Jacob & Co. and Bugatti have once again revolutionized the world of luxury watches with the launch of the Bugatti Tourbillon.
This timepiece is more than a watch—it’s a mechanical marvel, an embodiment of the synergy between two giants in their respective fields. For watch collectors, this is a piece that signifies the pinnacle of horological and automotive craftsmanship.
Jacob & Co. has long been known for its innovative approach to watchmaking, constantly pushing the boundaries of what is possible. Meanwhile, Bugatti, the name synonymous with ultimate automotive luxury and performance, has a legacy of creating cars that are as technically advanced as they are beautiful. The Bugatti Tourbillon is a natural extension of this philosophy, blending the art of watchmaking with the engineering prowess of Bugatti.
What sets the Bugatti Tourbillon apart from other luxury watches is its unparalleled design integration. Rather than drawing mere inspiration from Bugatti’s latest hyper sports car, this timepiece incorporates elements directly from the car’s design. The watch case measures 52 x 44 mm, mirroring the car’s distinctive features such as the front grille, side radiator inlets, and large sapphire side windows. These elements are not just decorative but are essential parts of the watch’s architecture, making the Bugatti Tourbillon a true testament to integrated design.
One of the most striking features of this watch is its V16 engine block automaton, crafted from a single block of transparent sapphire. This element alone showcases the watch’s complexity and the level of craftsmanship involved. The engine block houses 16 pistons made from high-grade titanium, all driven by a single-axis crankshaft, one of the most elaborate and delicate watch parts ever created. When the automaton is activated, the crankshaft spins, and the pistons move up and down, mimicking the internal combustion engine’s firing sequence. This animation sequence can be executed 20 times on a single wind, demonstrating both the engineering prowess and the artistry of Jacob & Co.
The Bugatti Tourbillon also features a 30-second flying tourbillon, the fastest Jacob & Co. has ever made. This tourbillon is not just a technical achievement but a visual spectacle, prominently displayed on the left side of the watch’s dashboard. On the right side, a sub-dial indicates both the movement’s and the engine’s power reserve, while the center of the dashboard features an hour and minute sub-dial designed to resemble an RPM and speed counter.
A unique aspect of the Bugatti Tourbillon is its jumping retrograde timekeeping. Both the hour and minute hands are retrograde, meaning they jump back to zero after completing a 270-degree arc. This feature is a nod to the RPM counters found in high-performance cars, starting at zero rather than the traditional 12. Each hand jumps to the next hour or minute, staying there until it is time to move again. The blue hour hand, for instance, jumps every 60 minutes, offering a dynamic and visually engaging way to tell time.
The collaboration between Jacob & Co. and Bugatti goes beyond simple co-branding. It is a genuine partnership that has resulted in a timepiece reflecting both brands’ core values of excellence, innovation, and attention to detail. This is evident in the dashboard design, which closely resembles Bugatti’s hyper sports car interior. The watch’s dashboard and the car’s dashboard share a similar aesthetic and functionality, creating a seamless connection between the two.
The case of the Bugatti Tourbillon is designed to offer a panoramic view of the movement, much like how Bugatti’s latest hyper sports car offers a view of its technical details. Large sapphire openings on the case sides allow a lateral glimpse of the movement’s 557 components. The upper crystal provides a full view of the engine block, its sapphire construction, 16 pistons, and the underlying crankshaft. Under the case, a sapphire crystal creates a through-and-through transparency effect, making this watch as visually stunning as it is mechanically impressive.
The Bugatti Tourbillon is not just a watch but a limited edition collector’s piece. Only 250 units will be produced, matching the production run of the Bugatti hyper sports car. This exclusivity adds to the watch’s allure, making it a highly sought-after item for collectors. The first version, crafted from black DLC titanium, is limited to 150 pieces, with room for additional variations featuring colored and precious materials, as well as high jewelry.
For those who appreciate the finest things in life, the Bugatti Tourbillon represents the zenith of design and engineering. It is a watch that looks, wears, and works like no other, embodying the spirit of both Jacob & Co. and Bugatti. This timepiece is a celebration of what can be achieved when two masters of their craft come together to create something truly extraordinary.
Jacob & Co. has always been about more than just telling time—they create experiences, stories, and legacies. The Bugatti Tourbillon is a perfect example of this philosophy in action. For watch collectors, it is not just a watch but a piece of art, a technical marvel, and a testament to the highest levels of craftsmanship and innovation. Explore the extraordinary world of Jacob & Co. and discover the unparalleled experience of the Bugatti Tourbillon.
Make an appointment to view this masterpiece firsthand at the Jacob & Co. boutique by Cortina Watch at The Peninsula Hotel Hong Kong.
