Jacob & Co. BaselWorld 2017 Highlights

DonCorson · 2017-03-28T04:09:52Z

BaselWorld 2017: Jacob & Co. Astronomia Flawless with 3-axis tourbillon, sapphire case, and innovative designs. Review of new releases.

DonCorson offers a captivating look at Jacob & Co.'s innovative timepieces from BaselWorld 2017, with a particular focus on the Astronomia Flawless. This article highlights the brand's audacious approach to high horology, showcasing complex movements and avant-garde designs. DonCorson's observations provide a critical perspective on both the triumphs and areas for improvement within Jacob & Co.'s diverse offerings.

As much as Jacob & Co. is a purveyor of jewels, the Astronomia remains an horological jewel that can't be passed up.
Each new version is eye-popping.
The Astronomia Flawless has not only that superb 3-axis tourbillon movement, but also the best saphire case I have ever seen.
There is no optical distortion and zero reflections. You have the impression that you can simply touch all the components of the movement.

The night sky in this version also serves as the automatic winding rotor.

Less satisfying is the Jacob Opus music box watch. While sort of neet to watch as the whole movement turns inside the case while the music ox is playing, the sound isnot up to par, sounds metalic and cheap, and the glass, which is not saphire this time, is somehow cloudy and not perfectly polished. Why this watch needs a 3-axis tourbillon is also a mystery to me. Guys you still have some work to do on this watch.

The new Epic chronograph with a ceramic case.

Double 3-axis tourbillon with minute repeater. The titanium case is a strange shape, but the sound of the repeater is very good.

Some other jewels to round out the presentaton.

Key Points from the Discussion

The Astronomia Flawless features a superb 3-axis tourbillon movement encased in sapphire, offering exceptional clarity with no optical distortion or reflections, creating the impression of being able to touch the movement components.
The Astronomia's night sky motif doubles as an automatic winding rotor, showcasing an innovative integration of aesthetic and functional elements.
The Jacob Opus music box watch, while visually engaging with its rotating movement, suffers from metallic and cheap-sounding audio, and a cloudy, imperfectly polished glass.
The complexity of manufacturing and servicing such intricate watches, especially those with multiple tourbillons and unique cases, is a significant challenge.
Some Jacob & Co. watches feature unusual and compelling concepts, making them desirable to experience in person.

The Discussion

sham1

Mar 28, 2017

Thank you Don!

You take amazing photos!!

kev09

Mar 28, 2017

As ever

amazing pictures and amazing watches. I enjoyed seeing them thank you. Regards Kev.

Alkiro1

Mar 28, 2017

This Astronomia is incredible. We can easily trust you when you say that this timepiece seems having no glass as we can feel that thanks to your shots.

I can\'t imagine how difficult it must be to make and service such a watch. Best wishes Alkiro

Mitch K

Mar 28, 2017

Thanks for the pix Don. Having seen the original and meeting the guys behind the watch it is truly a way out piece. IMHO not a wearable piece but certainly a fascinating piece of engineering. Are the same crew behind the other high tech Jacob

watches? Cheers

DonCorson

Mar 28, 2017

They also did the...

Hi Mitch! They also did the traveler with the time zones and cities on flaps like the old train station and airport signs. But Jacob likes to play the field. Not always to his advantage 'though. Don

Mitch K

Mar 28, 2017

Hi Don. Too bad that Jacob doesn't stay with a winning group. Certainly they are stars possibly lost amidst the glitz. [nt]

No message body

Key Points from the Discussion

Continue the conversation