After announcing the “Office Supplies” collaboration with Virgil Abloh, Jacob & Co. took to Instagram to show the two founders shaking hands. In the picture, Abloh can be seen wearing a very special watch — a 1-of-3 Jacob & Co. Caviar Flying Tourbillon in Ruby.
The watch lists at a staggering $1.8 million USD (one has been seen trading near the $950,000 USD mark) and features a full 47mm rose gold case that has invisibly-set rubies. The watch contains over 424 stones with a single rose-cut stone placed at the crown, giving the watch a total carat weight of 44.35 ct. At the six o’clock position is Jacob & Co.’s one-minute flying tourbillon that’s part of the manual-winding caliber JCBM05 movement. This Jacob & Co. Caviar Flying Tourbillon watch has a power reserve of 100 hours.
Coming with a green alligator strap and gold tang buckle, Virgil Abloh couldn’t have worn a better statement watch to this partnership signing.
Today, Jacob & Co. Caviar Flying Tourbillon unveiled their latest creation: the Bugatti Chiron Tourbillon. After spending nearly a year thoroughly developing a timepiece that honors the legendary Chiron hyper sports and reproduces the sensation of the renowned Bugatti 16-cylinder engine. Designed in a stunning, rich blue shade, the fully transparent sapphire crystal case is inspired by the flowing lines of the Chiron and reveals every aspect of the 578 hand-decorated and hand-assembled components of the JCAM37 manual wound caliber, including the fully functional replica of the Bugatti W16 engine. The case’s design is a true testament to Jacob & Co.’s expertise and high watchmaking as the brand continues to push the boundaries in craftsmanship. The movement powers the timing functions and a 60-second flying tourbillion—which is the same movement that powers the Bugatti W16 engine recreation inside the case. When the automation is activated, the “engine” comes to life with its 16 pistons pumping and two turbochargers spinning—a groundbreaking feature for the timepiece. The Bugatti Chiron Tourbillon features a 30º inclined tourbillon, marking the first time Jacob & Co. has ever used an inclined tourbillon.
