An exceptional creation has just seen the light of day at Tiffany & Co., combining fine jewelry and excellent watchmaking. This one-of-a-kind timepiece pushes the boundaries of creativity and expertise, marking the New York house's spectacular entry into the world of fine watchmaking.
A sublime jewelry heritage
Tiffany & Co.’s new Bird on a Flying Tourbillon watch draws inspiration from an iconic Tiffany design. In 1965, designer Jean Schlumberger created the “Bird on a Rock” brooch, inspired by the yellow cockatoos found in Asia and the Caribbean. The motif has become a classic for the house, and has been reinterpreted in various forms over the years.
Today, Tiffany & Co. revisits this symbol to create its first flying tourbillon watch, the result of two years of development. This exceptional piece marks the brand's entry into the very exclusive circle of fine watchmaking.
A dial of breathtaking beauty
The dial of the Bird on a Flying Tourbillon is a miniature work of art. Two white and yellow gold birds, set with 147 diamonds, appear to take flight alongside a sub-dial for the time display (168 diamonds) and the flying tourbillon.
The most spectacular element is undoubtedly the faceted sapphire dome that tops the tourbillon. This technical feat, a first in the watchmaking industry according to Tiffany & Co., turns at the same speed as the tourbillon, one revolution per minute. The facets of the crystal capture the light, creating a fascinating play of shadows and reflections on the dial.
A turquoise sky
The dial background, in a distinctive Tiffany blue, is composed of 16 cloud shapes cut from thin slices of natural turquoise. Each “cloud” is hand-polished and arranged on different levels to create a striking depth effect. This extremely complex turquoise marquetry required no less than 45 hours of meticulous work.
A case worthy of a jewelry box
The 39 mm white gold case is a festival of diamonds. No fewer than 340 round-cut brilliants are set using the so-called “snow” technique, creating an incomparable sparkling effect. The winding crown is no exception, faithfully reproducing Tiffany’s iconic engagement ring, with its six-prong setting holding a solitaire diamond.
The case back reveals 143 additional diamonds, snow-set on the movement plates, bringing the total to 848 diamonds weighing 3.9 carats.
A tailor-made movement
The AFT24T01 caliber, developed especially for Tiffany & Co. by the Swiss manufacturer Artime, is a concentrate of fine watchmaking. This hand-wound movement has 205 components, beats at 21,600 vibrations per hour and offers a power reserve of 60 hours.
The two star-shaped bridges that hold the tourbillon and the sub-dial are once again inspired by the brand's iconic six-claw setting. A blue Tiffany & Co. logo completes this exceptional watch composition.
A bracelet that lives up to expectations
The Bird on a Flying Tourbillon is mounted on a navy blue alligator strap, fastened with an 18-carat white gold T-buckle set with 49 brilliant-cut diamonds. A final detail that underlines the precious nature of this creation.
An ultra-limited edition
This exceptional piece will only be produced in 25 copies, guaranteeing its extreme rarity. Tiffany & Co. has not communicated the sale price, but we can expect a stratospheric price, in keeping with the technical complexity and the jeweled richness of this watch.
The Bird on a Flying Tourbillon marks a milestone in the history of Tiffany & Co. By combining its legendary jewelry expertise with a major watchmaking complication, the New York house affirms its ambitions in the field of fine watchmaking. This bold creation suggests other exceptional pieces to come, whether set or not.
For collectors and lovers of luxury watches, this watch represents a rare opportunity to acquire a unique piece, combining the creative heritage of Tiffany & Co. with Swiss watchmaking excellence. An object of desire that will undoubtedly turn many heads in the hushed world of fine watchmaking.
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