Cover Bird on a Rock Legacy is a fusion of nature, time and luxury (photo: Tiffany & Co.)
Bird on a Rock Legacy is a fusion of nature, time and luxury (photo: Tiffany & Co.)
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Constantly evolving and broadening its creative horizons, luxury jeweller Tiffany & Co. unveils the Jean Schlumberger by Tiffany Bird on a Rock Legacy watch collection.
First imagined in the 1960s and still soaring today, Jean Schlumberger’s Bird on a Rock remains an enduring emblem of charm, grace and opulence. A bird poised on a gemstone may seem a modest idea, yet it embodies a philosophy that exalts uniqueness, dares in design and captures beauty in flight. In Schlumberger’s hands, each creation becomes a breathing sculpture—elegant, animated and imbued with a sense of wonder, like nature’s gleam caught in the world of haute joaillerie.
The Bird on a Rock Legacy watch collection continues the brand’s 188-year tradition of design excellence, refined craftsmanship and gem-setting artistry. It reimagines Schlumberger’s iconic Bird on a Rock brooch as a timepiece, paying homage to Tiffany & Co. and the jeweller’s singular vision.
Above Created by designer Jean Schlumberger in 1965, it features a bird perched on a large gemstone (photo: Tiffany & Co.)
Created by designer Jean Schlumberger in 1965, it features a bird perched on a large gemstone (photo: Tiffany & Co.)
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Honoring an icon
Jean Schlumberger is regarded as one of the most influential jewellery designers of the 20th century. A visionary of his era, he spent more than 30 years designing for Tiffany & Co. (1956–1987). Entirely self-taught, Schlumberger drew deep inspiration from nature, capturing the spirit of birds, animals, sea creatures and blooms with imagination and wit. His work, whimsical and dreamlike, reflects a joyous spirit. Among his many celebrated designs is the Bird on a Rock brooch, created in 1965, which portrays a diamond-studded bird resting atop a bold coloured gemstone.
Above Jean Schlumberger is regarded as one of the most influential jewellery designers of the 20th century (photo: Tiffany & Co.)
Above Jean Schlumberger is regarded as one of the most influential jewellery designers of the 20th century (photo: Tiffany & Co.)
Jean Schlumberger is regarded as one of the most influential jewellery designers of the 20th century (photo: Tiffany & Co.)
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Staying true to the original, the timepiece brings a quiet reinterpretation of the icon onto the dial of the Bird on a Rock Legacy. At the front, the gemstone is secured by two finely crafted claws, an elegant nod to avian feet, while the white mother-of-pearl dial bears a softly engraved floral motif inspired by the decorative details in Schlumberger’s Caribbean home in Guadeloupe. Flip it over, and a delicate window fitted with a magnifying glass reveals the underside of the gemstone—a hidden flourish likely to be noticed only by trained eyes. A halo of diamonds adds brilliance to the pearlescent face.
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Above The Bird on a Rock Legacy watch’s front face features a gemstone held securely by two intricately textured claws reminiscent of a bird’s feet (photo: Tiffany & Co.)
The Bird on a Rock Legacy watch’s front face features a gemstone held securely by two intricately textured claws reminiscent of a bird’s feet (photo: Tiffany & Co.)
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The pinnacle of exquisite art
The Bird on a Rock Legacy watch is a testament to Tiffany & Co.’s finesse in jewellery artistry and gem-setting. The signature bird is hand-carved in 18K gold, adorned with 119 diamonds and a ruby for eyes, and completed in just 24 hours.
Characteristic of the entire collection, the 36mm case is embellished with “snow-set” diamonds, a meticulous technique where round-cut diamonds of varying sizes are set closely together to form a shimmering surface, with scarcely any metal showing. Crafting the case alone took nearly 55 hours of labour.
Above In total, the Bird on a Rock Legacy watch sparkles with 587 diamonds (photo: Tiffany & Co.)
Above The caseback features a sunray engraving set with delicate diamonds (photo: Tiffany & Co.)
In total, the Bird on a Rock Legacy watch sparkles with 587 diamonds (photo: Tiffany & Co.)
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In total, the Bird on a Rock Legacy watch sparkles with 587 diamonds (3.60 carats): 309 on the case, 116 around the bezel and dial rim. The caseback features a sunray engraving set with delicate diamonds, while the “T” clasp on the alligator strap glitters with 43 round-cut stones.
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The reverse of the Bird on a Rock Legacy watch offers a charming visual treat: the base of the gemstone revealed through a precisely aligned magnifying window. As with all Jean Schlumberger by Tiffany Bird on a Rock timepieces, the caseback is engraved with a radiant sunburst motif, drawn from the designer’s “Floral Arrows” brooch. A discreet push-button at the centre allows for the time to be adjusted.
Staying true to Tiffany & Co.’s watchmaking ethos, the Bird on a Rock Legacy is a luminous expression of craftsmanship, artistry and heritage.
