Timepieces born out of a collaboration between watchmakers and automakers are not new but there is no automobile timepiece that screams “I am an automobile inspired timepiece” than the Jacob & Co. Bugatti Chiron Tourbillon Sapphire Crystal & Blue.
Why? Because the Jacob & Co. Bugatti Chiron Tourbillon Sapphire Crystal & Blue has a freaking W16 turbocharged engine in it that literally lets you wear the engine on your wrist.
Obviously, it is not the actual, gas-powered engine but is it not mere moving graphics. It is a model of the iconic Bugatti 16-cylinder engine in a sapphire block – complete with two “turbochargers” (down from four in the actual Chiron engine, possibly due to space constraints).
At the push of the right-hand crown on the timepiece, the engine comes to life. The crankshaft turns and the 16 pistons move up and down, as they would in a real internal combustion engine, while the “turbochargers” spin.
Not going to lie. It is a sight to behold. A sight that will tickle the fancy of any true petrol heads. Jacob & Co. has really outdone itself this time.
The model of the W16 engine is part of the movement (Manufacture Jacob&Co. Manual Winding JCAM37), or “engine block,” intended to duplicate the legendary Bugatti engine.
Encasing the “engine block”/movement is another attention grabber: a massive sapphire crystal case inspired by the flowing lines of the Chiron.
Around the back, the fully transparent sapphire caseback revealed even more details of the 578 hand-decorated and hand-assembled components of the JCAM37 manual wound caliber.
This includes many of the 51 jewels used in the movement, as well as the two separate barrels and ratchet wheels: one for the engine animation and one for timekeeping.
That brings us to another interesting feature that is not visually apparent. This timepiece has not one but two power reserves: one power reserve for the animation and one power reserve for timekeeping.
The power reserves for the animation and the power reserve for timekeeping may be separate, but both are wound through the winding crown; clockwise for the movement, and counterclockwise for the engine animation.
Moreover, the power reserve indication for timekeeping further boasts the universal gas pump symbol on the side of the gauge at 9 o’clock. Sweet.
Also featured on this super limited timepiece are a 30o inclined tourbillon, suspended movement (with what looks like actual shocks from the Chiron), and an Incabloc shock protection system.
The Jacob & Co. Bugatti Chiron Tourbillon Sapphire Crystal & Blue is limited to just 7 pieces. It is probably gone by now since this watch was launched a couple of years ago. In any case, you can learn more HERE. There are other variants of the Bugatti Chiron Tourbillon.
Images: Jacob & Co.
