Jacob & Co. Bugatti Chiron Tourbillon Rose Gold

Jacob X Bugatti

In 2019, two brands that have created a stir in their respective markets joined hands to craft something that would remain a landmark for decades. Jacob & Co. and Bugatti were the two brands that merged their ideas and started a journey of similar ideologies. In 2020, the partnership churned out the Jacob & Co. Twin Turbo Furious. After a year, the partnership curled out the Jacob & Co. Bugatti Chiron Tourbillon collection. The timepiece became the world’s first watch with an actual replica of an engine on the wrist.

The Bugatti Chiron

Before we get into the timepiece, one needs to know the significance of the Chiron. Chiron is a hypercar produced by the French automobile manufacturer, Bugatti. The Bugatti Chiron is a mechanical marvel with a 16-cylinder W-12 engine. Producing a power of 1,500 hp, the engine pumps 60,000 litres of air every minute through 4 turbochargers placed inside the engine complex. This makes the Chiron, the fastest, most complicated Bugatti ever produced.

The Bugatti Chiron Tourbillon

Jacob & Co. decided to pay homage to the 8-litre, W-12 engine in a way that is as complicated as the engine in itself. A full-fledged replica of the engine was crafted by the brand, even the minutest details such as the synchronisation of the pistons were achieved with proficiency. This movement was powered by a manually powered mechanical movement, the JCAM37. Further accentuated by the marvels of the hypercar, the brand decided to place this movement over actual suspensions. With the movement going up and down, it created a problem for the manufacturers as this would’ve damaged the crown posts. This was achieved by a patented transverse system, similar to a 4x4 differential, making the brand the first one to do so. The movement is made up of 578 components and features a power reserve indicator and three crowns. The engine and the time display are winded separately by a single crown. Jacob & Co. could have stopped here and called it a day but they decided to fit in a tourbillon inclined at 30 degrees at 12 o’clock. Even with all these complications, the timepiece offers a power reserve of approximately 60 hours.

Bugatti Chiron Tourbillon Baguette

Adding a bit of its gem-setting tradition, the brand also offers these timepieces in a gem-studded variant called the Bugatti Chiron Tourbillon Baguette. Fitted with various baguette-cut precious stones and diamonds, the series also features a timepiece with round-cut diamonds called the Bugatti Chiron Tourbillon Pave.

The Sapphire Crystal Chiron

Achieving another feat is the Jacob & Co. Bugatti Chiron Tourbillon Sapphire Crystal. Made from a single block of sapphire crystal, the timepieces are available in various hues. To be able to craft a replica of a W16 engine inside a timepiece with a single block of the sapphire crystal is a mammoth task. It takes months to create just one case as even one deviancy can lead to the rejection of the whole block. To add more vibrant colours, the manufacturer uses powder of “rare earth” and other minerals. This process adds to the luscious colours available in the collection.