Hands On: Jacob & Co. Astronomia Revolution Four-Axis Tourbillon

To celebrate the 10th anniversary of its Astronomia collection, Jacob & Co. has introduced a world’s first: the Astronomia Revolution Four-Axis Tourbillon. Limited to just 18 pieces and priced at $700,000, the watch brings an additional axis of rotation to an already complex family of timepieces. Recently during Watches & Wonders Geneva, I got to try this watch on and take a closer look.

Jacob & Co. Astronomia background

Known for pushing technical boundaries, especially within the Astronomia line, Jacob & Co. originally unveiled the Astronomia in a  2015 model with a tourbillon on a rotating platform that completed one revolution every 20 minutes. That speed increased to 10 minutes in later models, and in 2023, the Astronomia Revolution brought it down to just 60 seconds. Now, the brand has added a fourth axis of rotation to the tourbillon itself.

Jacob & Co. Astronomia Revolution Four-Axis Tourbillon

The four axes each move at a different speed: 60 seconds, 18 seconds, 15 seconds, and another 60 seconds. At the top of the rotating structure sits a triple-axis flying tourbillon, mounted on a carousel that spins once per minute. While triple-axis tourbillons are rare but known, the addition of a fourth axis—especially one tied to the movement of the entire platform—is new to the watch industry.

In terms of engineering, the movement, known as Caliber JCAM54, includes a high-frequency constant-force mechanism. Most remontoirs release energy in one-second intervals; this one does so every one-sixth of a second. That rapid cycling is designed to manage the significant power needed to drive the multi-axis tourbillon and the rotating time display without destabilizing the balance wheel.

The watch is housed in a 47mm case made from 18K rose gold and sapphire, standing 27mm tall. The dial is a skeletonized structure with a red composite subdial for the hour and minutes. The baseplate, visible beneath the mechanism, is mirror-polished and gold-plated, designed to reflect light through a geometric mosaic pattern. Unlike traditional settings, the rose gold blocks are placed in an inverted layout, adding visual texture without relying on diamonds or gems.

My thoughts on the Astronomia Revolution Four-Axis Tourbillon

No other brand has attempted four axes in a tourbillon timepiece, so the name “Revolution” is fitting. I am not a fan, though, of the mirror-polished background with pyramid structure. I think it distracts from the beauty of the rotations of the axis. Maybe a more  toned-down sand-blasted gold background would  enable the onlooker – or wearer – to admire the mechanics without the overpowering glare of the mirror finish. Just my opinion.