Jacob&co oilpump design in frame

Original painting size: 78 x 115 cm

Jacob & Co. created a luxury timepiece called the Jacob & Co. Oil Pump which features a detailed, animated miniature oil derrick automaton on the dial. This design does not involve an actual functional oil pump but rather a complex mechanical automaton that mimics the action of an oil well pump jack.

Design Details

• Automaton Animation: The watch features two miniature, hand-finished 18K gold derricks (pump jacks) on the dial. When activated by a pusher on the side of the case, the derricks perform a bobbing, 35-second animation that recreates the rhythm and motion of an actual oil pump, powered by a dedicated mechanism within the movement.
• Dial Display: The dial is designed as a miniature oil field, complete with a network of gold pipes, a gold reservoir tank, and a pressure gauge-shaped power reserve indicator. The time is displayed on a separate sub-dial with Roman numerals, often in an off-center position.
• Movement: The automaton is integrated into a highly complex, in-house developed manual-winding caliber, such as the JCAM33 (original version) and the JCAM53 (updated version). These movements also incorporate a tourbillon (originally a double-axis, now a single-axis flying tourbillon) which further adds to the mechanical spectacle.
• Winding Mechanism: To maintain a clean case design and avoid a traditional crown, winding the movement and setting the time is achieved using two flip-up bows located on the case back.

Purpose: The design is a piece of high watchmaking intended as a conversation starter and a symbol of wealth for clients in the oil industry, blending traditional automaton technology with a contemporary, industrial theme.