Jaquet Droz The Rolling Stone Automaton – Some Girls

Jaquet Droz has turned its attention to one of rock music’s most iconic and controversial moments: The Rolling Stones’ Some Girls album. Released in 1978, this album’s cover was a graphic masterpiece that stirred the public and legal authorities alike. The original design had to be significantly altered to comply with the standards of the time, but its impact on pop culture was undeniable. In true disruptive fashion, Jaquet Droz has decided to revisit this album’s visual history, creating a one-of-a-kind automaton that pays irreverent homage to the artwork and celebrates the album’s enduring legacy.

In 1978, many thought The Rolling Stones had little left to say. From the infamous cover of Sticky Fingers, designed by Andy Warhol in 1971, to Keith Richards’ headline-grabbing drug-fueled lifestyle, the band seemed to be past its peak. However, with Some Girls, the Stones surprised everyone, musically and visually. The album’s release marked yet another revival for the band, who ventured into new territory with the disco-inspired hit “Miss You”. The single rocketed to the top of the US charts, despite sparking debate among purist fans. However, beyond the music, it was the album’s controversial cover that made headlines and cemented its place in history.

The original artwork featured The Rolling Stones members made up in drag, alongside some of the most famous women of the 20th century, including Brigitte Bardot, Farrah Fawcett, Raquel Welch, and Marilyn Monroe. The design was bold, playful, and irreverent—traits The Stones were known for. However the unauthorised use of these women’s images quickly led to legal battles. Lawsuits were filed, and the band lost case after case, forcing them to modify the album’s cover. The final version featured only the band members in drag, with the women’s faces literally cut out of the design. This act of defiance further added to the album’s rebellious spirit, once again positioning The Rolling Stones as a band that challenged societal norms.

Jaquet Droz’s tribute to Some Girls captures this rebellious and provocative spirit. This automaton is a unique creation, aligning with the brand’s commitment to crafting one-of-a-kind pieces. Known for its rich history of making automatons, Jaquet Droz has once again employed its centuries-old expertise to create a piece entirely by hand. The centrepiece of this watch is a reinterpretation of Mick Jagger, crafted in a distinctive graphic style that reflects the aesthetic of the Some Girls album. Jagger takes centre stage as the keeper of time, with two hand-polished gold hands marking the hours and minutes.

The stage, a central element of The Stones’ world, is meticulously recreated, featuring miniature versions of the band’s iconic instruments. From Ron Wood and Keith Richards’ guitars to Charlie Watts’ minimalist drum kit and Jagger’s microphone and harmonica, each element is hand-carved from unfinished gold. These tiny replicas sit against a miniature reproduction of the original Some Girls cover, brought to life through the intricate art of miniature painting.

The automaton comes to life in a third circle, where a disc engraved with tiny grooves, reminiscent of the vinyl record, rotates every 30 seconds when activated by pressing a pusher on the crown. This feature mimics the look of a 33-rpm record spinning on a turntable, while a tongue at the 9 o’clock position—iconic to The Rolling Stones—raises, lowers, and waggles during the animation. Above it, the tonearm raises and lowers, signalling the automaton’s power reserve. With enough power for four minutes of animation, this feature offers eight full rotations of the disc. The whole scene plays out against a vibrant pop-art background, hand-painted to reflect the bold, outrageous style of the album’s cover.

At the 4 o’clock position, Jaquet Droz has painted a more recent image of The Rolling Stones, highlighting the band’s incredible longevity. With over 60 years of continuous activity, the band’s impact on music and culture remains unrivalled. This detail also pays homage to Charlie Watts, the band’s drummer, who passed away in 2021. Watts was a crucial part of Some Girls and The Rolling Stones’ legacy, and Jaquet Droz honours his memory with this tribute.

This timepiece also serves as a reminder of the boldness of Some Girls, an album that defied expectations both musically and visually. The Rolling Stones’ refusal to conform to societal norms, even when faced with legal battles, cemented their place as one of rock’s most enduring and influential bands. Through this automaton, Jaquet Droz pays tribute to that same spirit of defiance and creativity.