Jacob & Co. has introduced the Bugatti Calandre, a table clock made together with Bugatti and Lalique. This is an unusual project that combines watchmaking, car design, and crystal artistry.
This clock comes after the success of Jacob & Co.’s Bugatti Tourbillon watch in 2024. But this time, they’ve moved beyond a wristwatch to something bigger, a clock that is also a piece of art.
Three Years in the Making
It took three years to develop this clock. That’s because three different companies, each with very high standards, worked closely together. Jacob & Co. brought their watchmaking skills, Bugatti added their automotive design history, and Lalique handled the crystal work.
The end product is a clock that tells time but also looks like a sculpture, showing off the skills of all three.
Design Inspired by Bugatti’s History
The clock’s design pays tribute to Bugatti’s past. The most noticeable part is the pair of Dancing Elephants. These elephants are a nod to Rembrandt Bugatti, the sculptor brother of Ettore Bugatti. They lean toward each other, a style seen on the Bugatti Type 41 Royale and on Lalique clocks from years ago.
The name “Calandre” refers to Bugatti’s horseshoe grille on their cars. Above the grille is the red Bugatti logo, sometimes called the Macaron. This makes the clock clearly connected to Bugatti’s cars.
A Vertical Flying Tourbillon Inside
Inside the clock is a vertical flying tourbillon movement. This is a complicated part of watchmaking designed to improve accuracy when the watch is held vertically, which fits the clock’s design and also links to Bugatti’s new hyper sports car.
The movement, called calibre JCAM58, was made just for this clock. It has 189 parts and can run for eight days without winding. It ticks at 21,600 vibrations per hour (3 Hz). You can see the tourbillon spinning behind the grille.
To keep the look clean, the clock is wound and set using a special key in the back, so there are no knobs on the outside.
The Jacob Cut Gemstone on Top
On top of the clock is a 30mm red gemstone matching Bugatti’s logo colour. It’s cut using Jacob & Co.’s patented Jacob Cut, which has 288 facets. This cut is designed to catch light in a special way.
This cut took years to perfect and is a signature of Jacob & Co.’s jewellery expertise.
Lalique’s Crystal Work
The clock’s case is made from Lalique crystal, made in their workshops in Wingen-sur-Moder, France. The crystal is poured molten into steel moulds and slowly cooled into shape.
After that, Lalique’s artisans spend months polishing and frosting the surfaces to get the right finish. The crystal’s clarity and how it plays with light bring the clock’s design to life.
Historical Links Between the Brands
This partnership is deeper than just business. René Lalique and Ettore Bugatti were partners more than 100 years ago. Their workshops were only 45 kilometres apart in eastern France.
Lalique started as a jeweller before becoming famous for glass. His designs, like the clocks with two figures leaning in, inspired parts of this clock.
Size and Details
The movement measures 114mm wide and 25mm high. The whole case is big, 264 by 196mm.
The dial is made of polished steel and open-worked aluminium. The hands are rhodium finished for readability and style.
Packaging and Price
The clock comes in a custom tan leather trunk that recalls the materials used in Bugatti’s cars. The trunk protects and presents the clock.
Only 99 pieces will be made. Each one costs $240,000. This puts it in the very high end of the luxury collectables market.
What This Means
The Bugatti Calandre shows what three companies can do when they combine their skills. It’s more than a clock, it’s a piece that mixes watchmaking, car history, and crystal art.
It reflects the values of Jacob & Co., Bugatti, and Lalique: craftsmanship, innovation, and design. In a market full of similar products, this clock stands out because of its unique story and quality.
