Author Archives: Timmy Tan

Jaquet Droz Petite Heure Minute Relief Seasons and the White-Breasted Kingfisher

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Source: Kendelia Videos on YouTube

Ever seen acts of love between birds? Well, the above video may well have captured the love between two White-Throated Kingfishers (Halcyon Smyrnensis).

Watch the video and view what we believe is the male White-Throated Kingfisher hunting for its female companion. The male White-Throated Kingfisher took 40 seconds to find a meal for his female companion. The video was filmed in Singapore in February 2018.

According to the information found on the website Birds of India (www.indianbirds.thedynamicnature.com), the breeding season for the generally monogamous White-Throated Kingfishers in Malaysia is from December to August.

This season probably relates to the White-Throated Kingfishers in Singapore too, given its close proximity to Malaysia.

Interestingly, the breeding season for this beautiful bird is shorter in India where it is from April to July.

Speaking of such beautiful feathered creatures, Jaquet Droz is one watch brand synonymous with birds as its namesake founder, Pierre Jaquet-Droz was fond of the them. He drew his inspiration from birds for many of his stunning creations.

Jaquet Droz Petite Heure Minute Relief Seasons featuring a pair of blue tit birds (Cyanistes caeruleus) and dedicated to spring (March to June). The 18K white gold case is set with 272 diamonds (1.02 carats) and the 18K white gold ardillon buckle is set with 24 diamonds (0.14 carats). Photo: © TANG Portfolio/TimeWerke.

The link with birds is kept alive for Jaquet Droz today as seen in its timepieces. One such example being the Jaquet Droz Petite Heure Relief Seasons featuring a dial depicting a pair of blue tit birds (Cyanistes caeruleus) that have been carved from gold, engraved and painted by hand.

The blue tit bird is primarily found in the United Kingdom and the version shown is actually dedicated to spring which begins in March and ends in June in the northern hemisphere.

Perhaps the White-Throated Kingfisher with its richly-coloured plumage can one day be on Jaquet Droz dials as well.

Jaquet Droz Petite Heure Minute Relief Seasons
Introduced in 2017
Technical specifications:
• Jaquet Droz Petite Heure Minute Relief Seasons
• Introduced in 2017
• Technical specifications:
• Jaquet Droz 2653.Si automatic movement
• 28,800 vibrations per hour
• 28 jewels
• 68 hours power reserve
• Silicon balance spring and pallet horns
• Double barrel
• 18K red gold oscillating weight with white mother-of-pearl and hand-patinated bird applique in 22K red gold
• White mother-of-pearl dial with hand-engraved and handpainted and rhodium-plated 18K red gold bird appliques featuring blue tit birds, off-centred hour and minutes display, blued stainless steel hands
• White gold case set with 272 diamonds (1.02 carats)
• 41mm diameter case in 18K white gold, 13.77mm thick
• Water-resistant to 3 bar (30m)
• Rolled-edge handmade gray satin strap
• 18K white gold ardillon buckle set with 24 diamonds (0.14 carats)
• Total number of diamonds: 296, IF to VVSI, Full Cut, D to G
• Total carat weight: 1.16 carats
Limited to 88 pieces

Grand Seiko Hi-Beat 36000 Limited Edition SBGJ227 “Peacock”: An “Emotional Support Peacock” that can fly with you

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Grand Seiko Hi-Beat 36000 GMT SBGJ227 Limited Edition “Peacock”. The beauty of the peacock has been captured on the green dial of this Grand Seiko SBGJ227. Limited to 700 pieces. Approximate retail price in Europe: EUR7,700. Photo: © Grand Seiko.

The majestic grandeur of the peacock is apparent with its train or tail in iridescent green, blue and bronze. The ovular markings on its tails are said to symbolize the eyes of the stars. The peacock is even said to symbolize immortality.

Regardless, the beauty of the peacock, especially once its extravagant plumage is exposed, is universally acknowledged.

Such beauty has been captured on the dial of the Grand Seiko Hi-Beat 36000 GMT SBGJ227 Limited Edition which features a deep green colour on a patterned dial that has been stamped, say the good folks at Grand Seiko. That is because the peacock is what inspired the “face” or dial on this watch.

The watchcase, with polished and distortion-free surfaces thanks to Zaratsu polishing, is a modern re-interpretation of the 44GS design of 1967 that set the Grand Seiko style. Zaratsu is a polishing technique that requires skill and hand craftsmanship.

The Calibre 9S86 is assembled at the Shizukuishi Watch Studio, the birthplace of all Grand Seiko mechanical watches, as this is where they are manufactured and hand-assembled.

The Calibre 9S86 movement and case are the same as the Grand Seiko watch that was awarded a “Petite Aguille” prize at the 2014 Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève.

While actual peacocks, especially “emotional support peacocks”, cannot be taken onboard passenger aircraft even if a seat has been bought, this Grand Seiko Hi-Beat 36000 GMT SBGJ227 “Peacock” can board and fly with its owner at all times.

Best of all, as this Grand Seiko SBGJ227 “Peacock” can sit well on your wrist, an additional seat is not required.

Grand Seiko Hi-Beat 36000 Limited Edition
SBGJ227 “Peacock”
Introduced in 2017
Technical Specifications:
• Calibre 9S86 automatic movement
• 36,000 vibrations per hour (10 beats per second)
• Accuracy: +5 / -3 seconds a day (when static)
• 55 hours power reserve
• 37 jewels
• Magnetic resistance: 4,800 A/m
• GMT
• High-definition dual curved sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating
• 40mm diameter case in stainless steel, 14.4mm thick
• Water-resistant to 10 bar (100m)
• See-through case back
• Stainless steel bracelet with threefold clasp and push button release
Limited to 700 pieces
Approximate retail price in Europe: EUR7,700