Jacob & Co Bugatti Chiron Tourbillon Blue Sapphire Crystal Exclusive Watch

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Back in 2004, actress Catherine Zeta-Jones famously said in a packed courtroom: "A million dollars isn't a lot of money to us."

So 18 years later, it's clear -- blue sapphire crystal, to be precise -- that the $1.5 million Jacob & Co Bugatti Chiron Tourbillon blue sapphire crystal one-of-a-kind piece represents exceptional value for money.

Jacob & Co. and Bugatti spent nearly a year developing this unique timepiece that recreates the thrills of the iconic Bugatti 16-cylinder engine. When the automatic is activated by pressing the starter crown, the 'engine' kicks in, its 16 pistons pumping and its two turbochargers spinning. Indeed, this watch is pushed to the extreme in terms of quality, concept, creativity, performance and craftsmanship.

First up is the impressive blue sapphire crystal case. Talk to anyone involved in the production of sapphire crystal and you will often be told "it's complicated". It started as a powder in which at least 17 hard-to-mine metal elements were mixed and added to achieve the perfect blue hue.

It is the hardest substance to cut and polish after diamond. The only thing that can cut and shape it are diamonds and only the right diamonds are used for every part of the rigorous process which can easily lead to cracking of the case. Adding color to the sapphire crystal complicates the making of the Bugatti Chiron case.

The perfect craftsmanship for the Jacob & Co Chiron sapphire crystal case took years to perfect, but to this day, the final polishing is still done by hand.

Beneath this sleek tonneau-shaped sapphire crystal cover, every aspect of the watch is inspired by the Bugatti Chiron. Thanks to total transparency, every part of the 578 hand-decorated and hand-assembled components of the JCAM37 hand-wound movement is in view. The movement is fully suspended in four positions, looking like the Chiron's car shock absorbers. In fact, the movement floats inside the case.

The Bugatti Chiron Blue Sapphire Crystal is also equipped with a tilting tourbillon, the first time Jacob & Co has used a tourbillon. The 30º inclination makes it easier to admire through a replica of the Bugatti horseshoe grille.

Another neat touch on the Bugatti Chiron is that the 60-hour power reserve indicator for the timekeeping even has the generic air pump symbol on the side of the gauge at 9 o'clock.

The watch has not one, but three crowns, located at the bottom of the case. The left crown sets the time, the middle crown winds the movement and animation, pressing the right crown starts the animation.

The choice of strap is comfortable and soft white rubber with a titanium deployment clasp.

This watch has everything someone looking to invest $1.5 million would expect in a statement piece. Unique on the wrist in a captivating 57.8 mm blue sapphire crystal case. It includes a tilting tourbillon and a spectacular fully mechanical reproduction of the iconic Bugatti W16 engine powered by the same movement.

Has it been promised to one lucky man? Will it be auctioned off, or will it be kept in the company's museum collection? We don't know, but what we do know is that this exquisite novelty will delight watch collectors worldwide, many of whom are eager to add this piece to their arsenal of Buben & Zorweg bespoke watches.

technical specifications
Reference: BU210.80.AH.UA.BBRUA
Limited Edition: Pièce Unique
Dimensions: 57.8mm x 44.4mm
Case: Anti-reflective sapphire crystal; Case back: Sapphire crystal; Crown and pushers: Sapphire crystal and titanium alloy
Dial: Blue indexes and blue "EB" logo; rhodium hands with blue tips
Functions: Hours, minutes, 1 minute Tourbillon cage tilted at 30° (diamonds on top), "W16 engine" in sapphire block, power reserve indicator at 9 o'clock Water resistance: 30 meters
Strap: White rubber with titanium deployment buckle