigious names in haute horlogerie, including Blancpain and Urban Jürgensen, ensuring that the watch’s beauty is matched by dependable timekeeping performance.
Beyond its mechanical foundations, Ms. Djukanovic’s design captivates through its sophisticated play of blue hues, incorporating champlevé and flinqué enamel over hand-engraved surfaces. The intricate treatment emphasizes the three-dimensional depth and volumetric presence of the dial layout. Despite the immense complexity and decorative extravagance involved in its creation, the finished piece maintains an unexpected sense of visual restraint. By favoring clean, abstract architectural geometry over the whimsical, animated automata that Jaquet Droz is historically famous for, the watch achieves a minimalist elegance that feels remarkably contemporary.
The Mastery of Enamel and Volume
To truly appreciate the Petite Heure Minute Les Volumes du Temps, one must examine the meticulous craftsmanship required to execute its multi-tiered dial. The enameling follows the precise contours of the dial structure, utilizing calculated variations in color and light to accentuate differing heights and planes. This three-dimensional effect is heavily emphasized by two raised triangular plates that taper gracefully from their central peaks toward the outer edge of the dial. These structural elements feature chamfered and brushed borders, paired with a hand-engraved sunray motif underneath translucent layers of enamel.
Nestled directly beneath these raised triangular sectors are 40 individual parallelepipeds—meticulously shaped block-like modules that form a precise tiled pattern surrounding the time-display discs. During the production process, these elements are polished completely flush with the surrounding raised borders after firing. The resulting surface offers a mirror-smooth finish that showcases vibrant, indelible colors capable of resisting the test of time.
Complementing the stationary elements, the hour and minute discs themselves feature a hand-applied sunray finish. As the discs rotate to indicate the passing time, they create shifting, dynamic reflections across the various levels of the dial, ensuring that the watch’s face constantly interacts with ambient light. This careful choreography of texture, reflection, and depth demonstrates the extraordinary skill required to bridge the gap between student design and high-end manufacture execution.
Supporting a Worthy Cause in New York
The appearance of the Petite Heure Minute Les Volumes du Temps at auction marks another milestone for TimeForArt. Now in its third successful edition, the platform gathers unique watches contributed by 26 participating brands for a collective charitable purpose. All proceeds generated from the sale of these exceptional lots are directed toward supporting young, talented artists through the programs of the Swiss Institute.
As the watch world turns its attention toward New York City for the upcoming auction, collectors and philanthropists alike will have the opportunity to acquire a timepiece that represents both the future of artistic design and the enduring heritage of Swiss watchmaking. By opening its doors to emerging talent like Fiona Djukanovic, Jaquet Droz has not only created a striking horological work of art but has also fostered a meaningful bridge between the classroom and the upper echelons of independent craftsmanship.
Key Facts and Price
Jaquet Droz Petite Heure Minutes Les Volumes Du Temps
Diameter: 41 mm
Height: 13.78 mm
Material: 18k white gold
Crystal: Sapphire
Water resistance: 30 m
Movement: Cal. JD2653.SI
Functions: Hours and minutes
Winding: Automatic
Frequency: 28,800 beats per hour (4 Hz)
Power reserve: 68 hours
Strap: Patterned leather with 18k red gold folding clasp
Limited edition: Unique piece
Availability: To be auctioned at TimeForArt on December 5, 2026
Auction estimate: CHF 100,000–150,000
For more information, visit Jaquet-droz.com.
