Tiffany & Co., renowned for its iconic blue and exquisite jewelry, continues to solidify its presence in the watchmaking world with the introduction of a new limited-edition Timer Chronograph. This latest iteration marries the lightness of titanium with the luxury of platinum, presenting a more understated yet equally captivating design compared to its diamond-studded predecessor. It underscores the brand's enduring legacy in horology, which dates back to 1866, and its strategic evolution under the LVMH group.
Following the acquisition by LVMH, Tiffany has significantly elevated its horological endeavors, guided by Nicolas Beau, former Global Head of Horlogerie at Chanel and now Tiffany's VP of Horlogerie. This strategic direction aims to honor the brand's rich watchmaking heritage while integrating its jewelry expertise into distinctive timepiece collections. While many of these creations are high-end, gem-set models, the Tiffany Timer stands out as a sporty chronograph featuring a high-frequency automatic movement, appealing to a broader spectrum of watch enthusiasts.
The inaugural edition of the Tiffany Timer showcased a platinum casing complemented by a striking Tiffany Blue dial adorned with baguette diamonds, a bold statement. The subsequent version, however, adopts a more conventional approach, offering enhanced wearability and a subtle elegance. The primary alteration lies in the materials and finishes. The case is now predominantly crafted from grade 5 titanium, featuring satin-brushed surfaces that lend a sportier appearance and improved comfort for the wearer. This bi-material construction is further distinguished by a polished 950 platinum bezel. This 40mm chronograph, with a modest 13mm thickness, incorporates several signature elements. These include a crown designed to resemble the six-pronged Tiffany solitaire ring setting, elongated and curved chronograph pushers that subtly double as crown guards, and slender curved lugs that contribute to the watch's softer profile. With a water resistance of 100m, it offers practical durability for a chronograph.
A notable update for this new limited-edition Tiffany Timer is the dial. Moving away from the full Tiffany Blue lacquered dial with diamonds, this version presents a more subdued aesthetic with a sunray-brushed navy blue base. The brand's signature Tiffany Blue is not entirely absent, appearing as subtle accents on the chronograph sub-dial rings, the outer scale, and the date disc. Furthermore, this titanium and platinum edition features classic polished applied markers and hands meticulously crafted from white gold, adding to its refined appeal.
Internally, the timepiece benefits from the synergies within the LVMH Group, incorporating a movement sourced from Zenith. It houses a customized Zenith El Primero 400, a classic tri-compax, high-frequency automatic chronograph movement. What makes this movement particularly special for Tiffany is the oscillating weight, which features a hand-sculpted yellow gold "bird on a rock," a charming homage to Jean Schlumberger's iconic 1960s design. The movement's specifications are impressive, boasting a 5Hz frequency, a column-wheel and horizontal clutch architecture, and a 50-hour power reserve. Functions include hours, minutes, small seconds, a chronograph with 12-hour and 30-minute counters, and a date display.
Presented on a navy blue alligator strap with a steel and titanium triple folding clasp, this bi-material Tiffany Timer Chronograph is a limited edition of just 100 pieces, available at a price of USD 28,000. For those interested in exploring further details, additional information can be found on tiffany.com.