Were you surprised to find out that the most expensive watch released during Watches and Wonders 2023 came from Jacob & Co.? Probably not, since Jacob & Co. far exceeds its competitors when it comes to extravagance. From Cristiano Ronaldo’s wrist to Rihanna’s Super Bowl performance, from the red carpet to movie sets – Jacob & Co.’s watches often make big appearances. It’s no wonder, considering how eye-catching and enchanting they are. At first glance, they often come across as flashy – it’s easy to get caught up with their diamonds and exciting designs. But if you take a moment to look at them again, you’ll notice a tourbillon, or maybe even two. Their pieces are unexpected, novel and attractive. They imagine the unfathomable and do the impossible. Reality and dream, tradition and revolution become one. But who’s behind this star-studded watch brand? Join us as we take a look behind the scenes and see which watches fascinate us most.
The Brand’s History
Jacob Arabo and his family emigrated from Uzbekistan to the US in search of a better life. For him, this started with studying to be a watchmaker and jeweler. He set up shop in 1986 and served celebrity clients like the Notorious B.I.G. and Jay-Z early on. Soon he became well known as the “King of Bling.” But he didn’t stop there – in 2002 he released his first watch, which also enjoyed success. The Five Time Zone even made it onto the cover of Vogue, on Naomi Campbell’s wrist.
But this wasn’t enough for Jacob Arabo. Luckily for us watch lovers, he continued to strive for more. Working with Swiss movement makers, Arabo released increasingly complex and remarkable watches. The King of Bling became a serious watch manufacturer. His creations are more than just unique and playful. They push the boundaries of watchmaking and prove that the impossible can be made possible. Don’t believe us? Let’s introduce you to some of his models.
Five Time Zone
The Five Time Zone was Jacob & Co.’s first watch and first success. As its name suggests, it displays the time in five different places at once, with the wearer’s current time zone in the center and the times in Paris, New York, Los Angeles, and Tokyo on subdials at 2, 4, 8, and 10 o’clock, respectively. There are a number of different models in different styles. Whether you prefer the older models with their colorful designs, opt for a pirate model with a stylized skull on the dial, or go for the reserved Palatial Five Time Zone in black, there’s something here for everyone.
The true mastery of this watch becomes apparent upon closer inspection. Not only can each time zone be set individually using a dedicated crown but all the subdials have their own quartz movements, which are synchronized with each other. The quartz movements ensure that the watch isn’t too bulky, making it easy to wear. The watch is also available at relatively affordable prices. So if you’re looking for the perfect entryway into the fascinating world of Jacob & Co., look no further than the Five Time Zone.
Astronomia
The Astronomia line launched Jacob & Co. into the world of independent haute horlogerie, changing people’s conceptions of what’s possible in watchmaking. The collection’s trademark is the special four-armed in-house caliber that rotates around itself and is displayed under a sapphire crystal dome. The most well-known model in this series is without a doubt the Astronomia Tourbillon. As its name suggests, one of the four arms on this model has a rotating tourbillon. The time display is on the opposite arm (and doesn’t rotate), and the two other arms hold miniature celestial bodies. Several unique pieces were made based on this caliber, such as the Astronomia Solar, which models the entire solar system. Each watch contains not only valuable gemstones and decorative elements, but also patented watchmaking technologies.
The Astronomia Art watches are, as their name suggests, dedicated to art. You’ll find miniature animals, landmarks, and much more on their dials, all inviting you to view the composition under the dome and continue discovering new details. The Astronomia Casino also makes good on its name. This watch builds on the classic Astronomia Tourbillon model and features a fully functioning roulette wheel. That’s right! The wheel is separated from the movement by sapphire crystal, so that the ball can move around freely. Feel like a quick game of roulette? You can skip the casino and just press the push-piece.
Casino Tourbillon
The Casino Tourbillon was released as a follow-up to the Astronomia Casino. This watch embodies playfulness like no other, with its fully functioning roulette wheel. Unlike every other Jacob & Co. watch, the tourbillon on this piece is hidden on the back side of the case, making it easier to read the time and the game. When the watch is on your wrist, you’ll notice two things. First, it’s surprisingly comfortable and easy to wear. The design is unique but unusually calm, and the size is also pleasant. Second and most important, you’ll want to play. You’ll want to push the push-piece and send the ball spinning. Which means the watch masterfully achieves its goal: It piques curiosity and playfulness while also serving as a comfortable time-keeping companion in your everyday life. As far as the price is concerned, you’ll probably need some big wins at the casino before considering a purchase. Or, just try it on and enjoy a few minutes with this masterpiece.
Opera
The cult classic films The Godfather and Scarface were the inspiration behind Jacob & Co.’s Opera collection. These watches have a triple axis tourbillon, but they don’t stop there. They also have miniature music boxes that play – you guessed it – each film’s theme music. Of course, the watches also contain numerous other references to the films that will leave fans smiling. The Godfather watch, for example, displays not only the film’s logo but also a tiny Don Corleone figurine. You won’t find this much film for the wrist or childlike joy anywhere else! Just ignore the price tag and try one on if you ever get the chance. If you haven’t already been charmed by this watch, hearing it play its melody is sure to do the trick. It’s a piece that conveys passion as only cult classics can!
Billionaire
When the first diamond-studded Billionaire watch was introduced in 2015, it became popular quickly. The newest addition to the line was presented in conjunction with Watches and Wonders 2023 and was the most expensive watch at the event. After all, the new Billionaire Timeless Treasure costs $20,000,000. Yes, that’s 20 million dollars. The skeletonized movement with tourbillon is almost lost on this watch: encrusted with yellow diamonds, the timepiece looks more like a bracelet than a watch. In fact, it was these diamonds that posed the biggest challenge in making this watch.
Since yellow diamonds are extremely rare, getting enough diamonds of the same quality and color seemed an impossible feat. But after three and a half years, Jacob & Co. had 880 carats of raw yellow diamonds and formed them into 425 gems for a total of 216.89 Asscher-cut carats. Each stone was precisely cut for its intended placement. The dial is framed by a ring of green tsavorite, and the skeletonized movement with tourbillon is also set with diamonds. The watch isn’t exactly easy to wear and is more like a piece of jewelry, but once again Jacob & Co. has raised the bar and shown that much more is possible than we would have thought.
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