We’re officially on the ground in Geneva for the 2024 Watches Wonders, and to kick it off, Jacob Co. has just launched the Astronomia Régulateur.
We’re officially on the ground in Geneva for the 2024 Watches Wonders, and to kick it off, Jacob Co. debuts the Astronomia Régulateur.
A brand renowned for transcending the traditional boundaries of watchmaking, Jacob Co.’s Astronomia Régulateur is a testament to this legacy of excellence. Unveiled as a groundbreaking take on the classic régulateur, this timepiece is a revolution in horological craftsmanship and design. With its signature twist, Jacob Co. transforms the conventional into the extraordinary, introducing a floating, 3D architecture movement that completes one full rotation every 60 seconds. This 43-mm, rose gold marvel is an epitome of high watchmaking caliber, featuring separate displays for hours, minutes, and seconds, all set against the backdrop of an avant-garde vertical, rotating movement.
The Astronomia Régulateur is distinguished by its caliber JCAM56, the slimmest Astronomia-type movement ever designed by Jacob Co., boasting an impressive 552 components. This marvel of engineering is encased in a wrist-friendly 43 mm rose gold frame, complemented by large panes of transparent sapphire for an unobstructed view of the movement’s intricate workings. The timepiece’s design is a modern homage to the historical accuracy and readability of traditional régulateurs, utilized by watchmakers to regulate their craftsmanship against a standard reference time. Yet, it propels these classic elements into the future with its three-dimensional display, bringing a new dimension to the Jacob Co. portfolio.
The essence of the Astronomia legacy is evident in the Régulateur’s dynamic architecture. Inspired by the original Astronomia Tourbillon, which introduced a revolutionary carousel movement, the Régulateur advances this innovation with a rotation speed of one turn per minute. This enhances both the spectacle and accuracy of the timepiece, with the flying tourbillon and time displays mounted on three arms, each performing a double-axis rotation in sync with the platform. The sub-dials for hours and minutes, crafted from translucent blue material, maintain their readability through a differential system that counteracts the movement’s rotation, ensuring they remain upright at all times.
Perhaps the most visually striking feature of the Astronomia Régulateur is its seconds display. A golden hand extends from the base of the vertical movement, pointing towards a large, domed, blue translucent ring that rotates counterclockwise to mark the seconds. This innovative approach not only preserves the regulator’s traditional emphasis on precise seconds measurement but also adds a unique aesthetic dimension to the timepiece.
To accommodate the high energy demands of its rapid rotation, Jacob Co. incorporates a patented constant force device within the gear train. This mechanism ensures a smooth, consistent power flow to the tourbillon, optimizing accuracy and enabling the movement’s mesmerizing speed. Through this blend of historical inspiration and modern ingenuity, the Astronomia Régulateur stands as a monumental achievement in watchmaking, embodying Jacob Co.’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of what is possible. It represents not just a watch, but a piece of horological art, marrying exhilarating design with unparalleled craftsmanship and performance.
