Bugatti Calandre clock unites Lalique crystal and Jacob & Co. watchmaking

Jacob & Co., Bugatti, and Lalique reveal the Bugatti Calandre table clock, merging crystal artistry, French heritage, and vertical tourbillon precision.

Jacob & Co., Bugatti, and Lalique have joined forces once again to blur the line between engineering and art, unveiling the exceptional Bugatti Calandre table clock. Following their prior collaborations, including the renowned Bugatti Tourbillon, this release pushes the boundaries of high watchmaking into new territory.

The Calandre is not just a timekeeping device — it's a sculptural statement. Inspired by the legendary Bugatti Type 41 Royale, the clock features two “Dancing Elephants” as an homage to Rembrandt Bugatti, the celebrated sculptor and brother of Ettore Bugatti. These figures, cast in crystal by Lalique's artisans, recall the French house’s signature symmetry and craftsmanship.

The name “Calandre” refers to the iconic horseshoe-shaped radiator grille seen on Bugatti vehicles. More than an aesthetic nod, this grille structure houses a vertical flying tourbillon — a complication originally designed to enhance timekeeping precision in vertically positioned mechanisms. In the Calandre, the tourbillon resumes this role at the heart of the JCAM58 manual movement.

The crystal case itself is handcrafted in France at Lalique’s historic workshops. A dramatic 30 mm red gemstone crowns the clock, cut using Jacob & Co.’s patented 288-facet Jacob Cut. The stone’s color evokes the deep red of the Bugatti Macaron logo, adding symbolic depth to its shimmering presence.

Limited to just 99 pieces and priced at $240,000, the Bugatti Calandre arrives encased in a bespoke leather trunk, reminiscent of Bugatti’s luxurious interiors. The manually wound movement offers an eight-day power reserve, with time-setting and winding performed using a removable key discreetly integrated into the caseback.

According to watch experts and industry observers, this clock transcends function and enters the realm of collectible art. It’s the product of a near-century-long connection between Bugatti and Lalique, fused with Jacob & Co.’s relentless pursuit of horological innovation. Given its exclusivity and artistic execution, the Calandre is poised to become a coveted gem in the world of haute horlogerie.