Jacob & Co. has consistently sought to redefine the parameters of possibility within watchmaking, often venturing into territories others deem too complex or unconventional. The brand, founded by Jacob Arabo, initially built its reputation in the world of high jewelry before making a significant pivot into horology, bringing a distinct perspective often characterized by bold designs and mechanical ingenuity. This journey saw the brand gain notoriety with pieces like the Five Time Zone watch in 2002, a watch that captured a certain cultural moment and put Jacob & Co. firmly on the map for watch enthusiasts seeking something different.
That initial foray set the stage for increasingly ambitious projects. The company's slogan, "Inspired by the Impossible," is not merely a marketing phrase but reflects a core philosophy driving its creations. Jacob & Co. has carved a niche by embracing complexity, scale, and visual spectacle, often combining intricate mechanisms with precious materials and artistic motifs. This approach has led to some of the most talked-about and visually arresting timepieces of the last two decades, appealing to a clientele that values exclusivity and groundbreaking design alongside technical prowess.
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In 2015, Jacob & Co. unveiled a collection that would become emblematic of its high watchmaking ambitions: the Astronomia. The original Astronomia Tourbillon was a revelation, featuring a multi-axis tourbillon and miniature celestial bodies performing a slow, captivating ballet on a rotating platform within a large sapphire crystal dome. It was unlike anything seen before, prioritizing a three-dimensional kinetic display over a traditional dial layout. This established a new pillar for the brand, one focused on complex, visually dynamic movements housed in expansive cases designed for maximum visibility.
The Astronomia collection quickly evolved. What began with a 20-minute rotation for the entire movement platform was accelerated in subsequent iterations, first to 10 minutes, showcasing the brand's continuous drive to refine and enhance its signature complication. The collection also diversified, incorporating themes ranging from cosmic phenomena and astrological signs to collaborations featuring miniature sculptures and intricate automata, all housed under the characteristic sapphire dome. These variations demonstrated the versatility of the core concept and Jacob & Co.'s flair for theatrical presentation.
A significant leap occurred in 2023 with the Astronomia Revolution, which dramatically increased the speed of the central carousel's rotation to just 60 seconds. This transformation turned the slow celestial dance of the original into a high-speed spectacle, fundamentally altering the character of the watch while showcasing considerable technical advancement in managing the forces and energy required for such rapid movement. It signaled that Jacob & Co. was not content to rest on the initial success of the Astronomia but was committed to pushing its mechanical boundaries further.
Now, marking the tenth anniversary of this influential collection in 2025, Jacob & Co. introduces the Astronomia Revolution Four-Axis Tourbillon. This timepiece represents another significant step, venturing into territory previously unoccupied in production watches: the incorporation of a fourth axis into the tourbillon mechanism. This development underscores the brand's relentless pursuit of mechanical complexity and its dedication to maintaining a position at the forefront of innovative horology. It’s a declaration that even after a decade, the Astronomia concept still holds potential for groundbreaking evolution.
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The centerpiece of this new creation is, undoubtedly, its tourbillon. Traditional tourbillons rotate on a single axis, typically completing a revolution in 60 seconds, to average out gravitational errors on the escapement. Jacob & Co. had already mastered triple-axis tourbillons within the Astronomia line. Adding a fourth axis introduces another plane of rotation, further complicating the mechanism but aiming for even more effective compensation for gravitational effects as the watch moves through various positions on the wrist. It's a complex feat of micro-engineering, requiring meticulous calculation and manufacturing precision.
This revolutionary four-axis tourbillon operates at remarkable speeds. The four axes rotate in 60 seconds, 18 seconds, 15 seconds, and 60 seconds, respectively. This intricate, high-speed choreography is designed not just for technical effect but also creates a mesmerizing visual display. The triple-axis component of the tourbillon is positioned prominently on the rotating carousel, itself completing a full revolution around the central axis of the watch every 60 seconds, matching the speed introduced in the 2023 Revolution model.
Ensuring the smooth and precise operation of such a complex and fast-moving system requires careful energy management. To this end, the Astronomia Revolution Four-Axis incorporates a high-frequency constant force mechanism. This device delivers energy to the escapement in consistent, controlled impulses, operating at a frequency of 1/6th of a second. This helps maintain the accuracy of the timekeeping despite the varying torque delivered by the mainspring as it unwinds and the significant energy demands of the multi-axis tourbillon and rotating platform.
Visually, the watch is immediately identifiable as part of the Astronomia family, yet it possesses distinct features. The case measures a substantial 47mm in diameter and 27mm in thickness, dimensions necessary to accommodate the voluminous movement architecture. Crafted from 18K rose gold, the case structure features large, panoramic sapphire crystal windows, including a domed top crystal, providing an unobstructed view of the mechanical theater within from multiple angles. The lugs are relatively short and sculpted, attempting to provide a comfortable fit despite the case's imposing size.
