THE GODFATHER II

THE GODFATHER II

 

Jacob & Co. has entered into a partnership with Paramount Pictures and acquired the rights to The Godfather. Jacob & Co. has gained access to the name, imagery, narrative and music from the iconic motion picture. These have become the inspiration for the ultimate movie tribute timepieces.

The Godfather was the first movie Jacob Arabo saw in a movie theater after coming to the U.S.A. The Godfather II is not just a watchmaking achievement. It is a creation with deep personal meaning as well as a uniquely entertaining timepiece and thrilling concept. The Godfather II references the movie’s symbols, scenes, dialogs, themes and overall aesthetic throughout its 42 x 44 mm rose gold case. The black lacquer dial evokes the film’s noir aesthetic. It also contains a portrait of Marlon Brando as Don Corleone. The crown features spiral grooves reminiscent of a gun barrel. Don Corleone’s rose motif is engraved along the case. On the caseback, engraved bullet holes nod to the movie’s shootouts and a piano-shaped opening reveals the music box comb. It’s covered by a plate engraved with The Godfather Love Theme’s actual score.

From a blank page, yet another unique timepiece has come to life, and a never-seen-before movement with it. Caliber JCAM62 is built around its music box. In the previous Godfather pieces, two barrels came together to play one melody. The Godfather II reverses that proposition: a single barrel contains all the coded information to play two different tunes. That construction allows for a more compact movement, incorporating a flying tourbillon and all the necessary functions to operate the music box.

 

The 510-component hand-wound movement is built to match the case 1930’s Art Deco style, It accommodates a 72-hour timekeeping part with a flying tourbillon alongside a double-melody music box complication.

The musical part of caliber JCAM62 is its unique signature. It plays The Godfather’s main theme, “The Godfather Love Theme”, or a separate tune, “The Godfather’s Waltz”. It relies on a single cylinder covered with steel pins that lift the music comb blades. The melody selector slides that barrel a couple of millimeters. It then presents a different set of pins to the comb, playing a different series of notes.

 

The tourbillon fitted in caliber JCAM62 is held only by its lower end, with no upper bridge. This makes it a flying tourbillon. It’s covered by a smoked sapphire glass that matches the dial’s full black theme.

 

The Godfather II features two power reserve indicators. The main movement offers a 72-hour reserve, while a separate indicator tracks the energy available for the music box. On a full wind, it can play up to 10 melodies. As energy depletes, visual cues signal when rewinding is needed. A single crown winds both parts of the movement, each one in a different direction.

 

The Godfather II is rich in cinematic references. The black lacquer dial evokes the film’s noir aesthetic, with a detailed portrait of Marlon Brando as Don Corleone. The crown features spiral grooves reminiscent of a gun barrel. Don Corleone’s rose motif is engraved along the case, sprawling like a vine. The caseback features engraved bullet holes as a nod to its numerous shootouts. A piano-shaped sapphire opening reveals the music box comb inside. It’s covered by a plate engraved with The Godfather Love Theme’s actual score.

 

The Godfather II is a heartfelt tribute to the namesake motion picture. It’s dedicated to the franchise’s fandom, offering them a meaningfully symbolic piece. The Godfather II also demonstrates what high watchmaking becomes when freed from conventions and limitations.