Tiffany & Co. has transformed its legendary ‘Bird on a Rock’ motif into a watch collection for the first time, blending heritage craftsmanship with modern elegance. Originally created in 1965 by famed designer Jean Schlumberger, the whimsical brooch was inspired by a yellow cockatoo he spotted during a Caribbean holiday. Over time, it has come to symbolize the brand’s creative spirit and artistic legacy.
The new Bird on a Rock Legacy watches represent the latest interpretation of this beloved design, following previous reimaginings in brooches and the dramatic presentation of the Tiffany Diamond during the 2023 reopening of its New York flagship, The Landmark. This marks a significant milestone as the iconic bird now graces a line of timepieces.
Each of the three exquisite models showcases a prominent gemstone “rock” — either morganite, aquamarine, or tanzanite — topped with a bird encrusted in diamonds, all set within a refined 18k white gold case. A loupe-style magnified window on the dial reveals the gemstone, resting on a mother-of-pearl background etched with floral designs inspired by Schlumberger’s residence in Guadeloupe.
The featured gemstones are notable in their own right: a 1.45-carat oval morganite, a 2.1-carat emerald-cut aquamarine, and a 2.72-carat cushion-cut tanzanite. These elements bring fresh dimension to the original design, merging fine jewellery with horological function.
This release comes as the ‘Bird on a Rock’ motif experiences a cultural resurgence, especially in men’s fashion. Once viewed as a classic brooch, it has evolved into a gender-fluid emblem of luxury and individuality, regularly appearing on celebrities at high-profile events.
With this debut, Tiffany & Co. both honors Schlumberger’s enduring vision and redefines it for contemporary audiences — elevating the iconic bird from a jewelled perch to a statement worn on the wrist.