Jacob & Co. has never been afraid of excess, and its partnership with Bugatti has consistently produced timepieces that blur the line between mechanical art and jewelry. The new Bugatti Tourbillon collection continues that tradition with two watches inspired by the Tourbillon hypercar itself. The base version is an extraordinary creation in its own right, but it is the diamond-encrusted Bugatti Tourbillon Baguette that elevates this collaboration into an entirely different league of horology.
At the heart of both models lies the Jacob & Co. JCAM55 caliber, a hand-wound movement comprising 557 components. It delivers an 80-hour power reserve and features a 30-second flying tourbillon positioned on the left side of the dial, an upgrade over the previous generation Chiron Tourbillon that used the JCAM37. That earlier series offered a 60-hour reserve and a thicker 22 mm case, while the new Bugatti Tourbillon trims the profile to about 15 mm. This slimmer case, measuring 52 by 44 mm, improves wearability while maintaining visual impact. Sapphire windows along the sides echo the car’s design and reveal the intricate machinery within, while water resistance extends to 30 meters.
The real showpiece is the automaton, a miniature sapphire crystal V16 engine block. Inside sit 16 titanium pistons connected to a 22.37 mm crankshaft, one of the longest in modern watchmaking. A discreet pusher on the case sends all the pistons into synchronized motion, a spectacle of micromechanics that can be animated roughly twenty times on a full wind. Separate indicators display remaining energy for both the timekeeping movement and the automaton, underscoring that this is a watch designed to impress on multiple levels.
While the standard version is a pure expression of engineering, the Bugatti Tourbillon Baguette leans into Jacob & Co.’s jewelry expertise. Its case, crafted in 18K white gold, is covered with 328 baguette-cut diamonds totaling 17 carats, with an additional 18 baguette rubies arranged to evoke the taillights of the hypercar. Jacob & Co. employs its signature invisible setting technique, ensuring the gemstones radiate uninterrupted brilliance across the entire surface. The result is not only a timepiece but also a dazzling work of wearable sculpture.
Together, these watches represent the most advanced stage yet of the Bugatti and Jacob & Co. partnership. The Baguette edition in particular is aimed squarely at collectors who see no boundary between haute horlogerie and high jewelry. It is a reminder that for some enthusiasts, the watch on the wrist should be every bit as extraordinary as the car in the garage. Jacob & Co. will produce just 18 of these dazzling timepieces, with pricing disclosed exclusively upon request.
