In the world of haute horology, few timepieces blend mechanical skill, artistic flair, and luxury as boldly as the Jacob & Co. Astronomia. This luxury watch is not just for telling time; it is a kinetic art piece, a small celestial system that unfolds on your wrist. In this article, we will look at its origins, design approach, technical features, variations, appeal, and an estimated price in Pakistani rupees (PKR) in lakhs.
Origins & Brand Story
Jacob Arabo, the founder of Jacob & Co., started in high jewelry before moving into watches. The brand is famous for combining gemstone artistry with fine watchmaking. The Astronomia line represents this mix at its most ambitious.
According to the brand’s story, Astronomia was created to display celestial elements globes, satellites, and orbiting parts in a wearable form.
The company Jacob & Co. has a Wikipedia page that details its growth into high end watchmaking and the contributions of its founders. This page provides a good overview of the brand’s history.
Design Philosophy & Aesthetic Vision
The Astronomia stands out because it completely breaks away from traditional wristwatch design. Instead of hiding the movement under a dial, Jacob & Co. chose to reveal and celebrate the movement in three dimensions.
The Astronomia features a vertical axis movement with rotating arms, called “satellites,” which carry several components:
- A miniature globe
- A rotating gem, often symbolizing the Moon
- A time dial
- A multi axis tourbillon
The entire mechanism revolves in a set time period (such as 20 minutes in many classic models), while each satellite rotates on its own. This creates the impression of a tiny mechanical solar system in constant motion.
The sapphire dome, transparent sides, and open design allow for viewing from multiple perspectives. Additionally, Jacob & Co. often sets the watch in precious metals and gem settings, including gold cases and surfaces adorned with diamonds. The baseplates may be made of aventurine to evoke star fields or other decorative finishes.
Technical Highlights & Core Features
Here are the key features that make the Jacob & Co. Astronomia a true masterpiece:
- Multi Axis Tourbillon
A triple axis (or dual axis in some models) flying tourbillon. The entire platform makes a full rotation in 20 minutes, adding a third axis of motion. - Rotating Satellites & Differential System
The time dial remains upright thanks to a differential gear, while the globe and gem “moon” rotate on their own axes, usually completing a spin every 60 seconds. - Movement & Power Reserve
Equipped with manual winding calibers like the JCAM10, offering a 60 hour power reserve with hundreds of finely finished components. - Case & Crystal
Large cases (44-50 mm, over 20 mm thick) with curved sapphire domes and sometimes sapphire windows on the sides. Water resistance is around 30 meters. - Variants & Complications
Versions like the Astronomia Sky feature zodiac displays, day/night markers, and sidereal time, while others incorporate gemstones or even roulette mechanisms.
Why Astronomia Captivates Collectors
- Visual Drama & Spectacle
The rotating globe, spinning tourbillon, and gemstone moon make it one of the most visually striking watches ever created. - Rarity & Exclusivity
Produced in very limited numbers, ensuring it remains a rare collector’s item. - Technical Brilliance
Miniaturized multi axis rotations and complex engineering distinguish it from most luxury watches. - Luxury & Craftsmanship
A perfect mix of high jewelry and fine watchmaking, often with diamonds and precious metals. - Brand Statement
The Astronomia is Jacob & Co.’s flagship creation, symbolizing creativity and ambition. - Conversation Piece
More than a timepiece, it is a mechanical universe that sparks discussion and admiration.
An interesting fact: An Astronomia watch was worn during a private space mission, making it one of the first triple axis tourbillon watches to travel into space.
Price in Pakistan
Jacob & Co. Astronomia watches are ultra high luxury creations. Depending on the version, materials, gem settings, and complications, prices often range from USD 400,000 to USD 600,000 or higher.
At a rough exchange rate, USD 500,000 = PKR 15 crore (about 1,500 lakhs PKR).
- A mid to high variant costs around PKR 1,500 lakhs.
- Simpler versions may cost less but still run into hundreds of lakhs.
- Gem set or special editions can exceed PKR 2,000 lakhs.
Import duties, taxes, and limited availability in Pakistan can raise the market price even further.
Summary
The Jacob & Co. Astronomia is not just a luxury watch—it is a mechanical marvel, a work of art, and a status symbol. Its multi axis tourbillon, rotating satellites, globe, and gemstone moon make it stand apart from almost any other watch in the world.
Collectors admire it for its rarity, visual drama, and technical brilliance, making it one of the most ambitious achievements in modern horology.
For more on Jacob & Co.’s bold innovations, see our guide on the Jacob & Co. Batman Watch.
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