zelin0802 / March 4, 2026

New Jacob & Co. Bugatti Chiron Tourbillon Watch

Jacob & Co. unveils the Bugatti Chiron Sapphire Crystal Watch, boasting exceptional clarity and color reproduction.

The case, crafted entirely from sapphire crystal, represents the pinnacle of contemporary haute horlogerie. Few watchmakers possess the capability to create completely transparent sapphire crystal cases, and even fewer are willing to invest the time and effort required. Jacob & Co. is one of them. The Bugatti Chiron Sapphire Crystal Watch underwent months of meticulous preparation, beginning with developing a perfect fit between the watch’s unique design and the sapphire crystal. After finalizing the design and manufacturing process, months of material processing, precision machining, and hand polishing culminated in the case, showcasing all 578 hand-decorated and assembled components of the JCAM37 manual-winding movement, including the exclusive automatic movement suspended within the case. The development of the manufacturing process alone took several years and continues to be refined and perfected.

Technological Innovation

The sapphire used in this watch case is synthetic, developed in-house. First, alumina powder is heated to 2200 degrees Celsius, causing it to crystallize into rough sapphire. Crucially, this material cannot melt; instead, it forms a sintered body on a base and immediately solidifies. This process is repeated, layer by layer, until a carrot-shaped component is formed. Then, a proprietary process is used to shape the sapphire into blocks. replica watches for sale

To create the color, the manufacturer adds a proprietary mixture of rare earth elements, metals, and other minerals—a process known as “doping.” However, to achieve a rich blue hue across the entire case, more additives are needed. This increases the risk of the sapphire crystal losing its chemical stability. This is a trade-off process, sometimes requiring multiple repetitions to achieve the desired hue, thus increasing manufacturing costs.

The completed rough sapphire is then cut to the required size for the watch case. The real challenge lies in polishing the rough stone into the Chiron watch case. Initially, this process was automated. The Chiron’s unique tonneau-shaped case (57.8 mm x 44.4 mm) further complicates this already challenging process. The case is not a single curved surface, but a combination of various geometric shapes, including cylinders, spheres, and curved surfaces, as well as a horseshoe-shaped end inspired by Bugatti’s iconic grille.

Sapphire crystal is also extremely hard, with a Mohs hardness of 9. Very few materials are harder than it, including diamond with a hardness of 10. Therefore, the case’s creation requires the use of diamond cutting and polishing tools. Wholesale replica watches

The most crucial step in the entire production process is polishing. Polishing gives the sapphire a smooth texture and a transparent luster. Due to the delicate and numerous steps involved, it must be done by hand. Polishing each case can take anywhere from 80 to 120 hours. Furthermore, the case back, crown, three crowns, horseshoe-shaped Bugatti grille, and other components also require individual cutting and polishing to ensure dimensional accuracy and uniform transparency. Each component, and each shape, has its own unique polishing technique. The polishing angles of the inner and outer surfaces of the case differ. However, the quality of all components, including transparency, must remain consistent. Furthermore, as the case surface becomes smoother, the craftsman must progressively reduce the roughness of the diamond polishing tools. This is also a proprietary production process.

There are numerous risks involved in the polishing process. Gemstone fragments may fall out. Even sapphire, with its extremely high hardness, is prone to breakage because the harder the material, the less elastic it is. Additionally, “optical distortion” can occur, resulting in streaks and other optical imperfections, usually caused by the use of substandard tools and poor polishing techniques.

If any of these issues occur, the process, which can take months, will have to start all over again.

If everything goes according to plan, you will have a smooth, completely transparent, and colorful sapphire crystal case that showcases every aspect of the Bugatti Chiron movement, including its groundbreaking engine and one-minute tourbillon.

The Concept of the Watch: The Jacob & Co. Bugatti Chiron Sapphire Crystal Watch continues the design philosophy of the series, blending the dual DNA of a supercar manufacturer and a luxury jewelry watch brand. This timepiece features a sapphire crystal case, designed to allow the wearer a clear view of all 578 hand-decorated and assembled components of the JCAM37 manual-winding movement. Discount replica watches

This includes a unique, fully functional replica of the Bugatti W16 engine. This engine is suspended within the case by four struts resembling Chiron shock absorbers. With a gentle press, this “engine” begins to run, with 16 pistons pumping and two turbochargers rotating. Other details of this exceptional movement include a rotating 60-second flying tourbillon, operating at a 30-degree angle, clearly visible through the replica Bugatti horseshoe grille.

Inspiration: The Bugatti Chiron watch series originated from a collaborative concept between Jacob & Co. and Bugatti, aiming to infuse the exhilarating passion of the iconic Bugatti W16 engine into the watch’s design. Every detail of the timepiece pays homage to the Bugatti Chiron supercar.

This timepiece features a unique streamlined case, inspired by the sleek lines of the Chiron sports car, while the sapphire crystal used for replication is extremely difficult to replicate. The “engine block” on the case is designed to simulate the operation of a Bugatti W16 engine and can be activated on demand, presenting a beautifully animated engine sequence. This is the first time a luxury watch has featured a fully functional car engine animation. The movement is secured with screws, its design inspired by car shock absorbers. Even the power reserve indicator at 9 o’clock has been meticulously designed, cleverly mimicking the logo of a GM gas pump. The case back is designed like a car dashboard, equipped with two crowns and a pusher for winding, setting the time, and activating the engine animation.

