Car-themed watches are a dime a dozen, entire watch brands are built around the connection between motorsports and timekeeping, and the most recognizable names in horology can be seen emblazoned as sponsors of race cars and motorsports events around the world. But while some watchmakers will simply add a stripe to a dial or a rally strap on a decades-old coronagraph Bugatti and Jacob & Co. took "automotive-inspired" to a new level.
The marketing materials for this watch talk about reproducing a visceral sensation of the Bugatti W16 in a timepiece, but the problem was, conventional watch movements couldn't capture the energy and power of such a high-performance car. So instead of creating a movement that represented the elegance and engineering that is a Bugatti, they decided to produce what might be the most complicated automotive branded wristwatch ever made, a functioning replica of the Bugatti 16-Cylinder engine, complete with working pistons and spinning turbochargers.
Pushing the right-hand crown of the timepiece, the engine comes to life – the crankshaft turns and the pistons pump up and down, just like a true internal combustion engine. Two “turbochargers” (down from four in the actual Chiron engine) on the side of the engine block spin while the engine runs. The movement is comprised of 578 components, amounting to the highest level of complication for the development team.
Aside from the animation inside, the case is designed to capture the shape of the Chiron, including the iconic Bugatti grille and side-scoop, the movement is even suspended by tiny coil springs. The watch itself is fairly gaudy, but once you see it in motion the beauty of the engineering shines through.
The watch will be a limited edition and is highly customizable, with an approximate price of $280,000 depending on the selected options. If the Chiron Tourbillon's nearly $300,000 price tag is a little too much, Jacob & Co. does offer the Epic X Chrono Bugatti limited edition which comes in at just under $30,000.
Dimensions: 54mm x 44mm
Case Material: Black titanium; sapphire front and back
Water Resistance: 30 meters
Strap/Bracelet: Rubber, with titanium folding clasp
Caliber: Manufacture Jacob&Co. Manual Winding JCAM37
Dimensions: 41.70mm x 36mm
Thickness: 15.60mm
Power Reserve: 60 hours
Winding: manual
Frequency: 21,600 vph
Jewels: 51
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