Tiffany & Co. present a limited edition timepiece fit for a queen

Inspired by the 18th century singing bird automata art form, Tiffany & Co. has released a new horological masterpiece from the Time Objects collection: Singing Bird on a Clock. The title might sound basic, but crafted with 1,957 diamonds, it’s anything but. 

Adored by 19th century royal court dwellers, the singing bird mechanism was the height of mechanical evolution in the Enlightenment Period, but continues to wow contemporary audiences, too. Although Tiffany’s version contains a time display, it’s much more than a functional timepiece. A true treasure and hallmark of Tiffany’s craftsmanship quality, the tiny bird that sits atop the box chirps and whistles while beating its wings and moving its beak in perfect synchronicity. Made of titanium, the bird is set with diamonds and piercing ruby eyes. As for the timepiece, the hands are made of 18k gold and point to time markers set in diamonds. 

As is usually the case when it comes to high-art pieces, there are references to Tiffany & Co.’s history embedded within Singing Bird on a Clock. The design itself takes its cue from the iconic Bird on a Rock brooch created by Jean Schlumberger in 1965, and the bird is set to chirp daily at 5pm as a nod to the Fifth Avenue flagship store. An exquisite piece, beautiful in both aesthetic and artistry, the only downside is that only 25 of them are up for grabs.