In the realm of automotive excellence, Bugatti stands as an undisputed titan, a brand synonymous with unparalleled speed, breathtaking design, and engineering prowess that pushes the boundaries of what's possible. From the legendary Type 35 that dominated the racing circuits in the 1920s to the modern-day Chiron, a masterpiece of automotive art and technology, Bugatti's legacy is etched in the annals of automotive history. This relentless pursuit of excellence extends beyond the asphalt, finding a harmonious echo in the world of horology through a partnership with Jacob & Co., a renowned watchmaker celebrated for its audacious designs and groundbreaking complications.
Founded in 1986 by Jacob Arabo, Jacob & Co. quickly rose to prominence, captivating the watchmaking world with its bold and extravagant creations. Arabo's vision was clear: to transcend the conventional norms of watchmaking and craft timepieces that were as much works of art as they were instruments of timekeeping. This philosophy led to the birth of iconic collections like the Five Time Zone watch, a testament to Arabo's penchant for pushing boundaries. The brand's repertoire expanded to include dazzling high jewelry watches adorned with precious gemstones and intricate complications that showcased the pinnacle of horological craftsmanship.
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In 2019, a shared passion for pushing limits and redefining luxury brought Bugatti Automobiles and Jacob & Co. together in a partnership that would redefine the landscape of automotive-inspired timepieces. Both brands, driven by a relentless pursuit of excellence, embarked on a collaborative journey to create watches that captured the essence of Bugatti's iconic hypercars. This partnership was more than just a marketing endeavor; it was a fusion of two worlds, a symphony of mechanical mastery and artistic expression.
The culmination of this extraordinary partnership is the Jacob & Co. Bugatti Tourbillon, a watch that transcends the boundaries of traditional watchmaking. Inspired by Bugatti's latest hypercar, also named Tourbillon, this timepiece is a testament to the seamless integration of automotive design and horological ingenuity. It is a watch that not only tells time but also tells a story, a story of speed, precision, and the unwavering pursuit of perfection.
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Drawing inspiration from ten defining design elements of the Bugatti Tourbillon hypercar, the watch's case mirrors the car's distinctive silhouette, complete with the iconic horseshoe grille and aerodynamic contours. The large sapphire openings on the case sides pay homage to the car's expansive windows, offering a glimpse into the intricate mechanical ballet within. The sub-dials, reminiscent of the car's dashboard, display the time with a touch of automotive flair.
At the heart of the Bugatti Tourbillon lies a mechanical marvel that captures the essence of Bugatti's engineering prowess: the V16 engine block automaton. Crafted from a single block of transparent sapphire, this miniature engine features 16 intricately detailed cylinders, each housing a titanium piston. The pistons are driven by a single-axis crankshaft, a testament to the watchmakers' dedication to precision and complexity. Activating the automaton brings the engine to life, with the crankshaft spinning and the pistons moving in a mesmerizing display of mechanical artistry.
The Bugatti Tourbillon is not just a visual spectacle; it's a horological symphony of complications. The watch features a 30-second flying tourbillon, a mesmerizing complication that counters the effects of gravity on the movement's accuracy. This high-speed tourbillon, rotating twice as fast as traditional one-minute tourbillons, is a testament to Jacob & Co.'s commitment to pushing the boundaries of watchmaking.
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The retrograde jumping hours and retrograde minutes add another layer of complexity to the watch's timekeeping display. As the hour and minute hands complete their arcs, they gracefully jump back to zero, marking the beginning of a new cycle. The jumping hour hand, a feature rarely seen in watchmaking, adds a touch of whimsy to the otherwise technical display.
A double power reserve indicator, a unique feature in contemporary watchmaking, keeps track of both the watch's movement and the automaton's power reserve. This allows the wearer to monitor the remaining energy for both timekeeping and the captivating engine animation.
The Bugatti Tourbillon is not just a watch; it's a mechanical symphony orchestrated by the intricate interplay of 557 meticulously crafted components. The watch's heart, the JCAM55 caliber, is a hand-wound movement that beats at a frequency of 21,600 vibrations per hour (3 Hz), ensuring precision and accuracy. This mechanical marvel boasts a power reserve of 48 hours, allowing the wearer to admire its intricate dance of gears and springs for days on end.
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But the JCAM55 caliber is not just about timekeeping; it's about captivating the senses with its mechanical theater. The V16 engine block automaton, a marvel of micro-engineering, is the star of the show. Crafted from a single block of transparent sapphire, this miniature engine comes to life with the push of a button, showcasing the mesmerizing movement of 16 titanium pistons driven by a single-axis crankshaft. This intricate ballet of mechanical components is a testament to the watchmakers' dedication to pushing the boundaries of horological innovation.
The Bugatti Tourbillon's case, measuring 52mm x 44mm, is a masterpiece of modern design and engineering. Crafted from black DLC titanium, the case exudes a sense of rugged elegance, perfectly complementing the watch's intricate mechanical heart. The large sapphire openings on the case sides offer a captivating glimpse into the watch's inner workings, while the black DLC titanium caseback provides a secure and stylish closure.
The four anti-reflective sapphire crystals ensure optimal legibility of the watch's various displays, even in challenging lighting conditions. With a water resistance of 30 meters (3 ATM), the Bugatti Tourbillon is suitable for everyday wear, allowing you to showcase its mechanical artistry without compromising its functionality.
The Bugatti Tourbillon's black rubber strap, adorned with louvers that echo the design of the hypercar's air intakes, provides a comfortable and secure fit. The black DLC titanium deployment buckle, a masterpiece of engineering in its own right, ensures that the watch stays firmly on your wrist while adding a touch of sporty sophistication to its overall aesthetic.
Courtesy of Jacob & Co
With only 150 pieces available worldwide, the Jacob & Co. Bugatti Tourbillon is a watch destined for the discerning collector who appreciates the fusion of automotive design and horological excellence. Each watch is a numbered edition, making it a truly unique and exclusive timepiece that will undoubtedly become a treasured heirloom.
The Jacob & Co. Bugatti Tourbillon is a testament to the extraordinary craftsmanship and innovation that both Jacob & Co. and Bugatti Automobiles bring to their respective fields. This limited-edition timepiece, priced at $280,000, is not just a watch; it's a wearable work of art, a mechanical marvel, and a symbol of the relentless pursuit of excellence. For those who appreciate the finer things in life, the Bugatti Tourbillon is an investment in exclusivity, artistry, and the timeless allure of mechanical ingenuity.