Jacob & Co. has taken their collaboration with Bugatti to a whole new level with the release of the Bugatti Tourbillon watch. This isn’t your average car-inspired timepiece; it boasts a miniature, functional replica of Bugatti’s latest marvel – a monstrous, naturally-aspirated V-16 engine.
While many automotive watches take a more symbolic approach, adorning dials with speedometers or car logos, the Bugatti Tourbillon goes beyond aesthetics. The watchmakers have crammed a staggering feat of miniaturization into the timepiece. Imagine a transparent sapphire block, meticulously carved to house 16 tiny cylinders. Within these cylinders, pistons made from lightweight titanium zip up and down, powered by a single-axis crankshaft – one of the most intricate watch parts ever crafted. This intricate mechanism isn’t just for show; with a push of a button, the V-16 engine springs to life, its pistons pumping in a mesmerizing display of mechanical ballet for a stunning 20 seconds.
The inspiration for this incredible feature comes directly from Bugatti’s latest hypercar, also named the Tourbillon. This car boasts a monstrous 8.3-liter V-16 engine, known for its power and engineering marvel. Jacob & Co.’s designers and watchmakers took inspiration from this powerhouse, ensuring their miniature version mimicked not just the design but also the firing sequence of the real engine.
The dedication to detail extends beyond the miniature engine. The watch itself is a technological marvel. Timekeeping duties are handled by a complex flying tourbillon complication, a hallmark of high-end watchmaking known for its exceptional accuracy. The watch face is designed to resemble a car’s dashboard, with retrograde hours and minutes that jump back to zero, reminiscent of a rev counter. Sapphire glass generously covers the entire watch, offering a panoramic view of the intricate mechanics within.
This level of detail and engineering comes at a cost. The Jacob & Co. Bugatti Tourbillon is a masterpiece of watchmaking, and the price tag reflects that. While the exact price hasn’t been revealed, experts estimate it will likely cost millions, placing it firmly in the realm of ultra-exclusive luxury timepieces.
The Bugatti Tourbillon is more than just a watch; it’s a conversation starter, a marvel of miniaturization, and a testament to the shared passion for engineering excellence between Jacob & Co. and Bugatti. It’s a wristwatch that pushes the boundaries of both haute horology and automotive inspiration.
Images courtesy of Jacob & Co.
