When birds sing, it’s like a flying-visit to heaven; they take ahold of our soul and transport us. Those who listen are reminded of their connection to nature and called back to the beauty of the present moment. There is an unspeakable emotion in a birdsong. REUGE’s latest collection of Tabatières, named “Enchanting Birds,” features a bird automaton and its magical tune in a larger-than-life creation.
This collection reaches new heights of artistry through a remarkable collaboration with the prestigious watchmaker De Bethune. Together, the two manufactures have created an exclusive limited series of three pieces for the ART in TIME gallery in Monaco. This extraordinary series incorporates elements naturally flame-blued and a bird adorned in flame-gilded gold. These stunning colors are the result of oxidation caused by heat, a technique mastered by Denis Flageolet, De Bethune’s celebrated master watchmaker.

Upon activation of a lever, the colorful bird emerges from beneath an oval cover, flapping its wings and moving every joint of its small body in perfect unison with an enchanting tune. Comprising no fewer than 250 mechanical components, all meticulously assembled by hand in REUGE’s atelier in Sainte-Croix, this automaton represents an unparalleled fusion of craftsmanship and innovation. Its lifelike movements and exquisite details create a spectacle so precise that the bird appears alive.
This special collaboration for ART in TIME is a testament to REUGE and De Bethune’s shared commitment to pushing the boundaries of artistry and engineering. The uncanny realism of the automaton and the mastery of flame-oxidized hues exemplify their ingenuity, while the mesmerizing melody and movements invite us to reconnect with the wonder of nature. Truly, a masterpiece of unparalleled beauty and technical sophistication.