The Jacob & Co. x Bugatti Tourbillon Watch

This new luxury watch is a king-sized tribute to a revolutionary hypercar.

Bugatti.

In a dazzling fusion of horology and automotive excellence, Jacob & Co. has unveiled a watch that pays tribute to Bugatti’s next-generation hypercar, the Tourbillon. This king-sized timepiece, featuring a V16 “engine” meticulously sculpted from a single piece of sapphire and a subdial “dashboard,” captures the essence of Bugatti’s groundbreaking design and engineering prowess. The Jacob & Co. Bugatti Tourbillon watch is not just a luxury accessory; it is a wearable testament to the innovation and artistry that defines both brands.

The partnership between Jacob & Co. and Bugatti is a natural evolution, given their shared commitment to pushing the boundaries of what is possible in their respective fields. Jacob & Co., renowned for its avant-garde and bold timepieces, has previously celebrated automotive excellence through its Chiron-honoring models. The latest creation, however, takes this collaboration to new heights, glorifying an early contender for the automobile of the decade with a watch that “looks like no other, wears like no other, and works like no other.” The watch is designed to mirror the aesthetics and performance of Bugatti’s latest hypersport car.

At the heart of this extraordinary timepiece is a black titanium case measuring a substantial 52 x 44 mm. The design elements are unmistakably automotive, featuring a front grille flanked by two side radiator inlets and two sizable sapphire openings inspired by the car’s side windows. These design cues create a direct visual and thematic link to the Bugatti Tourbillon hypercar, making the watch an integral part of the car’s identity.

Bugatti.

The dial, aptly referred to as the “dashboard,” is a marvel of miniature engineering. Three subdials dominate the top half of this horological dash. On the left, the 30-second flying tourbillon showcases Jacob & Co.’s most advanced version of this gravity-countering mechanism. The centre subdial is a near replica of the Tourbillon hypercar’s rev counter and speedometer, reimagined to indicate hours and minutes. The right subdial displays the power reserve, akin to a car’s fuel gauge. This intricate arrangement ensures that the wearer is constantly reminded of the timepiece’s automotive inspiration.

The centrepiece of the watch is undoubtedly its “engine,” a breathtaking construct carved from a single block of transparent sapphire. This engine pays homage to the revolutionary V16 that powers the hybrid Tourbillon’s 1,800 horsepower. Jacob & Co. has crafted 16 cylinders to house pistons driven by a single-axis crankshaft—among the largest and most intricate watch parts ever created. The crystal V16 engine block even includes its own set of “exhaust manifolds,” connected via bundles of gold-finished or polished steel pipes. This level of detail not only showcases the brand’s technical prowess but also celebrates the engineering marvel that is the Bugatti Tourbillon hypercar.

Bugatti.
Bugatti.

One of the most unique features of the Jacob & Co. Bugatti Tourbillon is its “jumping retrograde timekeeping.” In the centre of the dashboard, both the hour and minute hands are retrograde, meaning they jump back to zero after completing a 270-degree arc. Unlike traditional dials, the hour scale starts at zero, similar to an rpm counter. Every 60 minutes, the blue hand jumps to the next hour, remaining there until it’s time to advance. This intricate mechanism adds to the watch’s dynamic and automotive-inspired character. The space left open by the jumping hands between 0 and 60 minutes features the legendary Bugatti logo, further cementing the watch’s connection to the hypercar.

Bugatti.

Jacob & Co. plans to produce the first 150 Bugatti Tourbillon timepieces in black titanium, each priced at $340,000. This initial batch will be followed by another 100 watches, which will likely incorporate coloured precious metals and jewellery, potentially increasing their value. This limited production run ensures that each piece remains exclusive, a true collector’s item for those who appreciate the fusion of high horology and high performance.

Bugatti.

The Jacob & Co. x Bugatti Tourbillon watch is a masterful blend of innovation, artistry, and engineering. It serves as a king-sized tribute to Bugatti’s revolutionary hypercar, encapsulating the spirit of both brands in a timepiece that is as much a work of art as it is a marvel of engineering. For those fortunate enough to own one, it is not just a watch but a symbol of the relentless pursuit of excellence and a celebration of what happens when two visionary brands come together to create something truly extraordinary.