In a groundbreaking collaboration, Jacob & Co. and Bugatti have launched a new Tourbillon wristwatch, setting new standards in complicated horology. This partnership celebrates Bugatti’s latest hypersports car, also named the Tourbillon.
Design and Features:
The Jacob & Co. Bugatti Tourbillon watch measures 52 x 44 mm and is inspired by the distinct design elements of the Bugatti Tourbillon hypercar. It features:
- A visible V16 engine block automaton made from a single block of transparent sapphire, part of the hand-wound caliber JCAM55 movement with 557 components.
- The engine animates with 20 full sequences on a single wind, mimicking the movement of the car’s 16 pistons.
- An intricate single-axis crankshaft with precision-crafted cylinders that fire in sequence when activated via the crown.
- Exhaust manifolds are integrated into the engine block.
Movement and Complications:
The watch includes:
- A 30-second flying tourbillon at 10 o’clock, Jacob & Co.’s fastest tourbillon escapement.
- A 48-hour twin power reserve indicator at the 2 o’clock position.
- An off-centered jumping retrograde hours and minutes display designed to replicate an RPM counter, starting at zero and jumping back after completing a 270-degree arc.
Limited Edition:
Limited to 250 pieces, matching the hyper sports car’s production, the watch will be initially offered in black DLC titanium:
- The first 150 pieces are priced at $340,000 each.
Collaboration and Development:
According to Benjamin Arabov, CEO of Jacob & Co., the watch is a testament to Bugatti’s engineering marvels and pays homage to Ettore Bugatti’s legacy of pushing boundaries.
The collaboration, which originated from Bugatti’s new car concept, lasted two years. Both teams worked closely to integrate the watch’s design with the car’s aesthetics and engineering feats.
In Arabov’s words, “The Jacob & Co. Bugatti Tourbillon watch represents our commitment to innovation in luxury watchmaking. It features advancements like the sapphire V16 engine block and a double-paced flying tourbillon, encapsulating the essence of Bugatti’s engineering excellence.”
