Watchmaking is somewhat schizophrenic. On one hand, it boasts of "centuries of tradition and innovation." On the other, it fails to remember the significant events of the last ten years. Why? Because the novelty machine crushes everything. There are too many fairs, too many creations, and social media dilutes importance into urgency, being into having.
As often happens, one must take a step aside to appreciate what truly stands out from the ordinary. Take a step back, pause your "feed" to discern the beautiful, the right. And see that, 10 years ago, something truly rare happened at the Théâtre du Léman.
A Look Back
On October 29, 2015, Jaquet Droz's "Charming Bird" won the Prix de l’Exception Mécanique. A prize among a dozen others? Yes. But, when you know how to read between the lines, this one is unique. First, because Jaquet Droz designed a whistling automaton inside a glass cage, in a wristwatch format. No one had ever done that, and no one has since. Then, because the La Chaux-de-Fonds workshop is one of the last, alongside Van Cleef & Arpels, to fight for the survival of automaton watches. Finally, because this piece was not an isolated "stunt," but simply the first step. Jaquet Droz has just taken the second step.
Titan Bird
The brand unveils today a Charming Bird in Titanium. One appreciates the timing: in 10 years, riding on its success, Jaquet Droz could have imagined numerous versions: white gold, gray, red, pink, tantalum, steel, carbon, sapphire, etc. But that was not the case. When you’re nearly three centuries old (Jaquet Droz was founded in 1738), you have little left to prove. And you take your time. The brand has therefore taken about ten years to produce so few examples of these exceptional pieces — about one watch sold each year. A number that is far from insignificant given its uniqueness in the market.
Perfect Acoustics
Respecting the long time, the watchmakers’ time, Jaquet Droz presents the titanium version of its creation in 2025. Two things can be observed from this novelty. The first is the unfortunate tendency of titanium to set fire to the tools trying to tame it. Crafting such a complex case, all curves, is a technical challenge that had to be met. The second is the significant weight reduction. The piece has gained over 15% in lightness, or more than 40 grams less on the wrist. The whistling bird is more airborne than ever.
In practical terms, the 47 mm-diameter piece thus offers increased comfort without sacrificing any of its acoustic performance. This is where we must dismiss a common but unfortunate parallel often drawn between the Charming Bird and a minute repeater: the material of the case has no impact on the musical quality of the Charming Bird. Unlike a minute repeater, whose chimes are confined within the case, the melody of the Charming Bird escapes outside the case through lateral openings.
This clever feature could thus pave the way for many other materials. One can dream of a Charming Bird Sapphire. The result would be dazzling because, in addition to the fact that Jaquet Droz is the only brand working with 100% Swiss Made sapphire, its cases are completely devoid of screws and inserts. This would create the illusion of a bird singing... in freedom. See you in 2035?
