The Jacob & Co. Godfather II Combines a Music Box and Tourbillon
Two melodies, one cylinder, and a compact tourbillon construction
Jacob & Co. The Godfather II: Two Melodies, One Caliber
Jacob & Co. expands its Godfather collection with a technical first: the JCAM62 caliber enables, for the first time, the selection between two melodies within a single music box barrel. A subtle lateral shift of less than one millimeter — controlled via a selector at 10 o’clock — determines which of the 18 steel teeth of the comb is activated. While melody selection itself is not entirely new in watchmaking, combining it with a flying one-minute tourbillon within a wearable 42 × 44 mm case is.
Jacob & Co. Godfather II
Jacob & Co.
For Movie Fans and Watch Enthusiasts
Anyone who came to the United States from Uzbekistan in 1979 at the age of 14 without language skills and without money, haute horlogerie was far from his concerns. It took Jacob Arabo two years before he could even afford a cinema ticket. Since then, he has translated that fascination into metal — first with the Opera Godfather in 2019, followed by several iterations, and now the Godfather II.
This is personal history expressed through 510 components. What has changed: the case has been reduced from 49 mm to 42 × 44 mm, while the mechanics have become more complex. And for the first time, a Jacob & Co. watch plays two melodies.
The caliber JCAM62 allows the selection between The Godfather Love Theme and The Godfather Waltz via a selector at 10 o’clock. A lateral shift of less than one millimeter determines which pins of the brass cylinder engage the 18 steel teeth of the comb. Again, melody selection itself is not unprecedented — but the combination with a flying one-minute tourbillon in a compact, wearable case is.
A More Compact Construction
The key evolution compared with its predecessor lies in its proportions and architecture. Instead of the expansive 49 mm case with a height of 20 mm, the Godfather II is housed in an Art Deco–inspired rectangular case made of 18-carat rose gold, with a reduced thickness of 17 mm. It offers a power reserve of 72 hours, along with a dedicated power indicator for the music box. Up to ten melody sequences can be played per winding cycle, each lasting 15 to 20 seconds.
Jacob & Co. Godfather II, Caliber JCAM62
Jacob & Co.
Technical Background
The JCAM62 caliber consists of 510 components and operates at 21,600 vibrations per hour. Two separate energy sources — one for the gear train and one for the music box — form the basis of its power management. This principle of dual power reserves is known from striking watches; applying it to a musical complication is a logical step, as music boxes consume more energy than a traditional minute repeater.
The music box mechanism follows the established comb-and-cylinder principle: a pinned brass cylinder sequentially activates the teeth of the steel comb. The innovation lies in the miniaturization and dual encoding on a single cylinder. In the previous model, the entire movement rotated by 120 degrees during playback, and a crank was used for winding. Both features have been eliminated in favor of a more compact construction. (Read also: Diamonds & Delights: Exploring the Craftsmanship Behind Diamond-Set Watches).
Jacob & Co. Godfather II
Jacob & Co.
Design and Reading
The black lacquered dial features a portrait of Marlon Brando as Don Corleone, along with the iconic puppet motif rendered as a three-dimensional appliqué. On the case back, a sapphire window reveals the comb, while an engraved plate displays the actual musical score of The Godfather Love Theme. The crown is decorated with spiral grooves, and the case back features engraved bullet holes. The Corleone rose motif extends as a relief engraving along the case.
The watch is fitted with a black alligator leather strap and a folding clasp in 18-carat rose gold. Water resistance is rated to 30 meters.
Positioning
The Godfather II is not a mechanical world premiere in the strictest sense, but it addresses a distinct watchmaking challenge: integrating two complete musical compositions into a compact case without sacrificing the tourbillon. For Jacob & Co., the watch also represents a clear positioning strategy. For years, the brand has embraced a pop-cultural visual language — from Astronomia to Opera to Billionaire. The collaboration with Paramount Pictures, combined with the founder’s personal narrative, gives the collection a brand mythology that does not exist within the traditional Geneva framework.
The watch has its audience. At a price of $440,000, limited to 75 pieces, it is unlikely to exceed it.
To learn more, visit Jacob & Co., here.
