The Casino Tourbillon Watch by Jacob & Co: Roulette and Tourbillon in a watch

Imagine the excitement of a Monte Carlo casino right on your wrist. That’s exactly what Jacob & Co’s Casino Tourbillon offers, a timepiece that fuses the art of gaming with fine watchmaking. Unveiled exclusively at Geneva Watch Week, this watch pushes the boundaries of innovation and luxury. But is it really a technical feat or just an extravagant whim for thrill seekers? Let’s dive into the fascinating world of this one-of-a-kind timepiece .

The Casino Tourbillon: A Technical Marvel

A Revolutionary Concept

The Jacob & Co Casino Tourbillon is not just another luxury watch . It is a true feat of engineering that integrates a functional roulette mechanism into a watch case. This bold concept fuses the art of watchmaking with the excitement of casino gaming.

The Complexity of the Mechanism

The heart of this extraordinary watch is its miniature roulette mechanism . Made up of 268 parts, this system allows a white ceramic ball to actually spin on a numbered dial, faithfully reproducing the experience of a casino roulette wheel.

• Roulette wheel with 37 pockets/numbers (1 green, 18 red and 18 black)
• White ceramic ball
• Launching mechanism activated by a pusher at 8 o'clock

The Art of Miniaturization

The technical feat lies not only in creating a functional roulette, but in miniaturizing it to fit into a 44 mm watch case. Jacob & Co engineers had to overcome many challenges:

1. Reduced size without compromising functionality
2. Seamless integration with the watch movement
3. Guarantee of the precision and durability of the mechanism

The Unique Aesthetics of the Casino Tourbillon

A Bold Design

The Jacob & Co Casino Tourbillon is sure to make a statement. Its sleek yet extravagant design makes it an instant conversation piece.

• 44mm case in 18k rose gold
• Black onyx dial with applied 5N gold indexes
• Domed sapphire crystal

The Fusion of Luxury and Play

This watch embodies the epitome of ostentatious luxury, drawing inspiration from high-stakes gambling halls like the Bellagio and Monte Carlo. It’s for those looking to make a bold statement with their watch choice.

Exceptional Technical Characteristics

The JCAM51 Movement

• Jacob & Co JCAM51 manufacture caliber with manual winding
• 72-hour power reserve
• Frequency of 21,600 vib/h (3 Hz)
• Flying tourbillon visible only through the case back

Unique Features

• Roulette animation activated on demand with the pusher at 8 o'clock
• Winding and time setting on the case back
• Waterproof up to 30m

The Cultural Impact of the Casino Tourbillon

A Symbol of Status and Play

Owning such a watch goes far beyond simply telling the time. It is a statement of status, wealth and appreciation for cutting-edge engineering, while celebrating the spirit of play and risk.

The Controversy

Like any avant-garde piece, Jacob & Co's Casino Tourbillon is controversial. Some see it as a masterpiece, others as an ostentatious waste .

Practical Aspects and Considerations

The Question of Reliability

Despite its complexity, the watch must be reliable. Jacob & Co ensures the durability of this delicate mechanism thanks to high-quality materials, such as ceramic ball bearings.

Maintaining a Unique Piece

Maintaining such a watch is not trivial. It requires the expertise of specialized watchmakers and can be costly, like the services for highly complicated watches .

The Place of the Casino Tourbillon in the World of Luxury Watchmaking

An Exclusive Limited Edition

With only 101 pieces produced, the Casino Tourbillon joins the very closed circle of the rarest and most exclusive watches in the world.

Innovation as a Driving Force

The Casino Tourbillon perfectly illustrates how innovation can push the boundaries of traditional watchmaking, just like the most sophisticated watch movements .

Conclusion

Jacob & Co’s Casino Tourbillon is more than just a timepiece. It’s a bold statement, a technical feat, and an object of desire for collectors. With a price tag of US$280,000, it firmly positions itself in the ultra-luxury watch segment.

So, is this a watchmaking masterpiece or an extravagant gadget? The answer may depend on your perspective on luxury and innovation. What do you think of this unique fusion of fine watchmaking and casino games?

Sources

These sources were used to write this article:

• GQ article on the Astronomia Casino : A perspective on the Casino Tourbillon's predecessor
• Presentation by Luxe Infinity : Details on the launch of the Casino Tourbillon at Geneva Watch Week
• Jacob & Co Official Website : For the latest information and specifications direct from the manufacturer

FAQ

1. What is the price of the Jacob & Co Casino Tourbillon? The Casino Tourbillon is priced at US$280,000.
2. Is the watch roulette really functional? Yes, the roulette mechanism is fully functional, with 37 slots/numbers and a real ceramic ball.
3. How many of these watches are produced? Production is limited to 101 pieces.
4. What are the main technical characteristics of the Casino Tourbillon? It has a JCAM51 manufacture movement, a flying tourbillon, a 72-hour power reserve and a 44 mm 18-carat rose gold case.
5. How does the roulette mechanism work? The roulette wheel is activated by a pusher located at 8 o'clock on the case. Once activated, the ceramic ball spins on the numbered dial, reproducing the experience of a real casino roulette wheel.