Jacob & Co. The Godfather II is not the first watch dedicated to the film "The Godfather," but it is the first and only musical watch in the world with a dual melody.
Although Blancpain recently introduced the Double Grande Sonnerie model with a chime, it falls into the striking watch category, whereas The Godfather II is musical. This model is based on a music box with a single drum capable of playing two compositions - "The Godfather Waltz" and "Love Theme from The Godfather." The musical mechanism is integrated into a caliber of 510 parts, housed in a new rose gold case measuring 42 × 44 mm. The release is limited to 74 pieces - a tribute to the year 1974, when "The Godfather Part II" was released.
Film and Music: Inspiration for Jacob & Co. The Godfather II
"The Godfather Part II" is the favorite film of Jacob Arabo, founder of Jacob & Co. Francis Ford Coppola's epic film is accompanied by an equally epic soundtrack. The film features two famous compositions by Nino Rota: "Love Theme from The Godfather," the main musical theme of the franchise, and "The Godfather Waltz," which first played at the wedding in the original film. If you have $440,000 to spend on a watch, the Jacob & Co. The Godfather II will allow you to listen to these melodies right on your wrist.
Design and Construction: A Watch You Cannot Refuse
In "The Godfather Part II," the character Hyman Roth says, "Health is the most important thing. More than success, more than money, more than power." However, he overlooks the importance of wearing a quality watch - or an exceptional one, like the Jacob & Co. The Godfather II. The novelty is crafted in a rectangular, curved art-deco style rose gold case, which also serves as a kind of "boombox" for the musical mechanism. The dimensions of 42 × 44 × 17 mm appear modest for such a complex model, and the ergonomic profile emphasizes comfort when wearing.
The watch's style can be described as "cinematic": the black lacquered dial features a detailed portrait of Marlon Brando as Don Corleone, and three-dimensional appliqués in the form of marionette strings - the franchise's trademark symbol. The case back is engraved with several bullet holes, and the crown is adorned with spiral grooves reminiscent of a gun barrel. As a more peaceful element, a pink Don Corleone motif is engraved on the case.
Musical Mechanism and Operational Features
On the case back, besides engravings, there is a sapphire window through which the rotating cylinder and the comb of the music box - the source of the melodies - can be seen. The mechanism is partially covered by a plate with the musical score of "Love Theme from The Godfather." In addition to the music box, the caliber is equipped with a flying tourbillon and two power reserve indicators: one for the main mechanism, the other for the musical mechanism.
The manual caliber JCAM62 consists of 510 components and boasts a unique design providing an exceptional user experience. The melody switch is located at the "10 o'clock" position and allows selection of one of the two mechanically programmed compositions. Playback is started by a button at "8 o'clock." Each melody lasts 15–20 seconds, and one wind is enough for up to 10 repeats.
The mechanism's feature is that both melodies are programmed on a single music box drum, allowing for a compact case while accommodating a minute flying tourbillon. The musical mechanism consists of an 18-steel-tooth comb of varying lengths, creating different notes, and a brass cylinder with pins that activate the teeth sequentially. Lateral displacement of less than a millimeter, controlled by the melody selector, changes the interaction of the pins with the comb, allowing switching between compositions.
Comparison with Previous Models and Films
Most sequels fall short of their originals, just as "Jaws 2" did not surpass "Jaws." However, many believe that "The Godfather Part II" is better than the first part. Jacob Arabo shares this opinion. The Fratello Watches editorial team also claims that The Godfather II surpasses the original Opera Godfather musical watch - a 49-mm model created under license from Paramount Pictures. The new case, inspired by the 1930s, is more convenient in size and looks more elegant than the traditional round case. The ability to play two melodies instead of one is another improvement.
Which of the two melodies in Jacob & Co. The Godfather II would you choose more often? Share your opinion in the comments.
Technical Specifications of Jacob & Co. The Godfather II
| Specification | Description |
|---|---|
| Dial | Black lacquer with Don Corleone image, The Godfather applique at "12 o'clock," tourbillon aperture, melody and power reserve indicators, curved and faceted Dauphine hands with rose gold |
| Case Material | 18-carat rose gold, crown with spiral pattern, side engraving of Don Corleone's rose |
| Case Dimensions | 42 mm (width) × 44 mm (lug-to-lug) × 17 mm (thickness) |
| Glass | Convex sapphire with double anti-reflective coating |
| Case Back | 18K rose gold and sapphire with bullet hole engravings and "Love Theme from The Godfather" score |
| Movement | JCAM62: manual winding, frequency 21,600 vph (3 Hz), power reserve 72 hours, 8–10 melody plays on full wind, 510 components, size 36 × 37 × 11 mm |
| Water Resistance | 3 ATM (30 meters) |
| Strap | Black alligator leather with folding clasp in 18K rose gold |
| Functions | Hours, minutes, flying tourbillon (60 seconds), integrated music box with two melodies, melody activation button (8 o'clock), melody selector (10 o'clock), power reserve indicator (4 o'clock), music box power reserve indicator (8 o'clock) |
| Features | Limited edition - 74 pieces |
This model, Jacob & Co. The Godfather II, represents a unique combination of horological art and musical mechanics, inspired by classic world cinema. High-tech design and complex mechanics make this watch of interest to both collectors and enthusiasts of exclusive watches with musical accompaniment.
