Each Jaquet Droz creation retains an aura of mystery linked to the imagination of its creator, to the Maison's artistic crafts or to its symbolic meaning. Each timepiece tells a story, a magic, a narrative universe. But the creation that the Maison is about to unveil promises to be even more extraordinary. For the first time, in fact, the Maison has not drawn inspiration solely from its rich heritage or its creative team, but has involved an independent artist throughout the watch's creative process. A guest of honour with exceptional talent, encompassing an extraordinary universe: John Howe, an illustrator and visual designer who has left an indelible mark on contemporary cinema. Canadian by birth but Swiss by adoption, the 62-year-old has lived in Neuchâtel for more than 30 years. He is world-renowned for bringing to life the visual universe of the six most important films of Peter Jackson's career: the trilogy of The Lord of the Rings (The Fellowship of the Ring in 2001, The two towers in 2002 and The Return of the King in 2003), then that of The Hobbit (An unexpected journey in 2012, The Desolation of Smaug in 2013 and The Battle of the Five Armies in 2014). John Howe has infused these sagas with extraordinary creative energy, enriching Tolkien's work with grandiose landscapes and scenery of unparalleled charm. For several months now, Jaquet Droz and John Howe have been working with the utmost discretion to create an exceptional new work. Enthusiastic about his first collaboration with a Haute Horlogerie Maison, the famous illustrator and visual designer had no difficulty in finding his place within the Jaquet Droz Ateliers. "We generally develop our creations in-house, involving all our trades from the very beginning of the creative process," explains Christian Lattmann, CEO of Jaquet Droz, "but for this new adventure, we were lucky enough to work with John Howe, who shared his immense talent and unique universe with us, resulting in exceptional designs that are sure to inspire great wonder." "In the careful working of materials and movements, the craftsmen and designers at Jaquet Droz seek to combine precision, poetry and light, which I particularly appreciate. The technical constraints help to stimulate even more reflection and creative flair. Collaborating with this Maison, renowned precisely for its great creativity, has been a challenge, but above all a pleasure," concludes John Howe.
