A creature seldom spotted, its song as rare as gold dust, the Charming Bird by Jaquet Droz is an exception in the world of watchmaking. It is the first wristwatch –and to date, the only– to feature a singing bird. Awarded the 2015 Geneva Watchmaking Grand Prix (Grand Prix d’horlogerie de Genève) in the year of its launch, this automaton embodies the genius of Pierre Jaquet-Droz. The brand is today unveiling two new editions in red gold and white gold with an ivory Grand Feu enamel dial, in a Numerus Clausus of only eight pieces each.

Jaquet Droz Charming Bird
Jaquet Droz Charming Bird

An extraordinary mechanical feat developed over several years and powered by two patented mechanisms, the Charming Bird is the latest chapter in the story of the Art of Astonishment begun by Pierre Jaquet Droz 280 years ago. Combining his mechanical and watchmaking genius, the piece contemporizes the fascination of his celebrated automatons in a wristwatch. This scale of miniaturization demanded the most research for Jaquet Droz.

Jaquet Droz Charming Bird
Jaquet Droz Charming Bird

The timepiece features two separate movements: the first indicates the hours and minutes and is positioned at 12 o’clock on the ivory Grand Feu enamel dial; the second powers the automaton.

Jaquet Droz Charming Bird Movement
Jaquet Droz Charming Bird

The automaton movement can run for 40 seconds before having to be wound. A Magnetic Speed Control regulates the animation and melody. This technology prevents contact between the parts to safeguard against friction and premature wear. It also minimizes noise from power distribution, thus freeing up the acoustic space to be filled with the sound of birdsong alone.

The New Jaquet Droz Charming Bird Movement
Jaquet Droz Charming Bird

For the first time ever in a wristwatch, the melody is generated by air compression inside three sapphire crystal tubes. The compression is released intermittently through a whistle to produce a flowing refrain to which the bird moves in time. The winged creature honors the legacy of Pierre Jaquet-Droz who, almost three centuries ago, chose to depict birds in naturalist scenes on his snuffboxes and in his birdcages.  

Jaquet Droz Movement
Jaquet Droz Charming Bird

The Charming Bird figure is engraved and painted in the Jaquet Droz Ateliers d’Art. This masterpiece of miniaturization comes to life above the hand-engraved movement that drives it, which can be glimpsed through the sapphire crystal of the piece. The two latest variations of the Charming Bird, available in a choice of white gold or red gold, thrust the Art of Astonishment toward new creative horizons.

The New Jaquet Droz Charming Bird
Jaquet Droz Charming Bird

Jaquet Droz Charming Bird

Technical specifications:

Reference: J031533202 and J031534203

Description:

·       Ivory Grand Feu enamel dial

·       18-karat red gold or white gold case

·       Hand-winding mechanical automaton movement with push-button triggering mechanism. Hand-engraved and hand-painted singing bird. Sapphire whistle system

·       Self-winding mechanical hours and minutes movement

·       Power reserve of 38 hours

·       Diameter 47 mm

·       Numerus Clausus of 8."

Jaquet Droz Charming Bird Movement
Jaquet Droz Charming Bird Movement 

Movement: Jaquet Droz 615, self-winding mechanical movement, silicon balance spring and pallet horns, platinum oscillating weight.

Indications: Off-centered hours and minutes

Jewelling: Caliber 29 jewels, automaton 15 jewels

Power Reserve: 38 hours

Frequency: 21,600 v.p.h.

Case:

·       18-karat red gold or white gold case

·       Diameter 47 mm

·       Height 1: 15.75 mm

·       Height 2: 22.85 mm

·       Individual limited serial number engraved on the case-back

Water Resistance: No

Dial: Ivory Grand Feu enamel dial

Hands: Blued stainless steel

Strap: Rolled-edge hand-made brown or dark-blue alligator

Buckle: 18-karat red gold or white gold prestige folding clasp

GPHG 2019 Winner
Jaquet Droz Charming Bird

The price for the Jaquet Droz Charming Bird is $399,000.

For more information visit Jaquet Droz Online.