Jacob & Co. introduces the world’s first Four-Axis Tourbillon

For Jacob & Co., the celestial-themed Astronomia is a winning collection since it debuted in 2014 with the release of Astronomia Tourbillon. At the recently held Geneva Watch Week, the brand presented the world’s first four-axis tourbillon as part of this line, in the Astronomia Revolution Four-Axis Tourbillon, which makes a rotation in one minute.

Jacob & Co. Astronomia Revolution Four-Axis Tourbillon

The main challenge was not only generating the massive energy that is needed to give the Astronomia Revolution this speed, but also discovering how to deliver this constantly. To solve this problem, Jacob & Co. developed a unique whip-based constant force device for which the patent is pending. In tune with the frequency of the balance wheel, every 1/6th of a second, a hairspring is activated by the gear train. This releases a star-shaped gear, the whip, that transmits just the right amount of energy to the tourbillon carriage to run another 1/6th of a second, acting as a buffer between the power from the mainspring barrels and the tourbillon.

In a visual sense also the Astronomia Revolution is a spectacle, as we have come to expect from Jacob & Co. The case is unapologetically large with its diameter of 47mm and height of 27mm, but as always, Jacob & Co. is making good use of this space. Inspired by the James Webb Space Telescope, it features 18 hexagonal mirrors, which makes the high speed of the device even more spectacular, as you can also catch the reflection of what is happening underneath.

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The Astronomia Revolution is also fitted with a multi-axis flying tourbillon. It runs in 1 minute around its first axis and 15 seconds around the other, making it exceptionally high speed by itself. Jacob & Co. also utilises its significant experience when it comes to gemstones with a uniquely cut ruby integrated into the design. Its pyramid shape makes a full rotation around its axis every 15 seconds, and as the movement as a whole makes a full rotation in a minute, it serves as a seconds hand, another first for the Astronomia.

Jacob & Co. is making 18 pieces of the Astronomia Revolution, 6 in rose gold, 6 in white gold, and another 6 in white gold with a black DLC treatment. Pricing is available upon request.

This article first appeared in WatchTime.com

Images: Courtesy Brand