It all started with a concept that Jacob & Co. replica developed in collaboration with Bugatti: to recreate the visceral feel of the famous Bugatti 16-cylinder engine in a watch.
The Bugatti Chiron Tourbillon, which has been in development for almost a year, is the answer. In timepieces, it’s all about honoring the Chiron. Inspired by the smooth lines of the Chiron, the case is designed to replicate the movement or “engine block” of a Bugatti engine mounted behind a large sapphire crystal for all to see.
What is history?
Bugatti and Jacob & Co. announced a multi-year collaboration in 2019 to create one-of-a-kind, never-before-seen timepieces. These timepieces capture the spirit of both organizations while taking watchmaking to new heights.
Two clocks are produced to initiate this performance-driven relationship. The look and spirit of the Bugatti supercar is directly inspired by these watches, which are based on the Twin Turbo Furious and Epic X Chrono. Jacob & Co. and Bugatti launch the Twin Turbo Furious timepiece in 2020, as well as the new collection Bugatti Chiron.
Engine animation
When you press the right-hand crown of the timepiece, the engine comes to life: the crankshaft spins and 16 pistons pump up and down, just like a real internal combustion engine. When the engine is running, two “turbochargers” on the sides of the engine block spin (down from four on the actual Chiron engine), adding to the visual punch.
The Bugatti Chiron Tourbillon achieves an unprecedented achievement: the perfect fusion of engine and watch.
About the tourbillon
The Bugatti Chiron tourbillon uses a 30-degree inclined tourbillon, a first for Jacob & Co. The “flying” component of the tourbillon means that the adjustment mechanism is only supported on one side, making it all the more fascinating. The 30-degree angle makes it easier to appreciate this amazing feat of engineering.
The movement comes to a complete stop in four positions thanks to what appears to be a real Chiron shock. It’s visible inside the case and can be seen moving up and down. Two “exhausts” make up the engine block, completing the engine concept of the design.
The animation and chronograph power reserve are separate, although both are wound via the winding crown, clockwise for the movement and counterclockwise for the engine animation. The universal gas pump logo even sits on the power-reserve indicator at nine o’clock on the side of the gauge for timing.
crown
The crowns are located at the bottom of the case: the left crown sets the time, the middle crown simultaneously winds the movement and animation (60-hour power reserve), and the right crown starts the animation. cheap watches price
The movement’s suspension was a further challenge for the designers, who had to devise (and patent) a unique automotive-style lateral articulation system to prevent damage to the crown posts as the movement rose and fell within the case .
crystal box
One of the pinnacles of fine watchmaking is the case made entirely of coloured sapphire crystal. The Bugatti Chiron Tourbillon sapphire crystal is the result of months of computer-aided design, fabrication and hand polishing. It was a difficult, multi-faceted project that took months to complete. Crafting it with orange sapphire crystal requires several levels of exclusivity and difficulty ladder.
For example, the tonneau-shaped Chiron case consists of multiple geometric surfaces rather than a single one. Then there is the hardness of sapphire. The Mohs hardness is 9. Few materials are harder than diamond with a hardness of 10. Therefore, the case is made with diamond cutting and polishing equipment. Making a case with the same proportions and transparency as the Chiron showcased was expensive and time-consuming, but it was an absolute necessity.
The sapphire crystal was originally a powder that was heated to extremely high temperatures and then grew into a huge round sapphire, the size and shape of a coffee can. This process may take three to fifteen days to complete. This massive sapphire is carved into a piece that will become the shell of the Bugatti Chiron. This piece is hand machined and polished.
The Bugatti Chiron Tourbillon by Jacob & Co. is a world first: a real engine on the wrist!
Brand: Jacob & Co
Type: Jacob & Co. BUGATTI CHIRON TOURBILLON ORANGE SAPPHIRE CRYSTAL
Model: BU210.80.AE.UA.B
Movement: Manual Winding
Case material: Anti-Reflective Orange Sapphire Crystal and 18K Rose Gold
Case size: 55×44 mm
Glass: Sapphire
Bracelet: Rubber
Glass: Sapphire
Year: 2022
