Jay-Z made waves at Fanatics Fest in New York City by revealing the brand-new Bugatti Tourbillon watch at his 40/40 Club pop-up. The 24-time Grammy winner, who already owns an impressive collection of luxury timepieces from brands like Patek Philippe, Audemars Piguet, and Richard Mille, is now the first person to own this exclusive watch, according to Jacob & Co. Jay-Z has a longstanding relationship with the brand, having been the first to receive their iconic Five Time Zone watch 25 years ago. His close connection with Jacob & Co. continues to bring him unique and coveted pieces.
The Bugatti Tourbillon and Its Automotive Inspiration
The Bugatti Tourbillon, introduced in late June, was designed as a tribute to the Bugatti hypercar, which was unveiled just days before the watch. The hypercar is the most powerful model in Bugatti’s history, featuring an incredible 1,800 horsepower and a top speed of 276 mph. Its design includes a skeletonized instrument cluster inspired by Swiss watchmaking, reflecting the growing connection between luxury cars and watches. Bugatti and Jacob & Co. have been collaborating since 2019, producing several luxury pieces that embody top-tier performance and quality. Previous collaborations include models like the Chiron and the Type 57, both of which have received the Jacob & Co. treatment.
A Watch That Mimics a Car’s Machinery
This latest collaboration between Bugatti and Jacob & Co. stands out because the watch’s design directly mirrors the machinery of the Bugatti hypercar. The 52 mm case is crafted from black titanium and resembles the exterior of the Bugatti, complete with a front grille and cooling inlets. The case sides feature large sapphire openings that imitate the car’s windows, while the hour and minute indicators are designed to look like the car’s tachometer and speedometer. Even the winding crown of the watch is modeled after the car’s control knobs, showcasing the meticulous attention to detail that went into the design.
A Technical Marvel
The standout feature of the Bugatti Tourbillon is its functioning engine, a V-16 mechanical automaton made entirely from sapphire. This intricate piece includes 16 cylinders and 16 titanium pistons, all driven by a single-axis crankshaft. When the automaton is activated, the crankshaft spins, causing the cylinders to move up and down, demonstrating the impressive engineering behind the watch. The hand-wound Tourbillon (JCAM55) is composed of 557 components and offers a power reserve of 48 hours, further highlighting the exceptional craftsmanship that went into its creation.
Limited Edition and Exclusive
This limited edition Bugatti Tourbillon watch is restricted to just 150 pieces, with each priced at $340,000. The Bugatti hypercar, on the other hand, will be even rarer, with only 250 examples set to be produced, each starting at €3.8 million (approximately $4.08 million). Production of the car is scheduled to begin at Bugatti’s atelier in Molsheim, France, in 2026. As for the watch, the first piece has already been crafted and delivered to Jay-Z, adding yet another unique and luxurious item to his already remarkable collection.
