In 2020, Jacob & Co. and Bugatti partnered to create an extraordinary timepiece inspired by the Bugatti Chiron, a hypercar renowned for its 1,500bhp and top speed of 300mph. The Bugatti Chiron Tourbillon watch mirrored the car's engineering brilliance, featuring a working miniature interpretation of its W16 engine, crafted in sapphire crystal. This intricate piece was not just a watch but a celebration of mechanical artistry and high-performance engineering. With a starting price of $300,000, the Chiron Tourbillon was a testament to the fusion of luxury and innovation, embodying Bugatti's motto: "If comparable, it is no longer Bugatti".
Nearly half a decade on, French hypercar-maker unveiled the Tourbillon hypercar under the guidance of its CEO, Mate Rimac. The new Tourbillon boasts an 8.3-litre naturally aspirated V16 engine paired with three electric motors, producing a combined 1,800hp. With a top speed of 445km/h and an acceleration of 0-300km/h in nine seconds, the Tourbillon represents the pinnacle of automotive engineering. Its design features timeless components, including an analogue instrument cluster crafted by Swiss watchmakers, emphasizing Bugatti's commitment to elegance and performance. Inspired by this latest automotive marvel, Jacob & Co. has introduced the new Bugatti Tourbillon watch, a masterpiece of horology that mirrors the car's innovative spirit.
The Bugatti Tourbillon watch features a black PVD titanium case measuring 52mm in length, 44mm in width, and 15mm in height. The design elements include the iconic Bugatti grille and side radiator inlets, with seven sapphire crystals providing a clear view of the watch's intricate internals. Despite its size, the watch maintains a sleek and muscular appearance, reminiscent of the hypercar it celebrates.
The watch's dial showcases a triple subdial layout. On the left, a 30-second flying tourbillon, the fastest ever created by Jacob & Co. at 21,800Hz, captivates with its dynamic movement. The centre features retrograde jumping hours and minutes, echoing the car's rev counter and speedometer. The right subdial displays the power reserve, split between the timekeeping mechanism and a rather curious feature that serves as the watch's party trick.
We're referring, of course, to the watch's miniature V16 engine block automaton. Crafted from a single block of sapphire, it houses 16 titanium pistons driven by a single-axis crankshaft. This automaton comes to life at the press of a button, with the pistons pumping up and down, replicating the motion of the car's engine like its Chiron predecessor. The entire sequence lasts 20 seconds, adding a dynamic element that sets this watch apart.
The new Bugatti Tourbillon watch is a limited edition, with only 150 pieces available in the initial black DLC titanium configuration, out of a total production run of 250 pieces. Priced at $340,000, this watch offers customization options, allowing buyers to personalise various elements, including the case, dial, and strap, with the default options being an interchangeable black rubber strap, secured by a black PVD titanium folding buckle.
