There aren't many automakers out there that can pride themselves in having absurdly cool and costly watches created in their name by reputable horologists. Some brands may present various implementations of the automotive-inspired clock, but Bugatti and Jacob & Co. go beyond the traditional and mutually beneficial partnership. After four years of collaboration, they have created an iconic timepiece. Here's why it's worthy of your attention.
In today's world, branding matters a lot more than other important things for companies. If you can't create a good image of yourself, there's little to no chance you will survive in competitive and surprisingly conservative business sectors like vehicle manufacturing and watchmaking. Trying to appease well-off customers and position yourself as an exclusive and luxurious entity is even more complex, and that's why those who succeed are rewarded with customers paying a lot for their products or services.
Bugatti's history of surviving various challenges throughout its tumultuous 114-year history put it at the forefront of the automotive industry. It sits right up there with other great brands like Ferrari, Lamborghini, and Bentley.
From the legendary Type 35 to the mind-blowing Veyron and Chiron, Bugatti has consistently pushed the boundaries of speed and performance. Each Bugatti model represents a triumph of artistry and craftsmanship, where no detail is spared in pursuit of perfection. It captures the imagination of gearheads worldwide and remains committed to creating engineering marvels even as the internal combustion engine is scheduled to stay only in museums.
Photo: Bugatti
Each Bugatti can safely be called a masterpiece. And it's all thanks to an Italian who decided to make the then-German city of Molsheim the marque's home.
Meant to be
Mirroring all this automotive heritage and prowess, Jacob & Co. stands as an unrivaled titan in the realm of horology. The watchmaker's timepieces exude a fusion of artistry and technical mastery that captivates the discerning watch connoisseur. Each creation is a breathtaking symphony of intricate complications, pushing the boundaries of mechanical engineering. Just like Bugatti, the relentless pursuit of perfection is showcased through their meticulous attention to detail, employing the finest materials and gemstones with precision. And since exclusivity is the name of the game, the brand's products are a testament to rarity and luxury.
It's this unwavering commitment to excellence that enthralls prospective customers and fans. It also keeps these two companies at the top of their industries. Naturally, a partnership between the two makes the most sense. So, they did it back in 2019, when Bugatti was celebrating its 110th anniversary.
After many successful projects completed together and great feedback from their target audience, Bugatti supplied the inspiration while Jacob & Co. brought the manufacturing skills to the table. That's how the dazzling Chiron Tourbillon Molsheim Edition came into the world.
Photo: Jacob & Co.
This swanky watch has a movement that consists of 578 components and is the outcome of one idea – to create a tribute for Bugatti's home in Alsace, France. At the same time, it's putting on display the W16 powerplant that's the crown jewel of the hypercar it draws its ethos from.
A grandiose appearance
Showing off is allowed when the accessory you wear carries a major significance waiting to be discovered and can kickstart a conversation that will make any dinner more enjoyable. Considering the size and look of this timepiece, it's hard to keep it hidden from your acquaintances' or business partners' eyes. The Bugatti Chiron Tourbillon Molsheim Edition boasts three stripes consisting of a lot of baguette-cut gems.
Even though you may associate their shape with the famous French bread, the term "baguette-cut" refers to gemstones cut into a long rectangular or tapered shape. Their elegant simplicity and clean lines make them ideal for contemporary and vintage-inspired designs, adding a touch of sophistication to the overall design.
The timepiece has 148 blue sapphires, 149 rubies, and 43 white diamonds. While all these precious and carefully cut stones give this watch a vibrant look, it's the miniature replica of the W16 engine that fascinates. It has all the pistons and even two turbochargers, down from the four found on the full-size powerplant. Even the power reserve looks like a fuel gauge!
Photo: Jacob & Co.
For those among us who are watch lovers, this watch debuts a premiere for Jacob & Co. The tourbillon is inclined to 30 degrees, a design decision that allows the part to shine in this very cool assembly. This intricate feature helps preserve the precision of measuring time by compensating for the gravitational forces that act on the watch. It is a symbol of mechanical watchmaking mastery and exclusivity. Besides that, the movement is suspended in four points, just like a vehicle has a suspension system. This design helps the entire mechanism look like it's floating in the watch's case.
The timepiece has a power reserve of 60 hours, runs at a frequency of 3Hz, can be submerged to a depth of up to 30 meters, encompasses a diamond-adorned button that can activate the miniature engine's animation, and is protected by an 18K white gold case.
Just one Bugatti Chiron Tourbillon Molsheim Edition will ever be made, and its retail price is estimated to start from $1,000,000.
Here's to the next four years of Bugatti and Jacob & Co. partnership!
To celebrate 4 years of partnership between both brands, @_JacobandCo and BUGATTI created the CHIRON Tourbillon Molsheim edition which features the french flag in blue sapphires, white diamonds and red sapphires, all in baguettes – an exquisite timepiece tribute to the hometown… pic.twitter.com/D49TAgmzCO
Car shows on TV and his father's Fiat Tempra may have been Florin's early influences, but nowadays he favors different things, like the power of an F-150 Raptor. He'll never be able to ignore the shape of a Ferrari though, especially a yellow one. Full profile
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