The Jacob & Co. Epic X Tourbillon Baguette is a modern evolution of one of the most traditional forms of watchmaking. The open-worked, or “skeletonized” timepiece allows the movement to be visible both through the dial and the back of the watch, with as much metal removed as possible without compromising functionality. The goal of the watchmaker crafting an open-worked watch is to achieve the highest level of transparency possible; the challenging combination of visual lightness with structural integrity. Adding to the fascination on display is the tourbillon in the six o’clock position, which is also skeletonized, and the beautiful gemstones set on the case and structures of the timepiece.
The Epic X Tourbillon case is bold and elegant, yet robust, so it can truly accompany you through your day, to the office, out for a casual dinner or even to an elegant party.
The tourbillon was originally invented to be a single-axis, rotating cage carrying the regulating organ of a mechanical pocket watch for improved timekeeping performance. The version in the Jacob & Co. Epic X Tourbillon Baguette presents this more than 225-year-old invention in a yet more spectacular way, as the entire movement is skeletonized.
The one-minute tourbillon features a delicately decorated cage that encapsulates the balance wheel, hairspring, escape wheel and a number of other crucially important components. This open-worked cage not only features an elaborate web-pattern in its architecture, but allows for an unobstructed and full view at the ultimate refinement of its detailing and operation. It is a constellation of superbly finished components that, when assembled and expertly fine-tuned, allows the JCAA03 movement to keep accurate time throughout its 72-hour power reserve.
Skeletonizing is an age-old tradition in watchmaking. The challenge is to remove enough material from the movement to make it nearly transparent, without impacting its performance, precision, or robustness.
Jacob & Co.’s watchmakers have been skeletonizing movements for decades, so they understand exactly where and how much to remove, and the result is a nearly see-through movement, configured vertically to maximize the beauty of this little engine on the wrist.
Jacob & Co. is one of the few brands that has the legitimacy to create high and fine jewelry, as well as high-end watches.
The diamond and gemstones industry is a closed society, and it is really a relationship business. Sourcing the very best diamonds and gemstones depends on reputation and personal connections, and thankfully Jacob & Co. has solid, decades-long relationships.
As a result, Jacob & Co. has access to the very best sources of diamonds and gemstones from all over the world. Many of the gem-set timepieces, like the Brilliant Skeleton pieces, require meticulous care in the choosing of stones for quality, cut, clarity, and matching color. This can take many months or years, depending on the exact colors needed.
Jacob & Co. is also an expert in the setting of these stones, working with the very best gem setters in the industry. The design of this 44mm case is bold and distinctive, with its powerful “X” shape. The manual wind movement is on display through the antireflective sapphire crystals front and back. The beauty of skeletonized watches is that there are no dials – instead the highest quality sapphire crystals expose the details of the movement, including the tourbillon, wheels, gears, balance, bridges, and mainspring barrel. The skeletonized leaf-shaped hands in the center, indicating the hours and minutes, float over the mechanical splendor. The strap of the Jacob & Co. Epic X Tourbillon Baguette is an intriguing and very comfortable open-worked rubber and it is also available on an elegant alligator strap