Tiffany & Co. Present A Magical Singing Bird Clock
Tiffany & Co. has long understood that true horology is not merely about the measurement of time, but about the creation of objects that stir emotion, curiosity, and wonder.
With the unveiling of its latest Time Objects creation, the Singing Bird on a Clock, the House ventures confidently into that rarefied territory where mechanical ingenuity meets poetic expression.
Inspired by Jean Schlumberger’s celebrated Bird on a Rock brooch of 1965, this new piece is far more than a whimsical nod to heritage. It is a fully realised automaton, a kinetic sculpture that seamlessly integrates a time display with a singing bird, an enchanting complication that harks back to the golden age of European mechanical artistry.
Developed over two years in collaboration with the revered Swiss manufacture Reuge, the Singing Bird on a Clock will be issued in a strictly limited series of just 25 examples. While it does indeed tell the time, to consider it merely a clock would be to miss the point entirely. This is an objet d’art in the truest sense, designed to captivate as much as it functions.
Encased within a polished glass vitrine, the mechanism is deliberately exposed, inviting the observer to appreciate the choreography within. Atop the structure, a diamond-set bird perches upon a radiant nest of 18k yellow gold sunrays. At the press of a discreet push-piece, the automaton springs to life: the bird pivots gracefully, its beak opens and closes, wings flutter, and a remarkably lifelike melody fills the air.
The origins of such singing bird automata trace back to the late 18th century, when they delighted royal courts across Europe. Their operation remains as fascinating today as it was then. Rather than relying on conventional striking mechanisms, the melody is produced via a system of miniature bellows and pipes, akin to a tiny organ. Air is released in carefully timed intervals, creating notes whose pitch and cadence are dictated by the dimensions of the pipes and the sequencing of the mechanism. A complex interplay of cams and gears ensures that every movement of the bird is perfectly synchronised with its song.
Reuge, one of the last great custodians of this rare craft, brings its centuries-old expertise to the project, while Tiffany & Co. injects its unmistakable design language and playful elegance. The result is a harmonious blend of tradition and modernity.
Aesthetically, the piece is as compelling as its mechanics. The transparent case reveals not only the automaton’s workings but also the Tiffany Blue® leather-clad bellows, whose rhythmic motion adds another layer of visual intrigue. Time is indicated by sculptural 18k yellow gold hands, set against diamond hour markers that appear to float upon the glass façade.
The structure itself is a feat of craftsmanship. Each corner is anchored by titanium pillars accented with gold and meticulously snow-set with brilliant-cut diamonds, producing an uninterrupted play of light. The bird, crafted from lightweight titanium, comprises 28 individual components, including articulated wings and beak, a polished gold neck ruff, and diamond-set surfaces punctuated by vivid ruby eyes. In total, the piece represents some 130 hours of gem-setting alone.
Adding a final touch of narrative charm, the bird is programmed to sing automatically each day at 5 p.m. a subtle homage to Tiffany’s iconic Fifth Avenue flagship. Of course, the performance can also be summoned on demand, delivering a ten-second burst of melody, repeatable up to eight times before rewinding is required.
The timekeeping mechanism operates independently, offering a power reserve of approximately eight days when fully wound, ensuring that practicality is not entirely forgotten amidst the poetry.
Ultimately, the Singing Bird on a Clock is not about utility. It is about delight. It is about preserving a rare mechanical art form while reinterpreting it through a distinctly contemporary lens. Above all, it stands as a testament to Tiffany & Co.’s enduring commitment to craftsmanship, imagination, and the quiet luxury of objects that exist simply to be admired.
Technical Specifications:
Singing Bird on a Clock
Ref: SKU 76537755
Movement: Manually wound mechanical movement
Function: Hours and minutes
Materials:
Box made in titanium with yellow gold accents and set with 1957 diamonds of 11.17 total carats
Bird made in titanium and 18k yellow gold, set with 418 diamonds of 1.43 total carats
Indexes made in 18k yellow gold and set with diamonds
Total diamonds: 2,375 of 12.6 carats
Singing Bird Automaton: over 10 seconds per cycle.
Running reserve: 8 cycles
Power Reserve: Eight-day
Dimensions : 3.6″ W x 5″ L x 2.9″ H / 9.1 cm W x 12.6 cm L x 7.4 cm H.
Weight: 2 lbs / 929g
Limited edition of 25 pieces
Five-year warranty
Swiss-made
Price available upon application
For more information please visit Tiffany & Co.