The Jaquet Droz Loving Butterfly Automaton

Like previous versions, the Loving Butterfly is housed in a 43mm 18k red gold case with a height of 16.63mm. The case is polished and the trigger mechanism for the automaton is discreetly located in the crown. The warmth of red gold is highlighted with the warm colour of the petrified wood background. The delightful scenery on the dial is entirely carved in red gold by Jaquet Droz’s master craftsmen. You can see the cherub on his chariot holding the reins of the butterfly as he rides through the gold woods. The inspiration of this particular scene was taken from a 1774 sketch performed by The Draughtsman, one of Jaquet Droz atelier’s most famous humanoid automata. A metaphor for the labours of love, the chariot symbolises victory and the cherub represents Cupid... More here.

You will never own it, you know it is silly, but you love it anyway. I do.