ReviewA Game of Chance on Your Wrist: The Jacob & Co Casino Tourbillon

Jacob & Co have never shied away from pushing the boundaries of horological extravagance, and their latest release, the Casino Tourbillon, is no exception. Combining the thrill of gambling with the precision of a flying tourbillon, this timepiece is a bold statement for high-rollers and the elite. While the roulette complication is not entirely new, Jacob & Co’s latest rendition is a refined and sophisticated one, reminiscent of the iconic Franck Muller Las Vegas.

Here, we see the brand break away from their usual flamboyant style, opting for a cleaner and more refined design. The dial features a sleek disc of polished black onyx, adorned with rose gold hour markers and hands, exuding an air of elegance. However, the complexity lies beneath the surface, as the dial is ingeniously constructed to accommodate the roulette mechanism. The wheelhead, resembling a roulette table, encircles the dial, and when activated, spins freely to land on a ‘random’ number, thanks to a ceramic ball that rolls between two sapphire plates. This unique design allows the ball to move seamlessly without disrupting the watch’s intricate components.

The Roulette Renaissance

The integration of the roulette module into a minimalist timepiece has given rise to a mesmerising horological marvel. The roulette automaton now takes centre stage, allowing the owner to indulge in the thrill of the game with a simple activation, or admire the vibrant dial when the watch is not in use. The dial itself is a work of art, with its multi-level construction ingeniously designed to accommodate the movement of the ceramic ball, kept separate from the time-telling dial by a clear disc above the wheelhead.

The Casino Tourbillon’s roulette complication is both simple and ingenious, evident in its independent operation even without the mainspring barrel. With a secondary barrel as its power source, the roulette automaton comes to life with a push of a button, cleverly placed at eight o’clock, and accompanied by a graceful crescent-shaped crown guard that seamlessly melds with the watch’s case, enhancing its overall elegance. The lift-out rotating ‘bows’ on the caseback, used to wind the watch and set the time, further elevate the watch’s sleek and rounded aesthetic, making it a true masterpiece of horological engineering and design.

This is not just a watch with a captivating roulette module, but also a masterpiece in timekeeping. Its centre dial, made of polished black onyx, is luxurious, with gold indices and luminescent hands, which serve as a reminder that it might be time to leave the casino. The lacquered roulette pockets on the dial create the illusion of a genuine casino table, adding a touch of elegance to this unique timepiece.

An Homage To The Casino

The heart of the Casino Tourbillon beats with Jacob & Co’s manually wound calibre JCAM51, housing a hidden treasure—a flying tourbillon that resides discreetly at the back, accompanied by two keys for easy setting and winding of the movement, boasting an impressive 72-hour power reserve. The tourbillon carriage is a canvas of meticulous decoration, paying homage to the roulette theme that graces the dial side. The gaming theme is further elevated with applied plates on the caseback, adorned with a roulette wheel pattern and secured with screws. Limited to a mere 101 pieces, this extraordinary timepiece is elegantly presented on a black alligator strap, fastened with a gold deployment buckle.

Time To Take A Chance With The Casino

The Casino Tourbillon is not just a time-telling device, but a work of art that captures the essence of the casino experience, allowing its owner to indulge in the thrill of the game with the flick of a button, or simply admire the vibrant dial when not in use. As a limited-edition timepiece, it represents exclusivity and rarity, making it a coveted addition to any watch collection. The watch may be a splurge, but it is also a rare gem in today’s market, catering to those who seek the excitement of a casino-themed complication in a watch with refined aesthetics.