When it gets to the exotic timepieces, Jaquet Droz is surely one of the first recognized names in the brands list. The Swiss watchmaker launched the latest version of its iconic product line Charming Bird featuring breath taking technical upgrades.
Jaquet Droz Les Ateliers d’Art Charming Bird required years of research and development. There are several technical upgrades in the timepiece compared to the previous version. Undoubtedly, the most important one is about the song of the famous little bird. The melody is now generated by air compression and not by vibration, an innovation made possible by introducing three minute sapphire crystal tubes. Air enters the first tube, then is stored inside the second and finally pushed into the third, thus regulating the melody according to the volume of air and the speed of the piston.
The mechanical side on the other hand is as complicated as the pneumatic side. There is a special regulator module which produces a magnetic effect in order to avoid any contact between the metallic components and to prevent auditory interference within the watch. The miniaturization of elements and the extreme mechanical complexity of the Charming Bird are matched only by its aesthetic sophistication, a result of the well-honed expertise of the Ateliers d’Art.
The dial is hand-engraved and hand-painted white
mother-of-pearl with an 18kt red or white gold ring and black onyx
center. The hands are 18kt red or white gold. Besides the
famous bird figure which gets most of the attention, the Swiss
landscape inspired background is also a masterpiece. The landscape
motif is made of hand painted mother of pearl base. The traditional
technique of paper cutting inspired this representation, which
brings together the peak of expertise in engraving and miniature
painting skills, the only means of producing the astonishing
richness of detail in this work of art.
The case measures 47mm x 15.7mm x 22.8mm and is offered in 18K pink or white gold. There are sapphire crystals on both sides of the case. The case is not water resistant.
The watch is powered with the patented Swiss automatic
Jaquet Droz in-house Caliber 615. 29 jewels movement beats at
21,600vph and offers a power reserve of 38 hours when fully wound.
It has a silicon balance spring and pallet horns with a platinum
rotor. The patented hand-winding mechanical automaton movement with
push-button triggering mechanism has 15 jewels. Hand-engraved
singing bird with sapphire tube whistle
system.
Jaquet Droz Les Ateliers d’Art Charming Bird is offered on a rolled-edge hand-made black alligator leather strap with black alligator leather lining and an 18kt red or white gold folding clasp.
The timepiece is limited to 8 pieces for each model only.
