Hands-On Jacob & Co. Casino Tourbillon Review
Jacob & Co. rarely let’s watches out of their showroom. Show when I had the chance to take home and review theCasino Tourbillon in white gold, and from what I understand, I immediately jumped on the chance. As far as I can tell, this might just be the first—and possibly only—real, hands-on review of this watch. Jacob & Co. almost never lets these watches out of their sight, making this deep dive feel pretty surreal.
Let me set the stage briefly: Jacob & Co. has always been a brand that's deliberately provocative. Whether you love or hate their style, you can't deny they consistently push the boundaries of what's considered possible in horology. This watch is a prime example of that ethos.
First things first: this isn’t your typical luxury watch. It isn't something you'd casually strap on for brunch or slip under your sleeve at a board meeting. It's bold, it's extravagant, and it's unapologetically attention-grabbing. But here's what's genuinely fascinating: beyond the flashiness, there's real mechanical innovation happening here, and that's exactly why I wanted a chance to review it.
Holding it for the first time, you immediately notice its presence. Solid 18-karat white gold isn't just luxurious—it's substantial (and heavy!). At 44mm, this isn't a shy piece. But interestingly, Jacob & Co. has managed to keep it relatively balanced on the wrist. It doesn't feel overwhelming or excessively bulky. There's a comfort to it that I honestly didn’t expect.
Now let’s get into the most noticeable part of the Casino Tourbillon - the roulette wheel dial. I'll be honest, when I first heard about this watch, my gut reaction was ambivalence. I thought, "Is this another gimmicky novelty?" But then I pressed the button at 8 o'clock, watched the roulette wheel spin smoothly, observed the ceramic ball realistically bouncing around before settling into its pocket, and I thought, "Okay, this is pretty cool and fun." The mechanics feel precise and fluid, and it's genuinely enjoyable to interact with. Is it kinda like an expensive fidget spinner? Maybe? Does anyone need a working roulette wheel in their watch? Of course not. But watches, especially at this level, aren't about necessity—they're about passion and maybe a bit of sheer mechanical indulgence.
Taking a closer look at the craftsmanship of the roulette wheel dial, you’ll notice that each pocket is carefully constructed and precisely colored, mirroring the authentic look of a casino roulette table. The main time dial is black onyx. It not only adds a layer of sophistication, but its fairly sterile look makes sure not to distract from the roulette wheel automation. I know that Jacob & Co. offers this watch with a dial full of diamonds and gems, but to be honest, the variation without any diamonds is much, much more appealing to me.
Another really interesting thing about the watch is showcased on its caseback. Flip the watch over, and you discover the flying tourbillon. Typically, tourbillons are prominently featured on the dial of watch. It’s part of the appeal; brands want you to see the complexity front and center. But Jacob & Co. went against the grain here. They placed their tourbillon discreetly on the caseback, obviously prioritizing the roulette wheel and keeping the watch incredibly legible. It’s a risky and bold decision but one that speaks volumes about the brand's confidence and vision. It’s as if they're saying, "Sure, we have a beautiful tourbillon, but have you seen this roulette wheel?"
Interestingly, this decision to hide the tourbillon makes the watch fairly understated, at least by Jacob & Co. standards. Most Jacob & Co. watches are famously flashy, often showcasing their tourbillons prominently. This subtle choice isn't typical for them. Other prestigious brands like Patek Philippe occasionally conceal tourbillons, revealing them only through the caseback, but I genuinely can't think of another Jacob & Co. watch employing this approach. This understated design decision lets the roulette automation rightfully take center stage.
Getting deeper into the mechanics of the watch, the movement inside—the manual-wind caliber JCAM51—is equally impressive. With 268 individual parts and a robust 72-hour power reserve, Unlike many of Jacob & Co.’s other pieces, the only part of the movement you can see is the tourbillon (which again, is visible through the caseback). This is surprisingly reserved for the brand, but it’s nice to see them do something somewhat unexpected.
But while the watch is much more reserved than many of the brand’s other watches, it is still plenty unconventional. Winding the watch and setting the time aren’t done through a traditional crown; they're actually achieved using two clever fold-out tabs on the caseback. One tab is specifically for winding the watch, and the other is for setting the time. Both fold neatly into the caseback, maintaining the watch's clean, uninterrupted profile. It can take a little getting used to, and may not be the easiest method to wind the watch or set the time, but that’s not really the point. Additionally, constantly turning the watch over while you wind the watch to get the time right isn’t the most intuitive. But I completely understand why Jacob & Co. did it this way. It keeps the dial and case symmetrical, with the roulette wheel as the main focus. Additionally, this winding and setting mechanism is used in many other of the brand’s offerings, and highlights Jacob & Co.'s willingness to challenge traditional watch design conventions.
On the wrist, it undeniably makes a statement, but surprisingly, it's comfortable enough to wear (but it is weighty). Paired with a refined black alligator strap and white gold clasp, the overall package feels well-thought-out and cohesive. Jacob & Co. clearly understands that if you’re going to make a watch that demands attention, it also needs to deliver in terms of comfort and practicality—at least within its own lavish context.
Let’s talk about practicality and real-world usability. Is it practical? Maybe not. But again, that's beside the point. This watch isn't competing with practical pieces; it exists in its own category. It's for the collector who has experienced almost everything else and now seeks something extraordinary and conversational. It’s more about fun and having something completely new and different in your watch.
Within Jacob & Co.'s lineup, the Casino Tourbillon seems to fit pretty well. This isn’t their first adventure into unconventional complications; they’ve previously created watches featuring musical boxes, astronomical displays, and intricate automations. The Casino Tourbillon feels like a natural continuation of this playful exploration into mechanical creativity. It reflects Jacob & Co.'s unapologetic approach to design and their desire to provide experiences, not just timepieces.
The packaging experience is worth mentioning too. This watch comes housed in a beautifully crafted presentation box, lined with red velvet, making it probably the most over the top part of the experience (even more so than the watch). Everything about this watch, from unboxing to putting it on your wrist, feels deliberate and thoughtfully curated.
Let me briefly compare this watch with other unique luxury pieces on the market. Unlike brands that focus solely on traditional complications like perpetual calendars or chronographs, Jacob & Co. specializes in spectacular, attention-grabbing timepiece. This watch doesn’t just stand apart—it practically defines its own category. Its combination of entertainment, fine craftsmanship, and mechanical ingenuity truly distinguishes it in the world of luxury watches.
Finally, after spending substantial time with it, here’s my honest perspective: Do I personally need this watch? Maybe not. But do I deeply appreciate and understand why someone might fall in love with it? Absolutely. It’s audacious, innovative, and boldly refuses to play by anyone else’s rules. It’s not just a watch; it’s watchmaking theater.
This watch sparks curiosity instantly. I happened to have this watch in for review at the same time as the HSNY's (Horological Society of New York) annual gala. Since I was attending, I decided to wear it. And even though people were wearing some of the rarest and most expensive watches in the world, the Casino Tourbillon probably generated the most questions and comments. It drew interest from seasoned collectors and casual enthusiasts alike, highlighting its unique ability to capture attention even among the most knowledgeable watch collectors.
