Introducing After 10 Years, Jaquet Droz Revives the Charming Bird

Jaquet Droz returns in 2025 to revive one of its most iconic designs, the Charming Bird watch. A decade after winning the "Mechanical Exception" award at the GPHG ceremony, this exceptional timepiece is reintroduced in a case made of grade 5 titanium. This edition marks a milestone as the world's first wristwatch equipped with a musical automaton mechanism crafted from this metal, known for its manufacturing challenges. The original version of this watch was presented in 2014 with a gold case, whereas this new edition blends contemporary materials while preserving the essence of Jaquet Droz's watchmaking artistry.

This heritage is rooted in the world of musical automatons, a tradition that will soon reach three centuries in Jaquet Droz’s history. The brand’s earliest timepieces captivated royal courts worldwide with their singing birds, which appeared to come to life, producing melodies with remarkable clarity and harmony.

Since 1738, the watchmaking industry has undergone numerous transformations, among the most significant of which is the progressive miniaturization of mechanisms. Jaquet Droz has played a part in these achievements, working in its workshop in La Chaux-de-Fonds, where the brand remains headquartered to this day, to transition from large-scale music boxes and automatons to wristwatches.

Titanium is one of the most challenging metals to work with, presenting difficulties in machining, shaping, and engraving. Its high chemical reactivity, including a tendency to ignite under intense friction, makes it a particularly demanding material to manufacture. However, titanium offers exceptional advantages, such as remarkable shock and scratch resistance, as well as an unparalleled lightness on the wrist. More details on titanium’s role in watchmaking can be explored in our dedicated article.

Jaquet Droz leveraged these benefits to create a version that is 20% lighter than its gold predecessors, reducing its weight by 42 grams, allowing the chirping bird to be more delicate and agile than ever before. Despite the complexities of titanium manufacturing, the brand has maintained the case’s sophisticated engineering, which features two key elements. The first is a double sapphire crystal: one section protects the movement on the dial side, while the other safeguards the automaton at 6 o’clock. The second element is a narrow lateral opening between 8 and 10 o’clock, allowing air to flow in and enhancing the bird’s song resonance outside the case. The case is finished with a satin-brushed texture, while the crown for time-setting is positioned at 12 o’clock.

The off-centered dial at 12 o’clock displays hours and minutes against a black background, leaving space at 6 o’clock for the hand-sculpted and hand-painted bird. Measuring 13.5 mm, the bird emerges from an aperture within the dial, spinning, flapping its wings and tail, and opening its beak to release a melody.

Jaquet Droz has preserved the sophisticated automaton mechanism it introduced over a decade ago. The watch is powered by the automatic Caliber 6150, operating at a frequency of 21,600 vibrations per hour (3 Hz) and offering a 40-hour power reserve. The movement features two barrels: one dedicated to timekeeping and the other to powering the automaton, with its energy stored via the crown at 2 o’clock. The automaton is activated through a pusher integrated into the crown, while a second press stops it. If left uninterrupted, the animation lasts for approximately 30 seconds, producing three distinct bird whistle tones.

To ensure the purity of the melody, the bird’s movements and singing are controlled by a magnetic system instead of traditional mechanical mechanisms. This system reduces friction and wear, preventing any unwanted noise and ensuring a clear, refined auditory experience.

The Charming Bird Titanium is a unique piece and comes with a black leather strap. Its price starts at 362,000 CHF, approximately 1,494,370 AED.

For more information, visit Jaquet Droz official website.