Jacob & Co. Releases 40th Anniversary Minute Repeater

Jacob & Co. has unveiled an updated Palatial Flying Tourbillon Minute Repeater to celebrate its 40th anniversary in 2026, marking a significant milestone for the luxury watchmaker. This special edition revisits the brand's first minute repeater, originally launched in 2014, and is limited to just 12 pieces globally, with one piece released for each year since the initial model's debut. The timepiece is housed in a 43mm 18K rose gold case with a thickness of 12.3mm. Powering the watch is the newly developed, manually wound Caliber JCCM04, a complex movement comprising 308 individual components. This caliber operates at a frequency of 3 Hz and boasts a substantial power reserve of 90 hours. The minute repeater function, which chimes the hours, quarter-hours, and minutes, is activated by a slide located on the caseband. It employs two hammers that strike hand-tuned cathedral gongs to produce the audible indications. A key technical innovation in this updated model is the inclusion of a newly engineered silent centrifugal governor. This governor is designed to meticulously control the cadence of the striking mechanism, ensuring that the chiming process is smooth and free from any mechanical noise, thereby enhancing the auditory experience. Complementing the chiming complication is a 60-second flying tourbillon, strategically positioned at the 6 o'clock mark. This tourbillon is presented within a redesigned cage architecture, showcasing intricate craftsmanship and precision engineering. The watch's aesthetic design further emphasizes its connection to sound and music. The dial is crafted from red mineral crystal and features applied 18K rose gold hour markers. Musical motifs are subtly integrated into the design, including a brushed 18K rose gold G clef appliqué at the 9 o'clock position. The hour and minute hands are skeletonized and uniquely shaped like metronomes, a direct nod to the rhythmic nature of timekeeping and music. The intricate architecture of the Caliber JCCM04 movement, along with its hand-polished Côtes de Genève finishing, is made visible through a sapphire crystal caseback, allowing enthusiasts to appreciate the horological artistry. The watch is completed with a luxurious alligator leather strap secured by an 18K rose gold pin buckle. The Jacob & Co. Palatial Flying Tourbillon Minute Repeater is priced at $390,000 USD and is available through Jacob & Co. The brand, founded in 1986 by Jacob Arabo, is renowned for its extravagant and highly complicated timepieces, often incorporating unique designs and precious materials, catering to a clientele that appreciates haute horlogerie with a bold aesthetic. This anniversary model exemplifies the brand's commitment to pushing the boundaries of watchmaking and celebrating its heritage with innovative and visually striking creations.