ReviewAstonishingly Complex: Introducing The Jacob & Co Astronomia Solar Zodiac
The Jacob & Co Astronomia Solar Zodiac adds an incredibly beautiful rotating solar system background that builds on the already complex original
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Humans have always had a close relationship with the skies above us, and we have always been stargazers. Even though early humans could not fully comprehend the causes of phenomena such as eclipses, planetary movements, and even seasons, they created myths to try to explain them. The narrative of the origins of the zodiac signs begins here. ‘Zodiac’ is a Greek term that means ‘animal circle’. Still, it was originally a Babylonian concept devised in the fifth century BC, when Babylonian astronomers observed the movement of the stars and divided the sky into twelve constellations, each named after a specific animal. These constellations, or zodiac signs, became associated with certain personality traits and characteristics, and, over time, the zodiac has been used as a tool for divination and self-discovery. Jacob & Co’s Astronomia Solar Zodiac takes this ancient tradition and brings it into the modern world on the dial of a stunning timepiece that blends traditional horological techniques with cutting-edge technology.
The Cosmos On Your Wrist
About eight years ago, Jacob & Co debuted its first Astronomia watch with a view of the sky on the wrist. Since then, the brand has refined the Astronomia line with several sophisticated versions, but the Astronomia Solar Zodiac steals the show. At first glance, its stunning appearance definitely commands attention, but it is only upon closer inspection that the intricacies of its hand-wound JCAM19 calibre can be fully appreciated. The vertically built movement features three moving arms, each holding a unique component.
The first arm features a blue PVD hour and minute dial, with a rose gold-plated zodiac sign engraving. This time display sub-dial rotates counter-clockwise and utilises a patented differential system to ensure that 12 o’clock is always in the correct position. The second arm holds a two-axis gravitational flying tourbillon, complete with a Jacob & Co logo on its cage. The third arm displays a hand-engraved globe of the earth, rotating on its own axis in 60 seconds, and completing one full revolution of the dial in 10 minutes. The bi-directional movement rotates clockwise, completing a full revolution in just ten minutes, while the aventurine base dial rotates in the counter-clockwise direction at the same speed. This creates an accelerated, stylized view of the solar system, with all eight planets represented on the dial for the first time.
The sun is represented by the movement’s centre, which is adorned with a stunning citrine stone, weighing approximately 1.5 carats. The hand-wound movement beats at a frequency of 4 Hz, faster than any other Astronomia model. Despite its smaller diameter of just 34.55 mm, it actually contains 439 components, excluding the precious and semi-precious stones, more than any other Astronomia model.
Cosmic Details
The Jacob & Co Astronomia collection captures the wonder and magic of the solar system, showcasing the Earth and its place in the cosmos. The planets are made of cabochon-cut semi-precious gems, with white granite representing Mercury, rhodonite for Venus, red jasper for Mars, pietersite for Jupiter, tiger eye for Saturn, blue calcite for Uranus, and lapis lazuli for Neptune. All of this is housed in a stunning 18K white gold case that measures 45.5mm, making the entire solar system fit reasonably well on your wrist.
The Astronomia Solar captures the beauty and intricacy of the universe, combining Swiss watchmaking expertise with Jacob Arabo’s talent for sourcing and cutting gemstones. It expands the horizons of the Astronomia collection, both literally and figuratively, continuing its tradition of abstract depictions of the cosmos.
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Jacob & Co. Astronomia
AS300.30.AB.AB.A
