Jacob & Co. and Bugatti have once again joined forces to create another horological marvel: the Jacob & Co. Bugatti Tourbillon watch. This exceptional timepiece boasts an automaton emulating a car engine, flying tourbillon, and myriad extraordinary mechanical and visual features. The collaboration between these two luxury brands has flourished since 2019, rooted in a shared passion for pushing boundaries and redefining luxury. The wristwatch embodies the spirit of both legendary brands and celebrates the launch of Bugatti’s newest hypercar, also named the Tourbillon.

At the heart of the Jacob & Co. Bugatti Tourbillon watch lies a miniature V16 engine block, a feat of horological engineering. This engine block, meticulously crafted from a single piece of transparent sapphire, features 16 tiny titanium pistons driven by a single-axis crankshaft. When activated, the engine comes to life with a 20-second animated sequence that showcases the synchronised movement of the pistons, mimicking the operation of a real car engine in a mesmerising performance. This one-of-a-kind automaton is a testament to the precision and ingenuity that define Jacob & Co. and a tribute to Bugatti’s automotive excellence.

The watch’s movement, the calibre JCAM55, is a work of art in and of itself. It comprises 557 individual components and includes a 30-second flying tourbillon, which is twice as fast as the conventional one-minute tourbillons, enhancing the timepiece’s accuracy by continuously counteracting the effects of gravity. This, combined with a double power reserve indicator for both the timekeeping mechanism and the automaton, highlights the watch’s innovative design and mechanical sophistication.

The Bugatti hypercar provided a key source of inspiration for the watch’s design, which seamlessly marries automotive style with fine watchmaking. Measuring an impressive 52mm by 44mm, the black DLC titanium case has seven sapphire crystals allowing a clear view of the intricate inner workings.  The triple subdial arrangement of the watch is modelled after the Bugatti hypercar’s dashboard, and the hours and minutes jump backwards in time to resemble the car’s RPM counter. This design element enhances the watch’s visual appeal and reflects the meticulous attention to detail and precision engineering synonymous with Bugatti.

With a production run of only 150 pieces, the Bugatti Tourbillon watch is a unique collectable that perfectly captures the unique character of this partnership. Every piece reflects the dedication to quality and innovation of Bugatti and Jacob & Co. and is a monument to their shared vision and craftsmanship. As CEO of Jacob & Co. Benjamin Arabov so eloquently remarks, this watch is more than just a watch; it’s a piece of art that pays tribute to Ettore Bugatti’s heritage and the unwavering quest for perfection.

For collectors and enthusiasts of fine watchmaking and automotive excellence, the Jacob & Co. Bugatti Tourbillon offers a unique and thrilling experience. It combines the best of both worlds in a single, extraordinary timepiece.

Article edited by Anastasia Fedosova