If you ask a room of car enthusiasts and fanatics if they would want the chance to own a Bugatti, there is a good chance that a majority would say yes. However, two barriers prevent that opportunity from becoming a reality for most people. One is that cars like the Bugatti Tourbillon can command more than one would define as a "pretty penny," as one carries a price tag of over $4 million before personalization or options. Additionally, there's the wait time. Recently, Bugatti revealed that it’s sold out until 2029.

"So, building 250 Tourbillons. Now delivering the finalist trials. The final Bolide…[all that] is going to keep us busy with our capacities until 2029 and sold out until 2029," Bugatti Director of Design Frank Heyl told CarBuzz. If you have this [financial stability] as a business owner, it works out very solid. Then you know, you can plan ahead. It’s all set.”

Bugatti

However, if you missed the boat on the opportunity to configure your own Bugatti Turbillion, a good consolation prize can come in the form of an expensive, flashy watch inspired by the car.

The hypercar specialists are again collaborating with New York-based jewelers Jacob & Co. to create a new timepiece that mimics the multimillion-dollar hybrid hypercar. Previously, the famed Diamond District and hip-hop jewelry mainstay have linked up to produce a limited edition series of flashy watches inspired by the Chiron—the last Bugatti powered by its legendary W16 powerplant—and this latest watch is its spiritual successor.

Bugatti

According to both Bugatti and Jacob & Co., the Tourbillon's case is a massive one that sits on the wrist. Measuring 52 x 44 mm and 15 mm thick (about as big as a Diesel 'Mr. Daddy' watch), it is said to be shaped to "emulate" the car's design, incorporating cues like its rear wing, windows, grille, and radiators.

The main party piece of this massive watch is a teeny tiny version of the 8-liter V-16 engine at the heart of the road-going Bugatti. Although it may look like a cool static element, it's controlled by a small button on the side of the case. Press it, and it 'fires up,' with a 22.37 mm crankshaft turning 16 miniature pistons up and down.

Bugatti

Jacob & Co. and Bugatti first unveiled this collaborative Tourbillon-inspired piece last summer as a limited edition of 150 watches priced at about $340,000. The watches themselves can be had in 7 variations featuring exotic materials like rose gold and titanium, and can be configured with different-colored dials and other major elements.

However, as in the Jacob tradition, it seems that the King of Bling cannot be less tempted to add the kind of touch it is known for: diamonds. If you know your jewels, you'd know that the new diamond-covered Jacob & Co. Bugatti Tourbillon Baguette is not a reference to baked goods, but the cut of diamonds that populate the case of this very flashy timepiece.

Bugatti

According to Jacob and Bugatti, just 18 examples of this iced-out version of the Tourbillon will be produced, and each has a case made from 18K white gold set with over 17 carats of diamonds. Specifically, 328 baguette-cut diamonds are arranged across the case and even on the crown. In addition, 18-baguette-cut rubies are positioned on the bottom of the case to emulate the taillights of the actual car.

Although this watch may be more flash than anything, the Tourbillon Baguette packs some serious complications that would make any serious horologist drool. Inside its case is a 30-second double-pace flying tourbillon and an 80-hour power reserve.

“From the beginning of our partnership, Bugatti and Jacob & Co. have had the honor of channeling our unique, world-leading skillsets into horological creations that stand the test of time. Each is a work of art, to be admired from generation to generation," Bugatti managing director Wiebke Ståhl said in a statement. "Together, that mantle is what the Bugatti Tourbillon and Bugatti Tourbillon Baguette timepieces now carry – and it is in the same spirit that Bugatti crafted the Tourbillon hypercar."

Cars and watches are two related hobbies with similar audiences that go together like peanut butter and jelly, but in my purview as someone who prefers smaller, less expensive watches, this isn't a timepiece for me.

Given their histories, the link between Bugatti and Jacob & Co. is fascinating, as both have a reputation in their respective industries for going above and beyond with their offerings. In a way, Bugatti's 16-cylinder record-breaking hypercars and Jacob's elaborate custom jewelry (especially Pharrell Williams' collection) and watches like the Astronomia are reflections of each other.