For the 2024 Geneva Watch Days, Jacob & Co. has decided to revisit a signature timepiece in its dynamic repertoire: the Oil Pump watch. A new, advanced version of the iconic Oil Pump watch, this reimagined timepiece marks the fifth anniversary of its original release in 2019. It retains the signature automaton that made the original famous but also incorporates several cutting-edge enhancements that elevate both its functionality and design.
The Oil Pump watch has always been a testament to Jacob & Co.’s ability to craft engaging narrative timepieces. At the heart of this creation are two intricately designed oil derricks that perform a mesmerizing bobbing motion, mimicking the operation of an actual oil pump. A pusher at 1:30 activates this dynamic animation, bringing the watch to life with a captivating 35-second display that never fails to impress.
The updated model, featuring the newly developed Jacob & Co. hand-wound caliber JCAM53, furthers this concept. This movement, comprised of an impressive 450 components, is equipped with a flying tourbillon that completes a full revolution every 60 seconds. While simplifying the original complexity to a single-axis tourbillon, this refinement allows for a more compact and wearable form factor, enhancing the watch’s overall visual appeal without sacrificing its technical marvel.
One of the most significant updates to the new Oil Pump is its redesigned case. Thoughtfully reduced in size from 49.5mm to a more refined 44mm in diameter and from 20mm to 18mm in height, the watch is now more comfortable to wear while still making a bold statement. The case is crafted from 18K rose gold and features sapphire on the baseband, emphasizing the luxurious craftsmanship for which Jacob & Co. is known. The unique domed sapphire crystal with anti-reflective treatment enhances the watch’s aesthetic appeal and ensures optimal legibility under various lighting conditions.
Every detail on the dial has been meticulously crafted and hand-finished, transforming the oil extraction scene into a miniature work of art. The hour and minute indicators, displayed elegantly with Roman numerals, are set against a backdrop of solid rose gold derricks, barrels, and pipelines. This intricate detailing is further complemented by a creative power reserve indicator designed as a pressure gauge, adding functionality and visual interest to the timepiece.
The new caliber JCAM53, a hand-wound movement with a 72-hour power reserve, demonstrates Jacob & Co.’s commitment to precision and performance. The flying tourbillon, a hallmark of advanced watchmaking, ensures that the watch maintains exceptional accuracy. At the same time, the Derrick automaton adds a layer of dynamic storytelling that sets the watch apart in the world of haute horlogerie.
The attention to detail extends to the watch’s comfort and functionality. The use of black alligator for the strap, paired with an 18K rose gold and titanium deployment buckle, ensures a secure and comfortable fit on the wrist. The caseback, crafted from 18K rose gold, features two bows for winding and time-setting, highlighting the brand’s dedication to combining form with function.
Limited to just 88 pieces, the new Oil Pump watch stands as a beacon of Jacob & Co.’s leadership in the category of automaton watches.