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Andreas Strehler Faune et Flore Jardin des Papillons

Inspired by the wonders of our natural world, Faune et Flore is a series of unique and individually handcrafted masterpieces, created in an in-house collaboration between Andreas Strehler and Roman Houdek; a profoundly gifted Master engraver who works at the watchmaker’s Uhrteil movement manufactory. In Sirnach, Switzerland.


Taking as a natural introduction to the series the theme of the Papillon; the butterfly motif which has long been synonymous with Strehler’s aesthetic, Faune et Flore Jardin des Papillons features at its heart an exquisitely crafted three dimensional scene of butterflies, insects and even a newt, carved amid a setting of entwining vine and foliage. 


Painstakingly created from a single mass of 18ct gold, each piece is first drafted to ensure the feature accommodates perfectly the technical configuration of the movement, seamlessly integrating the rubies and pinions into the design. This astonishing piece of ornamental art requires an estimated 200-plus hours of careful sculpting, and there is zero margin for error, as a single slip of the engraver’s burin can result in an irreversible scar on the surface of the piece, and destroy weeks of work in an instant. 


Flame-blued steel hands indicate the hours and minutes to the right of centre, near the three o’clock position, and beneath the elaborate golden sculpture, the immaculate anglage of the mechanism’s train wheels are testament to the standards of finishing demanded of every Andreas Strehler creation.


Faune et Flore is presented in the curvaceous tonneau style case which is a signature of Andreas Strehler’s masterpieces. Measuring 41mm across and just 10mm tall, it is refined and elegant, and will be available in either 18ct rose gold or platinum. 


On the underside, a sapphire crystal reveals further flawlessly executed anglage which define the edges of the plates, and stripes which emanate from chamber in which the balance oscillates at a leisurely 21,600 vib/h, and radiate across the plates. With the manual winding movement boasting autonomy of circa 78 hours when fully wound, the power reserve indication which is also displayed on the underside, is measured by the world’s smallest power reserve differential.


A remarkable and breathtakingly beautiful piece of mechanical art, the Jardin des Papillons pièce unique combines the traditional craft of the master engraver with the technical sophistication of one of the most advanced and important watchmaking ateliers in Switzerland, and heralds the introduction of Andreas Strehler’s Faune et Flore masterpieces, which can be commissioned and manufactured to the connoisseur’s specific requirements.


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