Eighteenth-century watchmaker Pierre Jaquet Droz was an immensely talented individual and became world famous in his lifetime for his highly intricate automatons and watches. His incredibly sophisticated animated dolls are considered by some to be the oldest examples of computer technology. In 1784, Pierre and Henri-Louis Jaquet Droz oversaw three production and profit centers in La Chaux-de-Fonds, Geneva, and London. Unfortunately the company fell on hard times with the economic fallout of both the French Revolution and Napoleonic wars.
In a brilliant revival, the brand was acquired by the Swatch group in. In addition, Jaquet Droz has a technically sophisticated collection based upon a fantastic movement by Frédéric Piguet. Today, Swiss watches by Jaquet Droz remain classically styled and intricately designed and crafted. Some of their most important collections include the Astrale, Grande Seconde, Grande Seconde SW, Les Ateliers d’Art, and Petite Heure Minute Lady 8.