An engine-block automaton built directly into the movement.

After signing a contract with Bugatti, in 2019, Jacob Arabo announced plans "to create unrivaled hypercar-inspired timepieces". Few could have guessed that he meant literally transferring engines onto wrists. 

Complicated mechanics, constant movement, and the race for innovation — watchmakers feel a connection with car manufacturers, and they actively borrow automotive materials and design approaches, but only Jacob & Co have managed to take it a step further.

Jacob & Co began paying tribute to their new partner with a chronograph and the watchmaker's standard twin triple-axis tourbillons, and now they've unveiled a watch with a running Bugatti engine on its dial.

Different editions of this model have already been released, including ones dedicated to automotive premiers. But the arrival of the new Bugatti Tourbillon has been met with much fanfare.

It's interesting that the news of Bugatti's first hybrid supercar, named after one of Breguet's inventions, the Bugatti Tourbillon, noted that the car's dashboard cluster was developed in partnership with the movement creators at Concepto. And the new timepiece appeared a couple of days later, the Jacob & Co. Bugatti Chiron Tourbillon.

The supercar retails for USD 4.08 million (the first buyers will only have their new vehicles delivered in 2026). The V16 engine was their point of departure. The automotive company equipped the supercar's 8.3-liter engine which delivers 1000 HP with three electric motors, but Jacob & Co's engine is 100 % watch mechanics.

The watchmaker drills 16 cylinders from a large single block of transparent sapphire, accompanied by miniature titanium pistons. When you press the start button (a pusher integrated into the winding crown), the engine block springs into motion for a full 20 seconds.

The engine is controlled by caliber JCAM55, which comprises 557 components, and features a 30-second tourbillon, as well as jumping retrograde indication for the hours and minutes.

The case made of black DLC-coated titanium (52 mm × 44 mm × 15 mm) is fitted with sapphire crystal on the sides — so it looks just like the car. Here you can also find the horseshoe grille borrowed from the car. Even the winding crown has been finished with Bugatti's control knob.