Paradise Bird Toucan

Description

The Toucan Paradise Bird watch is a horological interpretation of Jean Schlumberger's iconic Oiseaux de Paradis creations, bringing together Tiffany & Co.'s expertise in gemstones, enamel, sculpture and diamond-setting within a single miniature work of art.

Magnificent gemstones, exceptional enamel artistry and peerless gold sculpting and gem-setting combine to transform the watch into a miniature tropical tableau. Blending fantasy and natural beauty, a tiny gem-set toucan bird perches on a richly colored chalcedony cabochon that appears to float above a nature-inspired enamel dial. Crafted from three coats of hand-painted enamel foliage, resting on four layers of opaque blue enamel, the dial requires over 80 hours of high-precision work.

The 2.5-carat cabochon-cut chalcedony stone floats above an aperture in the dial that is aligned with a loupe on the caseback, allowing more light to pass through it, amplifying the color and visual depth.

The 18k yellow gold body of the Paradise Bird Toucan is set with blue sapphires, tsavorites, white and yellow diamonds, and features a turquoise beak and pink sapphire eye. Set with a total of 69 stones (1 pink sapphire, 18 white diamonds, 4 yellow diamonds, 4 tsavorites, 41 blue sapphires and 1 turquoise) and combining the crafts of miniature sculpture and gem-setting, the Toucan is the result of 32 hours of meticulous craft. The vivid purple of its perch, a 2.5-carat cabochon-cut chalcedony stone, is complemented by the glowing blues and greens of the enamel background.

Further showcasing Tiffany & Co.’s diamond-setting expertise, the 18k white gold watch case is entirely snow-set, using round full-cut diamonds of different sizes to create an almost unbroken expanse of light and reflection, with minimal visible metal. Measuring 36 mm in diameter, the case is set with a total 425 round brilliant diamonds of more than 3 total carats. This meticulous work is completed by the gem-setter in approximately 55 hours. On the case-back, as well as the visual delight of the loupe revealing the underside of the cabochon stone, an engraved sunburst pattern is sprinkled with diamonds. A discreet push button at the center of the sunburst is used for setting the time.

The Paradise Bird Toucan is presented on a navy-blue alligator strap and will be a limited edition of 10 pieces.

Supplied by the brand to the GPHG for its entry.