Tiffany & Co are celebrating the 160th birthday of its first chronograph this year by releasing two limited editions of its Tiffany Timer watch. A meditation on the brand’s long legacy in both jewellery design and watchmaking, Tiffany & Co. released its first stopwatch in 1866, and it was renamed the Tiffany & Co. Timer two years later. That same year, the house opened its first watch assembly workshop in Switzerland. To reflect this heritage, it released the first special edition earlier this year and today, launches its second – the Tiffany Timer Titanium.
More than just history reincarnated, the new watch looks great too, featuring a satin-brushed titanium case with a platinum bezel and a navy blue alligator strap. Furthermore, a Tiffany & Co. piece cannot be deprived of its trademark turquoise hue, of course, with the chronograph featuring a dial with dark blue and classic Tiffany blue accent detailing. The dial is also fitted with 12 baguette-cut diamond hour markers and white gold hands. It’s subtle and elegant, yet delivers just the right amount star power.
One particular standout detail however is the signature Bird on a Rock motif that appears on the back of the watch. The design honours the legendary designer Jean Schlumberger, who took inspiration from the natural world for his work at the luxury jewellery brand. Schlumberger created the Bird on a Rock brooch in 1965, establishing a storied visual language which pioneered a meticulous and surreal craft that went beyond classic jewellery design. Set into an exclusive El Primero 400 chronograph, the watch’s rotor, the design is hand sculpted from a piece of 18k yellow gold and left to perch on the inside of the wearer’s wrist.
The first edition was limited to only 60 pieces, whilst this second edition is limited to only 100. It is set to be released on September 27. If horological history is your thing, this is going to be one for the keepsake.
Photography courtesy of Tiffany & Co.