Celestial bodies and space exploration have long driven Jacob Arabo's creativity. In 2014, he translated his intimate passion into an ambitious timepiece concept. Astronomia is an unheard-of translation of astrophysics into watchmaking form. Astronomia Solar Constellations is a smaller, deeper and more intensely gem-oriented version of this planetary creation. The Astronomia Solar Constellations case is designed like an astronomer's observatory. A vast sapphire dome on top and a streamlined gold frame surround a single-block, full sapphire caseband. Their transparency offers a galaxy-wide view, with wrist-friendly-sized dimensions. A vibrant sun sits at the top of the movement, giving the collection its name. The rotating satellite holds three more planets. All four symbolic stellar bodies are made from Jacob-cut, 288-facet gems of intense color, showcasing the unique Jacob & Co. signature shape. The zodiac constellations are engraved on the blued titanium base underneath it all, along with seven planets made of a selection of hard stone cabochons : white granite for Mercury, rhodonite for Venus, red jasper for Mars, pietersite for Jupiter, tiger eye for Saturn (18K Rose Gold applique for the rings), blue calcite for Uranus and lapis for Neptune.
Astronomia Solar Constellations blends constant motion and extreme precision. It is a choreography of celestial bodies that are actually complications, achieved by exclusive, hand-wound Caliber JCAM19.
The most visually striking feature of Astronomia Solar Constellations is its structure. From the blue titanium glass back-dial emerges a vertical platform. It revolves on its own axis in 10 minutes. Its constant motion powers all the movement's functions and indications.
At the end of one satellite arm hangs a flying tourbillon. It's held inside an openworked carriage. It revolves on its axis in 60 seconds. Since it travels along with the central platform, this adds a second axis, with a 10-minute rotation period.
At the end of another satellite arm lies the hour and minute dial. The platform rotation would normally shift the numbers and make their reading impossible. Jacob & Co. has fitted the dial with a patented differential system. It spins in the opposite direction of the platform, at the same speed. As a result, it remains constantly upright and readable.
The satellite arms carry three gem-made planets, spinning at the same 10-minute per rotation speed as the large central sun that dominates it all. Another part of the platform bears a Jacob-cut, 288-facet diamond moon and a rotating earth globe. The titanium base is also spinning counterclockwise in ten minutes, and is inlaid with another seven planets.
Astronomia Solar Constellations embraces its spectacular nature. Representing ultimate horological showmanship and an exceptional level of high jewelry expertise and craft, it comes with a visually light and more compact case. It stands out even among creative and high complication timepieces.
