The Jacob & Co. Astronomia Tourbillon Art Static 4 Skulls: Review

The Jacob & Co. Astronomia Tourbillon Art Static 4 Skulls

The Memento Mori theme reminds us to appreciate each day and focus on symbols of death: clocks, hourglasses or turtles. The latest issue of Jacob & Co. presents complex structures and watches combined with the brand's signature craftsmanship and demonstrative symbolism. Learn about the 4 skulls considered the standard of astronomical art.

Released in 2014, the Jacob & Co. Astronomia is a bold, overly complicated timepiece featuring an animated representation of the celestial world with various elements in constant motion, controlled by a two- or three-axis tourbillon regulator.

The Jacob & Co Astronomia Tourbillon Art Static 4 Skulls is built over an aventurine dial with 4 gold skulls with ruby eyes. Each skull is cast and then crafted and polished by hand. The four satellite arms of the JCAM25 hand-wound movement bear the hours and minutes indication on a skeletonized dial, a double-axis tourbillon regulating the movement, a blue magnesium globe rotating in 60 seconds and a spherical 1-carat diamond (with the signature 288 facets Jacob cut) also rotating in 60 seconds. 

This mechanical microcosm is protected under an impressive, highly domed sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating. 50mm in diameter and 25mm thick, the 18k pink gold case features several sapphire crystal windows for transparent viewing from all sides of the animated memento mori. The two-fold-out bows at the rear of the watch allow you to wind and set the movement.

The Jacob & co Astronomia Tourbillon Art Static 4 Skulls is presented on an alligator strap with a folding buckle. A limited edition of 6 pieces, it retails for USD 660,000.