What are the differences between the power system of the Jacob & Co. Astronomia Four-Axis Tourbillon and its counterpart, the Three-Axis Tourbillon (Astronomia Revolution)?
Below, we'll clarify the differences in the power systems of the Three-Axis Tourbillon (Astronomia Revolution, or simply "Three-Axis") and the Four-Axis Tourbillon (or simply "Four-Axis"), focusing on five key aspects: movement, mainspring, constant force, rotating platform, and winding method.
1. Movement Model and Basic Structure
Three-Axis (Revolution): Movement JCAM48B, 434 parts, Jacob & Co.
Structure: Three-axis tourbillon (double-axis tourbillon + platform revolution as the third axis).
Four-Axis (Four-Axis): Movement JCAM54, 485 parts.
Structure: True four-axis (three-axis tourbillon + independent fourth-axis rotating support).
Platform reduced from three arms to two arms, reducing weight and energy consumption, maintaining a 36-hour power reserve. 2. Mainspring and Power Reserve
Similarities: Manual winding, single mainspring barrel, 36-hour power reserve, 21,600 vph.
Differences mainly lie in load and torque management:
* Three-axis: Drives three axes + three-arm platform, moderate energy consumption.
* Four-axis: Drives four axes + two-arm high-speed platform (60 seconds/revolution), higher speed, greater instantaneous load, stronger mainspring output torque, requiring more precise constant force control.
3. Constant Force Device (Core Difference)
* Both use 1/6-second high-frequency constant force (synchronized with the balance wheel frequency), but the design and load differ:
* Three-axis (JCAM48B)
* Patented “whip torque adjustment”: Releases energy every 1/6 second, buffering mainspring ripple.
* Function: Protects the dual-axis tourbillon escapement, adapts to three-axis speeds (60 seconds, 15 seconds, 60 seconds).
Jacob and Co. astronomia four-axis tourbillon
Quad-axis (JCAM54)
Next-generation high-frequency constant force: Integrated within the tourbillon frame, allowing for greater load capacity and faster response.
Suitable for quad-axis top speeds: 60 seconds, 18 seconds, 15 seconds, and 60 seconds, with the 15-second axis being Astronomia's current highest speed, doubling the requirements for constant force stability (Jacob & Co.).
Officially described as the "fastest constant force mechanism in history," it precisely charges and discharges every 1/6 second, offsetting the significant torque fluctuations caused by the high speed of quad-axis operation.
4. Rotation Platform and Power Distribution
Tri-axis: Three-arm platform, 60 seconds/revolution; tourbillon at one end, the other end containing a timer, jewel, globe, and other counterweights.
Quad-axis: Two-arm platform, 60 seconds/revolution; retains only the tourbillon and timer, eliminating the jewel/globe, reducing weight by approximately 30%, lowering power consumption, and preventing sudden power drops at high quad-axis speeds.
5. Winding and Time Setting Mechanism
Three-axis: Traditional crown winding + time setting (side of the case).
Four-axis: No crown; replaced by two 18K rose gold bow-shaped winding mechanisms on the case back, 180° rotating operation, suitable for a fully skeletonized design without a side crown, while also optimizing the power transmission path.
Differences Overview (Table)
Table | Item | Three-Axis (Astronomia Revolution) | Four-Axis (Four-Axis Tourbillon)
Movement | JCAM48B (434 pieces) | JCAM54 (485 pieces)
Tourbillon | Three-Axis (Dual-Axis + Platform Revolution) | Four-Axis (Three-Axis + Independent Fourth Axis)
Platform | Three arms, 60 seconds/revolution | Two arms (weight reduction), 60 seconds/revolution
Constant Force | Whip-shaped torque adjustment | New generation high-frequency constant force (faster, stronger)
Speed | 60s, 15s, 60s | 60s, 18s, 15s, 60s (higher speed)
Winding | Side crown | Double bow-shaped winding mechanism on case back
Core Objectives | High-speed three-axis | Four-Axis + Ultimate high-speed stability
In short: The four-axis is a "power-enhanced + architecture-upgraded version" of the three-axis – using the new JCAM54 The movement, weight-reducing platforms on both arms, stronger high-frequency constant force, and crownless winding support the fourth axis and higher speeds, while maintaining a constant 36-hour power reserve.
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