The history of automatons in watchmaking is long and varied, normally with a very traditional focus. Jacob & Co. Pioneer Tourbillon excels in traditional watchmaking with a modern twist, which perfectly describes the Pioneer Tourbillon. It’s a traditional automaton with a contemporary subject – the construction industry.
The “digger” on the dial moves continuously, while the tourbillon constantly rotates, so your watch is always alive and eye-catching. Rather than stuffy jaquemarts or something classic, the Pioneer Tourbillon modernizes the automaton with a construction digger that is always in motion. Most automata work on demand, but for the Pioneer Tourbillon, Jacob & Co. decided to keep the digger running all the time the watch is operating. This engine of the tourbillon movement keeps the digger in continual action. The Jacob & Co. Pioneer Tourbillon is powered by a high-watchmaking one-minute tourbillon movement visible through the aperture on the dial at six o’clock. The tourbillon, invented at the end of the 18th century, is designed to counteract the effects of gravity on the precision of a timepiece. The round 49mm rose gold case of the Jacob & Co. Pioneer Tourbillon is the only thing traditional about this incredible timepiece. A combination of high polish and satin finishes make this case supremely attractive. A high-quality sapphire crystal with anti-reflective treatment protects the dial and puts everything on display. A cityscape with a construction site in the foreground is replicated on the dial, using traditional métiers d’art techniques. Red-tipped skeletonized hands indicate the time. The Jacob & Co. Pioneer Tourbillon is fitted with an elegant black alligator leather strap. Constantly turning automaton replicates a construction “digger” at work
Powered by a high-watchmaking manual-wind tourbillon movement, spinning in 60 seconds
Cityscape with construction site dial, created with traditional métiers d’art
Traditional round watch case is great to wear and supremely comfortable
High-end finishing on the manual-wind tourbillon movement