Jacob & Co., Bugatti and Lalique

A Flawless Fusion of Bugatti Design: Past Meets Future
The Bugatti Calandre showcases Jacob & Co.’s remarkable ability to translate a century of Bugatti’s iconic aesthetic codes into a complex timepiece. Encased in a timeless Lalique crystal body, it pays tribute to Bugatti’s artistic legacy while seamlessly integrating it into the visionary spirit of the iconic automotive brand.

At the heart of this homage is a nod to the legendary Bugatti Type 41 Royale: two finely sculpted dancing elephants—an artistic tribute to Rembrandt Bugatti, famed sculptor and brother of Ettore Bugatti. These emblematic figures lean symmetrically toward each other in a style that has become a hallmark of Lalique clocks.

The model name, Calandre, is a subtle salute to Bugatti’s French roots, referring to the brand’s signature horseshoe grille, which takes pride of place on the clock’s front. Above it rests the deep red Bugatti emblem, instantly recognizable and cherished by enthusiasts worldwide.

Behind this iconic grille, Jacob & Co. has integrated a sophisticated calibre featuring a vertical flying tourbillon—a direct homage to Bugatti’s newest hypercar. This mechanism not only references the tourbillon’s original function—to enhance precision by counteracting gravity’s effects—but also highlights Jacob & Co.’s technical mastery in reimagining Bugatti’s storied past through a decidedly contemporary lens.

An Unprecedented Movement and a Signature Jacob Cut Gemstone
Jacob & Co. engineered a bespoke movement for the Bugatti Calandre centered on the vertical flying tourbillon. Traditionally designed to optimize timekeeping precision in stationary, vertical clocks and watches, this mechanism performs its foundational role flawlessly here, accentuating Jacob & Co.’s horological expertise.

Powering the clock is the manual-wind JCAM58 calibre, boasting an impressive eight-day power reserve. To preserve the piece’s delicate aesthetics, time setting and winding are performed via a special key inserted discreetly at the back.

Adding a final jewel to this masterpiece, the clock is crowned with a striking 30mm red gemstone, echoing the deep hue of the Bugatti emblem. Uniquely cut using Jacob & Co.’s patented Jacob Cut—a 288-facet technique—the gem’s near-perfect roundness amplifies its exclusivity and brilliance.

The Timeless Craft of Lalique Crystal
The Bugatti Calandre’s crystal case is handcrafted in Lalique’s ateliers in Wingen-sur-Moder, eastern France. Since its founding in 1922, Lalique has perfected artisanal techniques that achieve unparalleled clarity and brilliance. Molten crystal is poured into steel molds, then carefully cooled and shaped. The raw form then undergoes months of painstaking manual finishing: each edge refined, textures enhanced, and surfaces polished and satin-finished to perfection.

This meticulous craftsmanship accentuates the depth and dimensionality of the sculpted elephants, breathing life into the piece through delicate interplay of light and shadow.

A Meeting Point of Three Prestigious Legacies
René Lalique began his career as a jeweler, much like Jacob Arabo, founder of Jacob & Co., before pioneering innovative production methods that remain in use today. Transitioning into glassmaking, Lalique created iconic car ornaments and clocks, often featuring twin figures leaning symmetrically over dials—a design echoed in this new collaboration.

René Lalique and Ettore Bugatti shared more than just artistic vision; though both born outside Alsace, they chose to establish their workshops within 45 kilometers of each other, cultivating a unique regional craftsmanship heritage. They also collaborated on the Clos Sainte Odile, a historic estate now home to a two-Michelin-star restaurant.

More than a collector’s item, the Bugatti Calandre embodies the shared ambition of Jacob & Co. and Bugatti to merge haute horlogerie with creative and artisanal excellence. Presented in a bespoke brown leather case reflecting Bugatti’s luxurious interiors, this table clock epitomizes the perfect marriage of luxury, exceptional design, and innovation that defines both houses.

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