God of Time timepiece
Credit Jacob & Co
God of Time: Jacob Arabo of Jacob & Co., always “Inspired by the Impossible,” creates a tourbillon faster than any other before.
On the Olympus of complications, the tourbillon reigns supreme. As a true believer, Jacob & Co. creates the God of Time, whose tourbillon spins at a record-breaking 4 seconds per rotation. That’s 15 times faster than traditional one-minute tourbillons.
Jacob & Co. associates this distinctive speed with Chronos, the ancient Greek god of time. The figure who controls time embraces the 4-second tourbillon carriage as if it were his cherished child. His regal presence bestows the name, dial, and grandeur of the God of Time.
God of Time timepiece
Credit Jacob & Co
The keeper of eternal time is crafted as a three-dimensional rose gold sculpture, engraved and burnished by hand, set against a blue aventurine background. Encased in a 44.5-mm rose gold case shaped and sculpted like a Greek temple column, God of Time is a mythical masterpiece.
God of Time timepiece
Credit Jacob & Co
Chronos himself (not the titan Cronos, father of the Olympians) is depicted like a Greek statue. Lying on a slab of blue aventurine, a large and detailed sculpture takes up most of the dial. It begins with a lump of 18K rose gold, stamped and shaped to the highest craftsmanship. Skilled artisans then work to bring this figure to life.
Over several days, they engrave, polish, burnish, and age the surface, creating incredible detail. Hair, beard, toga, arms, muscles, tendons, and even fingernails—he exudes unique energy and a powerful presence. Measuring 37 mm in length and 1.5 mm at its thickest point, this appliqué is one of the most impressive Métiers d’Art pieces ever featured in a high-complication timepiece.
God of Time timepiece
Credit Jacob & Co
God of Time timepiece
Credit Jacob & Co
The rose gold case of God of Time is designed to be the dwelling of Chronos, and Greek deities reside in temples. That case is therefore styled like a classical Ionic pillar, with its capital composed of two large and elegant volutes. Perfectly balanced, with ideal proportions, the 44.5 mm diameter complements the 18.25 mm height to create a piece of classic architecture.
The caseband and crown are ribbed and sculpted like a marble column shaft. The caseback features a print of Jacob Arabo’s hand signature and face: Jacob & Co.’s founder and chairman has stamped his personal seal on this timepiece, which was created to mark his 60th birthday.
God of Time timepiece
Credit Jacob & Co
The energy consumption of a tourbillon depends on its speed and weight. Every time the speed doubles, the force needed increases fourfold. This carriage, for example, is 15 times faster than the traditional 60-second model. Moreover, God of Time is not only the fastest among all tourbillons, but it also runs for 60 hours or more on a single wind—an incredible feat that God of Time accomplishes with remarkable ease.
God of Time timepiece
Credit Jacob & Co
Powering this unique invention requires a large amount of energy. It is stored in two sets of two stacked barrels, wound from a flat crown on the caseback and featuring Jacob & Co.’s signature lift-up bow. These barrels smoothly drive the tourbillon carriage at a remarkable speed. However, the escapement inside the carriage can’t withstand such force.
To protect it, Jacob & Co. has developed a constant force system, for which the brand is known. Located one gear before the escape wheel inside the tourbillon, it operates at the same frequency as the escapement, which is 3 Hz. Six times per second, this remontoire provides just the right amount of energy to power the balance wheel. It acts as a buffer against the overwhelming force needed to move the tourbillon.
