Astronomia Clarity Dragon

STORY
When the Astronomia Tourbillon was introduced in 2014, the re-invention of the tourbillon in a vertical orientation and the constant turning of its four satellites garnered most of the attention.

What led to the development of the Astronomia Art Collection, however, is the incredible sapphire crystal and precious metal case, which puts everything on display.

So, the idea was to develop special works of art to put inside the Astronomia Tourbillon, using its massive sapphire crystal case as a gallery, while still showcasing the incredible Astronomia tourbillon movement. The brand started with dragons, octopi, spiders, horses and more. Incredibly successful, Jacob & Co. has expanded the Astronomia Tourbillon Art Collection every year since.

Not many watchmakers would put everything on display, but Jacob & Co. does with the Astronomia Tourbillon Clarity White Gold Dragon. The top, sides, and caseback are pure sapphire crystal, making it possible to see every detail of the high-watchmaking vertical double-axis tourbillon and the incredible 3-D hand-engraved 18K white gold sculpture of a fearsome dragon.

HIGH WATCHMAKING SERVING HIGH ART
The mythical dragon is a magnificent creature, representing strength and power, glory and good fortune. The Jacob & Co. artisan who crafts the dragon first does research to find the perfect dragon as source material, then works on the computer to create a detailed 3-D plan. From this, the 18K white gold cast is made. Finally, after two or more months, the detail work begins as every part of the dragon is gone over with a fine-toothed comb, every surface finished and engraved, then polished. This is an additional three months of painstaking work on the engraver’s workbench.

Then the movement is assembled along with the sculpture, care taken to make sure nothing obstructs the perfect functioning of the watch. The 18K white gold Dragon sculpture winds its way around and through the high-watchmaking movement.

TRIPLE-AXIS TOURBILLON
Whereas the tourbillon was originally invented to be a single-axis, rotating cage to carry the regulating organ of a mechanical pocket watch for improved timekeeping performance, the Astronomia Tourbillon brings this 224-year-old invention to breathtaking levels of modern refinement and complexity.

The triple-axis tourbillon of the Astronomia Tourbillon is at the forefront of modern watchmaking. The triple-axis tourbillon’s delicately decorated cage encapsulates the balance wheel, hairspring, escape wheel and a number of other crucially important components. Characterized by this open-worked cage, this outstanding tourbillon rotates on three axes simultaneously. It is a constellation of superbly finished components that, when assembled and fine-tuned expertly, allows the JCAM10 to keep accurate time throughout its 60-hour power reserve.

A full rotation on the 1st axis takes exactly 60 seconds, as a nod towards the traditional single-axis tourbillon. The 2nd axis of rotation requires 5 minutes to complete, while the 3rd axis of rotation is made possible by the 10-minute, four-arm rotating platform of the Astronomia Tourbillon. This makes for a bold new look at how tourbillons can function, when engineered with cutting-edge, ultra-modern technologies and timeless horological heritage in mind.

CUSTOMIZATION
Customization and bespoke work has been the foundation of Jacob & Co. since the beginning and continues to this day. The brand has created a number of Astronomia Art pieces – Dragons, Spiders, Octopi, Horses, Tigers, world cities and more. Visit any Jacob & Co. point of sale or contact the brand directly to inquire.

The Astronomia Art Collection has become an icon within the brand and collectors look to Jacob & Co. to see what’s coming next. The Astronomia Art is a showcase of Jacob & Co.’s commitment to using traditional métiers d’art in a modern way. The incredible Clarity case with sapphire crystal on the top, sides, and case back, makes the perfect gallery for the incredible artistry of the 18K white gold dragon.

THE JACOB-CUT DIAMOND
Jacob & Co. has been on the forefront of using precious stones since its founding in 1986, and has developed a number of special cuts and setting techniques. For the Astronomia Tourbillon, the brand developed the 288-facet Jacob-cut diamond. This special cut can be accomplished by only a select few gem cutters, and the rough stone typically starts out double the size of the finished diamond. The facets have to be incredibly precise so the diamond is perfectly symmetrical and round. In the Astronomia Art, the one carat Jacob-cut diamond rotates on itself in 30 seconds.

THE MAGNESIUM GLOBE
The globe is made of blue-lacquered magnesium to ensure consistency in weight, as all four satellites have to weight exactly the same. The globe rotates on itself in 30 seconds.

CLARITY CASE
The Astronomia Clarity’s case measures 50 millimeters in diameter and 25.45 millimeters thick between the highest point of its specially curved front sapphire crystal and the lowest point of its case. Crafted from 18K white gold, every variation features four sapphire crystal windows installed throughout the periphery of the case, adding to the viewing experience ensured by the vast sapphire crystal front and rear apertures – allowing for unhindered appreciation of the spectacular caliber inside. The lugs are invisibly set with baguette-cut white diamonds.

DIAL & HANDS
The Roman numerals on the skeletonized dial are hand-engraved and filled with black lacquer, while the hand-finished hands appear in gun blue metallic.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
ITEM NUMBER: AT120.60.DR.UA.C
Movement:
Caliber: Manufacture Jacob&Co. Manual Winding JCAM29
Diameter: 40mm
Height: 17.15mm
Components: 365
Material: Titanium; 5N gears
Power Reserve: 60-Hours
Frequency: 21’600 vib/h (3 Hz)
Jewels: 42

Functions: Hours and Minutes
System: Vertical Movement with 4 Arms, Full Revolution in 10 min around a Central Axis
• Gravitational Triple Axis Tourbillon, 1st Cage rotating in 60 sec and 2nd Cage in 2.5 min
• Exclusive Jacob cut® Diamond, 288 Facets: White Diamond (1ct) rotating on itself in 30 sec
• Hand-engraved 18K White Gold Dragon with Ruby eyes
• Magnesium Blue Lacquered Globe rotating on itself in 30 sec
• Hours and Minutes Dial, Patented Differential Gears System℗ allows to keep the 12/6 O’clock position

Case:
Diameter: 50mm
Height: 25.45mm
Material: Platinum Pt950; Sapphire with Double Anti-Reflective Treatment
Case Back: Sapphire with Double Anti-Reflective Treatment
Bows: Winding and Time-Setting via lift-out rotating bows on caseback
Crystal: Unique Domed Sapphire with Double Anti-Reflective Treatment
Water resistance: 30m (3 atm)
Dial & Hands:
Dial: Titanium, Polished and Angled, Lacquered Indexes
Hands: Blued Jacob&Co designed hands
Strap & Clasp:
Strap: Alligator
Clasp: Platinum/Titanium deployment buckle
Limited Edition: Pièce Unique