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The internal structure is dominated by the rotating platform characteristic of the Astronomia line. This platform serves as the foundation for the main complications. One arm carries the complex four-axis tourbillon cage, constantly rotating and tumbling. Another arm holds the time display, a skeletonized subdial made from a striking red composite material. This subdial is mounted on a differential system, ensuring it remains oriented upright for easy reading of the hours and minutes, regardless of the main platform's 60-second rotation.
Beneath the rotating elements lies a distinctive backplate, which serves as the 'floor' of the visual spectacle. Instead of a simple finish, this base is made from mirror-polished 5N gold plating and features a captivating geometric mosaic pattern. Composed of numerous facets and volumes meticulously crafted and positioned, this base catches and reflects light dynamically as the watch moves. Unusually, these rose gold volumes are set in an inverted layout compared to traditional gem-setting, creating sharp angles and surfaces that interact playfully with ambient light, adding another layer of visual complexity.
The movement powering this creation is the hand-wound Caliber JCAM54. This caliber is specifically designed for the Astronomia Revolution Four-Axis, orchestrating the 60-second rotation of the entire central structure, the four axes of the tourbillon spinning at their respective speeds (60s, 18s, 15s, 60s), the time display, and the constant force mechanism. The complexity involved in designing, manufacturing, finishing, and assembling such a movement is immense, representing a significant investment in research and development.
The skeletonized nature of the watch extends beyond just the time subdial. Much of the movement structure is visible, allowing viewers to appreciate the gears, levers, and intricate finishing. The contrast between the polished rose gold components, the red time display, the intricate tourbillon cage, and the faceted backplate creates a rich, multi-layered visual experience. It's a design that invites close inspection, revealing new details from different viewing angles.
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The choice of 18K rose gold for the case imparts a warm hue that complements the red accents on the dial and the polished gold backplate. This precious metal construction reinforces the luxurious positioning of the timepiece. The extensive use of sapphire crystal is not just functional for viewing the movement but also a technical challenge, requiring precise shaping and fitting to ensure water resistance and structural integrity for such a large and open design.
Complementing the warm tones of the rose gold case and the red dial is a strap made from blue alligator leather. This choice provides a bold color contrast, adding another point of visual interest. Alligator leather is a traditional material for high-end watch straps, known for its durability and distinctive pattern. The strap is fitted with a buckle or clasp likely made from matching 18K rose gold, ensuring consistency in the materials.
As Jacob Arabo stated, the Astronomia's arrival in 2015 marked a pivotal moment, elevating the brand "to the innovative fringe of high watchmaking." He emphasized that it demonstrated new ways to be creative with case designs and technologies, setting the company on an "endlessly upward trajectory." The launch of the Four-Axis version for the 10th anniversary reinforces this narrative, showcasing a continued commitment to pushing boundaries and exploring the limits of mechanical watchmaking.
The Astronomia Revolution Four-Axis Tourbillon is presented as a narrative of discovery and the pursuit of the extraordinary. It embodies the brand's philosophy of tackling challenges that others might avoid, resulting in timepieces that are as much kinetic sculptures as they are instruments for telling time. The complexity is not hidden but celebrated, put on full display beneath the expansive sapphire canopy.
This watch is not intended for mass appeal but targets a specific segment of collectors who appreciate extreme mechanical complexity, avant-garde design, and exclusivity. It serves as a halo product, demonstrating the technical capabilities and unique vision of Jacob & Co. The integration of a fourth axis into the tourbillon is a statement of intent, reinforcing the brand's identity as an innovator in the high-horology space.
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The Astronomia Revolution Four-Axis Tourbillon is produced as a highly limited edition. Only 18 pieces will be made available worldwide, ensuring its rarity and desirability among collectors of unique and complicated timepieces. This exclusivity is a hallmark of Jacob & Co.'s top-tier creations.
Reflecting its complexity, materials, and extreme exclusivity, the Jacob & Co. Astronomia Revolution Four-Axis Tourbillon carries a price tag of $700,000. Availability is restricted to the 18 pieces produced, likely obtainable through Jacob & Co. boutiques or select authorized retail partners specializing in high-end independent watchmaking.
Case: 18K rose gold and sapphire construction; 47mm diameter; 27mm thickness.
Movement: Caliber JCAM54, hand-wound; entire movement platform completes a full rotation in 60 seconds; features a four-axis flying tourbillon with individual axis rotation speeds of 60 seconds, 18 seconds, 15 seconds, and 60 seconds; includes a high-frequency (1/6th second) constant force device.
Dial: Mirror-polished 5N gold-plated backplate with geometric mosaic pattern; skeletonized overall structure; separate red composite hour and minute subdial designed to remain upright.
Strap: Blue alligator leather.
Price: $700,000
Notes: Features the world's first four-axis tourbillon in a wristwatch. Marks the 10th anniversary of the Astronomia collection. Limited edition of 18 pieces.