Jacob & Co. Launches The Astronomia Régulateur In Geneva

We’re officially on the ground in Geneva for the 2024 Watches & Wonders, and to kick it off, Jacob & Co. has just launched the Astronomia Régulateur. 

A brand renowned for transcending the traditional boundaries of watchmaking, Jacob & Co.’s Astronomia Régulateur is a testament to this legacy of excellence. Unveiled as a groundbreaking take on the classic régulateur, this timepiece is a revolution in horological craftsmanship and design. With its signature twist, Jacob & Co. transforms the conventional into the extraordinary, introducing a floating, 3D architecture movement that completes one full rotation every 60 seconds. This 43-mm, rose gold marvel is an epitome of high watchmaking caliber, featuring separate displays for hours, minutes, and seconds, all set against the backdrop of an avant-garde vertical, rotating movement.

The Astronomia Régulateur is distinguished by its caliber JCAM56, the slimmest Astronomia-type movement ever designed by Jacob & Co., boasting an impressive 552 components. This marvel of engineering is encased in a wrist-friendly 43 mm rose gold frame, complemented by large panes of transparent sapphire for an unobstructed view of the movement’s intricate workings. The timepiece’s design is a modern homage to the historical accuracy and readability of traditional régulateurs, utilized by watchmakers to regulate their craftsmanship against a standard reference time. Yet, it propels these classic elements into the future with its three-dimensional display, bringing a new dimension to the Jacob & Co. portfolio.

The essence of the Astronomia legacy is evident in the Régulateur’s dynamic architecture. Inspired by the original Astronomia Tourbillon, which introduced a revolutionary carousel movement, the Régulateur advances this innovation with a rotation speed of one turn per minute. This enhances both the spectacle and accuracy of the timepiece, with the flying tourbillon and time displays mounted on three arms, each performing a double-axis rotation in sync with the platform. The sub-dials for hours and minutes, crafted from translucent blue material, maintain their readability through a differential system that counteracts the movement’s rotation, ensuring they remain upright at all times.

Perhaps the most visually striking feature of the Astronomia Régulateur is its seconds display. A golden hand extends from the base of the vertical movement, pointing towards a large, domed, blue translucent ring that rotates counterclockwise to mark the seconds. This innovative approach not only preserves the regulator’s traditional emphasis on precise seconds measurement but also adds a unique aesthetic dimension to the timepiece.

To accommodate the high energy demands of its rapid rotation, Jacob & Co. incorporates a patented constant force device within the gear train. This mechanism ensures a smooth, consistent power flow to the tourbillon, optimizing accuracy and enabling the movement’s mesmerizing speed. Through this blend of historical inspiration and modern ingenuity, the Astronomia Régulateur stands as a monumental achievement in watchmaking, embodying Jacob & Co.’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of what is possible. It represents not just a watch, but a piece of horological art, marrying exhilarating design with unparalleled craftsmanship and performance.