Jaquet Droz is the master of specil art – you can check Magic Lotus Automation to see their masterpice. Their latest automaton timepieceis the Loving Butterfly Automaton. Created in a limited edition of 28 pieces, this poetic timepiece is characterized by a centerpiece crafted from an exquisite mineral dial.

Set against a backdrop of a forest of gold, this precious dial is made from wood petrified 140-180 million years ago called Chinchilla Red, named after the far-eastern locale in Australia where it is found. It was formed by fir trees covered in volcanic ash that were swept away by lava.

To make the surface of this rare mineral perfectly smooth, many hours of manual work of an expert craftsman are required. The resulting pattern of the mineral dial is like no other, making each of these 28 timepieces truly unique.
The representation is inspired by a drawing titled “Le papillon conduit par l’amour (Butterfly Driven by Love), which was sketched in 1774 by The Draughtsman, an automaton created by Henri-Louis Jaquet-Droz.

The scene is brought to life with striking realism thanks to the crown-push button triggering mechanism that moves the animated chariot wheel and wings (make sure to watch the video at the end of the article). Multiple levels lend the piece a depth of perspective that invites discovery. The scene unfolds on a stage of nature with a set that actually rises up all around the dia...