News 
Each Jaquet Droz creation contains some element of mystery. It can be found in the imagination of its creator, in the execution of its artisanal techniques or in its symbolic meaning.
Each timepiece has its own story, its own magic and its own narrative universe, but the latest Jaquet Droz creation might just be the most unique to date. For the first time, the Maison has not only drawn inspiration from its rich heritage and creative team, but has worked alongside an independent artist during the creative process of the piece, an artist of immeasurable talent: John Howe.
An illustrator and conceptual artist who has heavily influenced contemporary cinema, Howe, 62, was born in Canada but has lived in Neuchâtel, Switzerland for over 30 years. He is world-famous for having created the visual universe of Peter Jackson’s Lord of the Rings franchise. John Howe helped instill these sagas with extraordinary creativity and grandiose landscapes, designing an awe-inspiring setting to bring Tolkien’s work to the big screen.
With the utmost discretion, Jaquet Droz and John Howe have been working together for several months on the creation of an exceptional new timepiece. Despite his busy schedule – a Lord of the Rings TV series is currently being produced in secrecy in New Zealand – John Howe immediately accepted to collaborate with the Maison. It was the first time the prominent illustrator and conceptual artist had been approached by a watchmaking brand, but it didn’t take him long to find his place at the Ateliers Jaquet Droz.
October 01, 2020