When launched back in 2015, the original Epic X collection was instrumental in making Jacob & Co. the full-fledged watchmaking brand it is today. A complete work of watchmaking, the epic X was ahead of the trends that went on to define the sporty, high watchmaking, skeleton watch as a hero of the 2020s. It later became the blueprint for the Epic X Chrono and Epic X Tourbillon, and this second generation design.

When released, the Epic X was also a uniquely designed piece. It was one of the rare instances where the inside and outside of a watch were in actual symbiosis. The X figure that gave the collection its name is to be found on its pairs of lugs. They're interconnected through the vertical bridges of the skeleton movement, creating a continuous shape throughout the entire piece.

The 101-piece limited-edition Epic X Producer Michael Black DLC includes details associated with Michael Blakey, the Grammy-nominated record producer, drummer, composer, arranger and songwriter. He's known on social media as "producermichael," where he shares his life experiences as a self-made success to inspire and motivate others. Blakey created this timepiece with his good friend, Jacob Arabo, founder of Jacob & Co. It has many details associated with Blakey, including a rainbow-colored bezel, drum sticks for hands, his personal logo and his signature on the sapphire crystal caseback.

Caliber JCAM45 is an integral part of the Epic X identity. It was designed as a skeleton from inception. It benefits from a free, graphic structure. The wide barrel at 12 o'clock and balance wheel at 6 o'clock define the caliber's verticality. It is enhanced by the vertical bridges that run along them.

Caliber JCAM45 is openworked to the extreme. What's left of the black-plated surfaces of the mainplate is finished with perlage (circular graining), sandblasting and vertical-graining. A look at the movement's back reveals the characteristic "Octopus" spring, with three extremely thin and elegantly curved blades, whose shape is a testament to the haute horlogerie calling of the Epic X.

DLC surface treatment. Its most striking update is the new shape of the case. The once stepped bezel is now smooth and polished, with a steeper angle. The X-shaped lugs are now full and flush, and begin slightly above the sapphire crystal. Their ends are more angular and more vertical, creating an even better fit for the strap.

The caseband extends far outside the case's circle to create a set of crown guards. In between them, a redesigned crown exhibits a two-level, notched Black DLC tip. Its basis introduces a new design principle : the Epic X now features several colorful components, crafted out of aluminum. The crown tube is made of black aluminum while this limited edition uses a rainbow inner ring, another of Producer Michael's signatures, made of Neoralithe.

This color is applied to the flange, which also bears a redesigned typeface. To the satin-finished edges on the two vertical bridges, the body of the X. And more discretely, to their underside, visible only though the sapphire caseback, beyond the maze of components of calibre JCAM45.

As a skeleton timepiece, the Epic X doesn't have a dial per se. A full, decorated plate would block the view on the calibre, which is a major attraction. Yet, Jacob & Co.'s design sense led to the integration of vertical bridges. They may be part of the movement, but they fill one of the dial's roles.

The Epic X Producer Michael Black DLC features openworked bridges, one of which bears the Jacob & Co. logo in red. Opposite it, on the inner case band, Producer Michael's logo is etched in red.

The Epic X Producer Michael Black DLC features a set of hands that further the intimate nature of this limited edition. Drums are Producer Michael's signature instrument and as such, this piece features drumstick-shaped hands.