Jacob and Co. astronomia four-axis tourbillon
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What are the innovations in watchmaking technology of Jacob & Co.?
Jacob & Co.'s watchmaking innovations focus on six major areas: multi-axis tourbillons, ultra-long power reserve, constant force mechanisms, three-dimensional dynamic displays, the integration of jewelry and movement, and dedicated movement platforms. With numerous patents and "impossible" complications, they represent the "wild" school of modern high-end watchmaking.
I. Multi-axis Tourbillon: From Plane to Three-Dimensional Universe
Tri-axis Tourbillon (Astronomia Astronomical Series, 2014): The world's first three-axis flying tourbillon, breaking through the limitations of traditional tourbillons' planar rotation.
Three-axis speeds: 60 seconds (rotation) / 2.5 minutes / 10 minutes (revolution around the dial), simulating celestial motion.
Four-arm satellite frame: One revolution every 10 minutes, housing a tourbillon, 288-faceted diamonds, a miniature globe, and a floating hour and minute dial.
Twin-Axis/Double Tourbillon (Twin Turbo, Billionaire): Symmetrical layout of two flying tourbillons (12/6 o'clock) compensates for gravity errors, resulting in more stable power reserve.
Double-axis tourbillon + vertically rotating movement (such as Astronomia Régulateur), the entire movement rotates once per minute.
II. Ultra-Long Power Reserve: Breaking Limits
Quenttin Movement (2008): 31-day power reserve tourbillon, at the time the world's longest power reserve tourbillon; a 7-day power reserve was standard, 31 days was a revolutionary breakthrough.
JCAM Series Movements: Multiple models achieve 7–14 days of power reserve, equipped with double mainspring barrels, supporting continuous operation of highly complex functions.
Jacob and Co. astronomia four-axis tourbillon
III. Patented Constant Force Mechanism: Precision and Stability
High-Frequency Constant Force Device (Astronomia Revolution, 2024) Jacob & Co.: Patented "whip-shaped torque adjustment system," releasing a constant amount of energy every 1/6 of a second (at the same frequency as the balance wheel).
Function: Isolates the mainspring barrel's power fluctuations, ensuring ultimate precision for the tourbillon and complex mechanisms during high-speed rotation.
Astronomia Régulateur: Triggers a spherical spring every 1/6 of a second to stabilize the tourbillon's kinetic energy; patent pending.
IV. Three-Dimensional Dynamic Display: Time Reading is an Art
Floating Upright Hour and Minute Dial (Astronomia): Driven by a differential, the satellite frame remains upright during its revolution, revolutionizing traditional dial time reading logic.Vertical Timekeeping + Circular Seconds Dial (Astronomia Régulateur): The movement rotates vertically (60 seconds/revolution), with the seconds dial rotating counter-clockwise, making the "flow" of time visible.
Automaton: Oil Pump watch (2019), a miniature drilling rig reciprocates up and down every 35 seconds, replicating the dynamics of industrial machinery.
V. Jewelry + Watchmaking Fusion: Patented Cut and Invisible Setting
Angel Cut Patented Cut (2026, 40th Anniversary):
37 facets (commemorating 37 years of marriage), rectangular rough stones maximize fire, balancing weight and brilliance, overcoming the traditional dilemmas of cutting.Diamond-shaped table + stepped contour, reducing dark areas, continuous light flow, used in the Billionaire Double Tourbillon dial.
288-facet Jacob Cut diamonds: Standard feature of the Astronomia series, diamonds on the satellite arms rotate 60 seconds, achieving ultimate fire.
Invisible Setting: A full diamond dial without metal prongs, diamonds seamlessly pieced together, appearing as a single piece of diamond, an extremely high level of craftsmanship.
VI. Dedicated Movement Platform: Fully In-House + Highly Integrated
JCAM Series Manual Winding Movement:
JCAM50 (Double Tourbillon): 460 parts, 72-hour power reserve, symmetrical layout of double flying tourbillons.
JCAM48B (Astronomia Revolution): Tri-axis tourbillon + constant force device, 48-hour power reserve.
Fully skeletonized movement + rhodium/rose gold plating, visually transparent, maximizing mechanical beauty.
Sapphire crystal case/bezel: Fully transparent case (like the Mystery Tourbillon), movement visible 360°, hardness 9 (second only to diamond), scratch-resistant and wear-resistant.
Breitling Chronomat replica watches
VII. Crossover Collaboration Technology: Miniaturized Supercar Engine
Bugatti Collaboration (2019+): The movement is inspired by a V16 supercar engine, with multiple gear sets simulating engine piston movement.
The tourbillon cage design is derived from the Bugatti Chiron wheel hub, and the skeletonized dial recreates the engine compartment structure.
Core Patents and Innovation Timeline
Table Year | Technological Breakthrough | Representative Watches
2008 | 31-Day Power Reserve Tourbillon | Quenttin
2014 | Tri-Axis Flying Tourbillon | Astronomia
2019 | Supercar Engine Movement | Bugatti Tourbillon
2024 | High-Frequency Constant Force Mechanism | Astronomia Revolution
2026 | Angel Cut Patented Cut | Billionaire Double Tourbillon
Summary
Jacob & Co.'s innovation is not about minor improvements, but about reshaping the rules: transforming the tourbillon from a two-dimensional to a three-dimensional design, increasing the power reserve from 7 days to 31 days, turning time reading into a dynamic art form, and integrating jewelry craftsmanship into the movement's DNA. It is synonymous with "impossible watchmaking," each timepiece a pinnacle fusion of mechanics and jewelry.