The luxury timepiece world has witnessed another extraordinary collaborative piece as Jacob & Co. joins forces with Bugatti Automobiles and crystal artisan Lalique to create the magnificent Bugatti Calandre Table Clock. This remarkable timepiece, priced at $240,000, represents the latest chapter in a partnership that has consistently pushed the boundaries of horological artistry since its inception in 2019.
The relationship between Jacob & Co. and Bugatti has flourished over the past six years, producing numerous special editions that celebrate automotive excellence through watchmaking craftsmanship. Among these collaborations, the partnership reached new heights with a $340,000 limited edition timepiece created specifically to commemorate the launch of Bugatti’s revolutionary Tourbillon hypercar. This latest table clock continues that tradition of merging automotive heritage with horological innovation.
Drawing inspiration from the legendary Bugatti Type 41 Royale, the Calandre showcases the iconic horseshoe grille that has become synonymous with Bugatti’s design language. The centerpiece features this distinctive automotive element as the clock’s dial, complete with traditional hour and minute hands that pay homage to the brand’s storied past while serving a functional timekeeping purpose.
At the heart of this mechanical marvel lies Jacob & Co.’s in-house JCAM58 movement, engineered specifically for this collaboration. The movement powers a vertical flying tourbillon, a sophisticated complication that serves both aesthetic and functional purposes. This vertical orientation not only creates visual drama but also references the tourbillon’s original design intent of maintaining precision in upright timepieces. The movement offers an impressive eight-day power reserve, ensuring reliable operation throughout extended periods.
The collaboration with Lalique brings an additional dimension of French luxury craftsmanship to the project. The renowned crystal house has created an exquisite case that houses the mechanical components, featuring two intricately sculpted dancing elephants. These elegant figures serve as more than mere decoration, representing a thoughtful tribute to Rembrandt Bugatti, the sculptor brother of automotive founder Ettore Bugatti, thereby connecting the piece to both artistic and automotive heritage.
Crowning the design is a spectacular 30mm Jacob-cut red gemstone, positioned like a jeweled hood ornament atop the horological creation. This striking element, combined with the French crystal case, creates a visual symphony that captures attention from every angle.
The Bugatti Calandre Table Clock measures an impressive 264mm in width by 196mm in height, establishing a commanding presence befitting its luxury pedigree. Production is strictly limited to just 99 pieces worldwide, ensuring exclusivity for discerning collectors who appreciate the convergence of automotive history, horological innovation, and crystal artistry.
This three-year development project represents more than a simple collaboration; it stands as a testament to three brands’ shared commitment to excellence, craftsmanship, and the pursuit of creating objects that transcend their functional purpose to become coveted works of art.
