Jacob & Co. Brilliant Flying Tourbillon Sets Diamonds on the Balance Wheel
Jacob & Co. has introduced the Brilliant Flying Tourbillon, a unique high-jewellery watch that brings gem-setting directly to the balance wheel of a mechanical movement. Rather than limiting diamonds to the case, dial or clasp, the brand has set them directly onto the balance wheel.
The one-off creation combines a flying tourbillon with an automatic movement and extensive gem-setting throughout the watch. Its defining feature is the diamond-set balance, developed while preserving the operating characteristics required by the regulating system.
Image source: www.jacobandco.com
White Gold Case With Pastel Sapphires and Diamonds
The Brilliant Flying Tourbillon has a 42mm white gold case measuring 11.61mm thick.
The case is set with 194 pastel-coloured sapphires and 32 baguette-cut white diamonds. The stones are secured using an invisible-setting technique. The crown adds another 12 sapphires and one diamond.
The colourful treatment continues onto the dial beneath the sapphire crystal. Inspired by the costume of Harlequin, it combines 139 pastel sapphires with 23 baguette-cut white diamonds in a vivid geometric arrangement.
At 6 o'clock, the flying tourbillon becomes the focal point of the composition.
A Diamond-Set Balance Inside the Flying Tourbillon
The most unusual technical feature of the Brilliant Flying Tourbillon is the balance wheel itself. Jacob & Co. has set diamonds directly onto this moving component of the regulating system.
Adding gemstones to the balance can change its mass and weight distribution, potentially affecting the accuracy of the movement. Despite the additional mass introduced by the gemstones, Jacob & Co. retained the necessary operating characteristics of the balance.
The balance operates at 21,600 vibrations per hour, while the flying tourbillon completes one revolution every minute. As the balance oscillates and the tourbillon rotates, the diamonds continually change their position in relation to the light, creating a constantly changing play of light around the tourbillon.
Automatic JCFA02 Calibre With a 72-Hour Power Reserve
The diamond-set balance forms part of the automatic JCFA02 calibre. The movement measures 30.4mm × 6.9mm and consists of 184 components.
A micro-rotor provides automatic winding, while the calibre delivers a power reserve of 72 hours.
Gem-setting also extends to the movement visible through the back of the watch. Its bridges are decorated with 234 round-cut white diamonds, carrying the jewellery treatment from the case and dial into the mechanical construction itself.
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Specification |
Jacob & Co. Brilliant Flying Tourbillon |
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Case |
White gold |
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Case dimensions |
42mm × 11.61mm |
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Movement |
Automatic JCFA02 |
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Movement dimensions |
30.4mm × 6.9mm |
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Components |
184 |
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Frequency |
21,600 vibrations per hour |
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Tourbillon rotation |
One revolution per minute |
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Power reserve |
72 hours |
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Winding system |
Micro-rotor |
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Strap |
Alligator leather |
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Production |
Unique piece |
Gem-Setting Extends to the Strap Clasp
Jacob & Co. pairs the Brilliant Flying Tourbillon with an alligator leather strap. The white gold clasp continues the colourful gem-setting used elsewhere on the watch.
It is decorated with 21 multicoloured baguette-cut sapphires with a combined weight of approximately 1.52 carats.
The Brilliant Flying Tourbillon is being produced as a unique piece. From the pastel sapphire and diamond setting of the case and dial to the 234 diamonds decorating the movement bridges, the watch combines high jewellery with mechanical watchmaking. Its most distinctive element remains the balance wheel itself, where Jacob & Co. has brought diamond-setting directly into the regulating mechanism.
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