Jacob & Co. Caligula Tourbillon Baguette
Invented in the 17th century, the art of erotic watchmaking represents a lesser-known tradition that gives haute horology an added layer of depth and a discreet, mischievous personality. The 19th century proscription against the taboo discipline only heightened the interest of horological enthusiasts around the globe. The Caligula Tourbillon Baguette revives the whimsical tradition all the while showcasing the fascinating practice of the automaton.
While allusions to the hidden sensual surprise are present at first glance in the form of a suggestive fishnet-stocking motif on the dial and case, the exquisite secret is exposed only upon the desire of the wearer. A turning of the crown at 4 o’clock rotates the dial to reveal the voluptuous erotic scene meticulously hand-painted by miniature artist André Martinez. The crown at 3 o’clock is then used to activate the spectacle and unveil the Caligula Tourbillon Baguette’s hidden gem. When the secret is concealed, the timepiece expresses sensuality in Jacob & Co’s signature voice: the passionate radiance of diamonds.
The 46mm 18K white gold case boasts a textural diamond setting of precious triangular baguette diamonds, while the crowns echo the shimmering effect. Beneath the fishnet design, yet above the hidden scene, a generous additional arrangement of baguette triangle diamonds produces a multidimensional play of light. At 12 o’clock, rising from the heart of the movement to overlook the enthralling exhibition, the timepiece’s tourbillon, hand-engraved and finished with Côtes de Genève, counters the adverse effects of gravity with grace and sophistication. The entire spectacle, including the indication of the hours and minutes via a traditional two-hand design, is driven by the manually wound JCAM08 caliber, equally finished with Côtes de Genève in a demonstration of Jacob & Co.’s immense respect for and command of fine Swiss craftsmanship.
This bold revitalization of a once-prohibited art exemplifies the brand’s unceasing desire to challenge convention and create timepieces both unique and spectacular. The Caligula Tourbillon Baguette ingeniously combines contemporary aesthetic accents with idiosyncratic charm. In doing so, the timepiece honors the past in the most honest of ways: by not merely paying tribute, but rather by integrating the whimsical showmanship of a treasured epoch within a pertinent evolution of modern notions.
Technical details
Movement
Exclusive manual-winding Jacob & Co. JCAM08; Tourbillon
48-hour power reserve
Frequency: 28,800 vib/h (4Hz)
Anti-shock, Glucydur balance, 25 jewels
Number of components: 236
Finishing: circular grained, Côtes de Genève, sand-blasted, hand-engraving tourbillon upper bridge set with two diamond baguettes. Back movement finishing: 18K white gold screwed decoration bridges set with 20 triangle & losange baguettes 1.30ct.
Functions
Hours, minutes, manually–wound automaton scene
Case
46mm diameter, 16.45mm thickness; polished 18K white gold, baguette triangle diamond set
Sapphire crystal with anti-reflective treatment
18K white gold pierced rounded fishnet design set with baguette triangle diamonds as follows: bezel set with 60 diamonds 7.51ct., case set with 150 diamonds 13.36ct., two crowns set with 32 diamonds each 2.92ct
Case back: sapphire crystal
Dial
18K white gold dial set with 91 triangle baguette diamonds 4.90ct
Côtes de Genève, hand-engraved graining
Covered aperture that opens to reveal the concealed erotic scene, hand-painted by miniature artist André Martinez; the scene is revealed by turning the crown at 4 o’clock and is activated by the crown at 3 o’clock
Jacob & Co. logo at 12 o’clock, concealed erotic scene at 6 o’clock
Skeleton leaf blue hands
Hands: Leaf; Gunned Blue
Strap & Clasp
Alligator; 18K white gold deployment buckle set with 26 diamonds 1.36 ct.
Total Carat Weight
381 Baguette Diamonds 31.88 ct.
Remarks
2-year warranty
Limited Edition
Unique piece
