Jaquet Droz’s philosophy is most evident in its groundbreaking creations, but its inspiration runs deeper. In 2025, a decade after winning the GPHG’s “Mechanical Exception” category, the legendary Charming Bird returns—now reimagined in a Grade 5 Titanium case. This marks a world-first: the only wristwatch with a musical automaton crafted from this ultra-modern yet notoriously challenging metal.
But since 1738, horology has not undergone a single disruption—it has seen many. The most profound has been miniaturization, allowing Jaquet Droz to evolve from grand music boxes and full-scale automata to the realm of wristwatches. Jaquet Droz has continually embraced innovation, incorporating sapphire, silicon, and plasma ceramic. Yet titanium has remained an enduring challenge—both technically and in perception.
Renowned for its extreme difficulty to machine and its tendency to ignite tools during processing, titanium has long resisted traditional finishing and decorative techniques. Even collectors were initially hesitant, slow to recognize its blend of technical ingenuity and practical advantages: exceptional durability, scratch resistance, and remarkable lightness.
With the Charming Bird Titanium, Jaquet Droz highlights these very qualities. Even with its 47 mm case, the watch is 20% lighter, shedding 42 grams for an almost weightless feel. The automaton’s delicate song now feels even more ethereal. Despite titanium’s challenges, Jaquet Droz has preserved the case’s distinctive geometry. Two key design features remain: a double sapphire crystal—one protecting the movement, the other safeguarding the bird automaton at 6 o’clock—and a narrow lateral opening between 8 and 10 o’clock. This aperture allows air to flow, ensuring the melody carries effortlessly beyond the case. The entire piece is finished with an immaculate satin-brushed texture.
Mechanically, the Charming Bird Titanium retains the automaton that has captivated connoisseurs for over a decade. The intricate movement is visible through a metallic sapphire dial at 12 o’clock, displaying hours and minutes against a black backdrop. At 6 o’clock, the 13.5 mm bird—hand-engraved and painted—comes to life. It flutters through an aperture in the dial, opening its beak, turning, beating its wings and tail, and, of course, whistling its iconic melody.
The automaton operates via an independent power reserve, wound through the crown at 2 o’clock. A simple press of the coaxial pusher sets the bird in motion; a second press halts it. Left uninterrupted, the performance lasts approximately 30 seconds, during which its three-note whistle plays with remarkable clarity. The watch is powered by the Jaquet Droz manual wound calibre TCB fitted with 44 jewels and a a power reserve of 38 hours when fully wound. The movement is exquisitely decorated and it’s fully visible via the display case back. The Jaquet Droz Charming Bird Titanium is a unique piece.
To ensure the purity of sound and longevity, Jaquet Droz has eschewed traditional mechanical control, opting instead for a magnetic system. This eliminates metal-on-metal contact, preventing wear and preserving the automaton’s harmony without unwanted noise interference.
Created as a one-of-a-kind piece, the Charming Bird Titanium takes flight into a new era—where centuries-old artistry meets the cutting edge of horology.
Sticker Price Upon Request—starting at CHF 362,000 Swiss Francs most likely over USD 500,000. For more info on Jaquet Droz click here.
