In Depth The One of One Astronomia Revolution 4th Dimension By Jacob & Co

In the world of horology, there are timepieces, and then there are masterpieces. Jacob & Co. has carved a niche for itself in the latter category with its creation of the “Astronomia”. This exceptional watch is not just a timekeeping instrument; it's a celestial marvel that pushes the boundaries of watchmaking.

During the 2014 Baselworld exhibition, Jacob & Co. released the "Astronomia Tourbillon," marking a milestone not only for the brand but also for the world of high watchmaking. One of the standout features of this unique timepiece was its Iconic gravitational triple-axis tourbillon. Unlike traditional tourbillons, which are usually positioned horizontally, this timepiece featured a vertically aligned tourbillon cage that continuously rotated, providing an appealing visual spectacle.

The Astronomia Tourbillon featured a series of rotating complications, boasting an exposed vertical movement with four intricately designed arms rotating around a central gear. One of these arms holds a lacquered Earth globe crafted from magnesium, while its counterpart showcased an 288-facet 1-carat diamond, referred to as the "Jacob Cut," symbolizing the moon, while the remaining two arms featured a triple-axis gravitational tourbillon and a subdial that showcases the time, all bodies individual rotating on their axes in 20 minutes. This engineering marvel was deemed the crowning achievement within the Jacob & Co. watch collection. 

That being said, at the Baselworld exhibition 2015, Jacob & Co unveiled the “Astronomia Tourbillon Baguette”, a timepiece that seamlessly melded the Astronomia concept from the previous model with Jacob & Co's gem-setting expertise. This watch showcased 342 arranged baguette-cut diamonds encircling the dial, accompanied by an additional 80 baguette-cut diamonds embellishing the lugs. This release further solidified the brand's esteemed reputation in both the domains of haute horlogerie and haute joaillerie.

Later on, the brand continued to enrich this collection with innovative releases, elevating the Astronomia from its horological achievements to a multidisciplinary engineering accomplishment. In 2016, the ”Astronomia Tourbillon sky” was released, Introducing a new celestial inspired complications to the Astronomia collection, a sidereal display, vertical month indicator, day and night indicator, zodiac signs, alongside a celestial panorama, orbital second display, and the inclusion of the Jacob-Cut diamond Moon. These additions comprehensively redefine the iconic Astronomia.

Within the following year, alongside its presence at the "Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie" exhibition, Jacob & Co. unveiled “ Astronomia Flawless”. This latest addition to the Astronomia collection featured the sun, moon, and Earth globes but introduced a new enhancement, a transparent sapphire case that offered unobstructed views of the intricate movement from every angle.

Jacob & Co never failed in making the impossible possible, expanding the astronomia collection into realms of creativity, introducing the Astronomia Solar, Astronomia Casino, and many more. 

This year, the Astronomia Revolution was revealed, and it redefined the concept of the collection, shattering all previous records with its ultra-fast one-minute rotation. Jacob & Co. pushes the boundaries of innovation to the absolute limit once more. Introducing the "Astronomia Revolution 4th Dimension", an enhanced and upgraded iteration of the one-minute rotating movement, now with a triple axis tourbillon. Developed in collaboration with Jacob & Co.'s primary movement partner, the Concepto Watch Factory, taking the horological artistry to new heights with the world's first four-axis tourbillon.

This timepiece represents the fusion of watchmaking and jewelry craftsmanship within Jacob & Co., transcending mere mechanical innovation. It exemplifies the pinnacle of both high horology and haute joaillerie. It comes in an 18K rose gold case with sapphire caseband, topped by a domed sapphire with anti-reflective treatment, and a big case measuring at 47 mm in diameter and 27 mm in thickness.

The watch is adorned with a total of 35 precious gemstones, each belonging to one of seven distinct types, imparting a spectrum of colors. Inspired by the colored gemstones from the 1980s, Jacob Arabo consistently infused his affinity for vibrant hues such as red, blue, orange, yellow, and green into a myriad of timepieces. Long before the trend took hold, he introduced several high jewelry watches adorned in a rainbow spectrum, paying homage to the Rainbow Mountain, or Vinicunca, in Cusco, Peru. 

Emerging from the center, a dual-armed carousel embodies most of the cal.08059 movement's 485 components, gracefully spinning in tandem every 60 seconds, showcasing a blue polycarbonate skeletonized sub dial with 5N applied indices and 5N red gold dauphine hands, alongside the tourbillon's primary rotation axis, that features a flying triple-axis tourbillon, with three gear sets rotating in 60, 18, and 15 seconds. This setup maximizes accuracy by varying the escapement's positions in space, aided by its four axes and rapid rotations.

The rapid rotation speeds require energy, and to protect the escapement from this power surge, Jacob & Co. and Concepto Watch Factory have developed a patented constant force device. This device activates every 1/6th of a second, matching the balance wheel's frequency, and acting as a buffer between the barrel's energy and the tourbillon.

The Astronomia Revolution 4th Dimension stands is scheduled for auction on November 5th, with proceeds supporting the noble cause of combating Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy through Only Watch. The watch is a one of one “Unique piece”, and it comes with an elegant Blue alligator leather strap, that is secured by a 18K rose gold buckle.

For more information please visit Only Watch website.