Creation, Invention, and Construction: Bugatti and Jacob & Co. officially established a partnership in 2019 to create unique and unprecedented timepieces that not only embody the spirit of both companies but also push watchmaking to unprecedented heights. www.whereguidewatch.com

Jacob & Co. Bugatti Chiron Blue Sapphire Crystal Technical Specifications
Reference No. BU210.80.AM.UA.BBRUA – A One-of-a-Kind Creation

Movement

Movement: Manufactured by Jacob & Co., manual winding JCAM37
Dimensions: 41.7 x 36 mm
Height: 15.60 mm
Components: 578
Jewels: 51
Shock Protection System: Incabloc
Power Reserve: 60 hours
Frequency: 21,600 vibrations per hour (3 Hz)
Functions: Hours, Minutes
1-minute tourbillon cage tilted 30° (top set with diamonds)
“W16 engine” in sapphire cylinder block
On-demand animation (right pusher) generates piston and crankshaft rotation
Power reserve indicator at 9 o’clock.

Case

Dimensions: 57.8 x 44.4 mm
Height: 21.5 mm
Material: Anti-reflective sapphire crystal
Case back: Blue sapphire crystal
Crown and pushers: Sapphire crystal and 18K rose gold
Water resistance: 30 meters (3 ATM)
Dial

EB logo; Blue index finger; Rose gold hands with blue tips
Winding and time setting:
Left crown: Time setting
Central axis: Movement winding (clockwise) and movement (counter-clockwise)
Strap and clasp

Strap: Rubber
Clasp: 18K rose gold and titanium folding clasp

zelin0802 / July 12, 2022

Richard Mille RM 50-03 McLaren F1: The world’s lightest minute-seconds tourbillon chronograph

There was only one new timepiece from Richard Mille at the SIHH Watch Salon last week, but it’s pretty awesome. With its RM 50-03 McLaren F1 model – which debuted as the world’s lightest split-seconds chronograph tourbillon watch, weighing less than 40 grams including strap – the brand brings yet another high-tech Material introduced to watchmaking: Graph TPT, also known as graphene.

Graphene was first isolated back in 2004 by Professor Andre Geim from the School of Physics and Astronomy at the University of Manchester. He and his colleague Professor Konstantin Novoselov were awarded the Nobel Prize for this discovery in 2010 and at the University in 2015. Collaborative research between the Institute, McLaren Applied Technologies and North Thin Ply Technology (NTPT) has resulted in a case machined in a modified form of carbon TPT, the physical properties of which have been enhanced by the introduction of graphene .

Graphene, a nanomaterial six times lighter and 200 times stronger than steel, is currently the focus of work between McLaren Technology Group and McLaren Honda to bring the material to McLaren Grand Prix cars . Richard Mille’s timepieces have long shown motorsport influences in their designs and materials, and he sees graphene’s physical properties as significantly reducing the density of its carbon composite case while increasing its a means of resistance.

Carbon TPT, first introduced to the watch industry by copy Richard Mille in 2013, consists of 600 layers of parallel carbon filaments, each no thicker than 30 microns, impregnated with a supercharged resin and compiled by a CNC machine, where the fibers are inserted between the layers The direction changes by 45°. The composite was then heated to 120 degrees Celsius under 6 bar pressure to cure it. Graphene is added to the resin mixture, and the end result is a material known as Graph TPT, used exclusively in watchmaking by Richard Mille. The Graph TPT case of the RM 50-03 consists of three parts, manipulating the material by creating and programming special ultra-precision cutting tools over a long period of time, with a high degree of durability and extreme lightness, while also exhibiting the same undulating, wooden Grain – like the characteristic stripes on other Richard Mille watches made of carbon TPT.

The movement is also very light – just 7 grams – thanks largely to the use of grade 5 titanium and carbon TPT for the baseplate and bridges, as well as the extreme skeletonisation of these and other components. (Titanium is used extensively in McLaren Racing’s Formula 1 engineering build program to lighten and strengthen chassis and aerodynamic elements, and as a material for transmissions, linkages and valve systems. The sport combines brushed, polished, satin finishes And the soft-polished surfaces are all done by hand. The dial, also made of titanium, requires three hours of angling and polishing.

Carbon fiber TPT is also used for the lateral cage, inspired by the wishbone suspension structure of McLaren-Honda Formula 1 cars, and is attached to the case to support movement without traditional case rings. This unconventional system allows for a perfect fit between the movement and the case and increases resistance: in tests carried out at the Richard Mille workshop, the case movement endured a shock load of 5,000 Gs without incident.

The RM 50-03 McLaren F1 combines the tourbillon escapement with the split-seconds chronograph function in one mechanism, requiring perfect energy transmission. The need to reduce friction prompted Richard Mille’s watchmakers to improve the tooth profiles on the movement’s barrel and gear train, resulting in more balanced torque and optimized output. Torque and 70-hour power reserve are displayed on coloured scales on the front of the watch between 11 o’clock and 1 o’clock.

Other technical and aesthetic touches influenced by McLaren Formula 1 include the skeletonized chronograph pushers, reminiscent of the air intake ducts of McLaren Hondas, and the shape of the crown resembling a racing rim.

After extensive research on the split-seconds clip, Richard Mille developed a new split-seconds mechanism for this watch that reduces the energy consumption of the chronograph by 50% while reducing spindle friction. The six-column wheel that controls each rocker of the split-seconds function is designed to ensure perfectly synchronised movements, clean functional locking and very stable settings.

Graphene and its unique properties are also incorporated into the strap: nanomaterials are added to the rubber strap to increase its elasticity and wear resistance. copy watch for sale