In the glittering realm of luxury timepieces, few names evoke as much audacity and extravagance as Jacob and Co watches. Founded by visionary jeweler Jacob Arabo in 1986, Jacob and Co has evolved from a bespoke jewelry atelier in New York City’s Diamond District into a global powerhouse of haute horlogerie. What began as custom diamond creations for hip-hop icons and Hollywood elites has blossomed into a collection of Jacob and Co watches that blend mechanical wizardry with unapologetic opulence. These aren’t mere timekeepers; they’re wearable art, statements of power, and gateways to the impossible.
Jacob Arabo’s journey is the stuff of American dream lore. Born in the former Soviet Union, he immigrated to the U.S. as a child, honing his craft in a local watch workshop by age 13. A gift of a world timer from his father ignited a lifelong passion for complications that transcend functionality. By 1981, Arabo was designing for private clients, and in 1986, he launched Diamond Quasar under the Jacob and Co banner. Early success came from flashy, diamond-encrusted pieces that caught the eye of rappers like Jay-Z and celebrities such as Leonardo DiCaprio. But it was the pivot to watches in 2002 that catapulted Jacob and Co watches into horological legend.
The debut, the Five Time Zone watch, was a quartz marvel tailored for jet-setters. With customizable bezels and straps in bold primary colors, it displayed local time alongside hubs like New York, Los Angeles, Paris, and Tokyo. Worn by supermodel Naomi Campbell and U2’s Bono, this Jacob and Co watch became a red-carpet staple, proving that utility could be as glamorous as jewelry. Its success underscored Arabo’s philosophy: “Inspired by the impossible,” a mantra that drives every Jacob and Co watch creation.
By 2008, Jacob and Co watches ventured deeper into high complications. The Quentin, launched in 2009, introduced a vertical side-mounted tourbillon with a 31-day power reserve powered by seven barrels—a first in watchmaking. This wasn’t just innovation; it was defiance against Swiss traditionalism, which initially snubbed Arabo’s bold American style. Undeterred, Jacob and Co watches pushed boundaries further in 2010 with the Quenttin, a world-first vertical tourbillon that showcased Arabo’s refusal to conform.
No discussion of Jacob and Co watches is complete without the Astronomia, arguably the brand’s crown jewel. Unveiled in 2014, this gravitational masterpiece features a rotating triple-axis tourbillon orbiting a lacquered globe and a diamond-studded celestial ring. The entire dial revolves every 20 minutes, with a differential gear ensuring the sub-dial stays upright—a feat of engineering visible through sapphire crystals on all sides. Priced from $100,000 to over $1 million for gem-set editions, the Astronomia isn’t for the faint of wrist; at 50mm wide and 17mm thick, it’s a bold presence. Yet, its hypnotic motion—mimicking planetary dance—has ensnared collectors worldwide, earning praise as “revolutionary” from Arabo himself.
Collaborations have amplified the allure of Jacob and Co watches. The 2020 partnership with Bugatti birthed the Chiron Tourbillon, a rose gold homage to the hypercar’s W16 engine. With 342 baguette diamonds totaling 30 carats and an automaton replicating exhaust pipes, this Jacob and Co watch revs at 48 components per hour, echoing the Chiron’s 1,500 horsepower. Other tie-ins include the Epic X Chrono with Jacob and Co’s automotive flair and the Opera Godfather, a musical tourbillon playing the film’s theme via a miniature bellows—limited to 360 pieces, it’s a cinematic symphony on the wrist.
The Billionaire collection, another hallmark of Jacob and Co watches, dazzles with galaxy-like pavé diamonds and skeletonized movements. The Billionaire Ashoka, inspired by ancient Indian motifs, features over 200 carats of stones, transforming time into a cosmic vault. For those craving whimsy, the Casino Tourbillon spins a functional roulette wheel atop a multi-axis tourbillon, complete with spinning dice and a dealer automaton—pure Vegas excess priced at $1.5 million. These Jacob and Co watches aren’t subtle; they’re engineered spectacles, often taking 8-10 months to craft, blending Swiss movements with American bravado.
Celebrity endorsement has long fueled Jacob and Co watches’ mystique. From Drake’s iced-out Five Time Zones to Floyd Mayweather’s diamond-drenched Astronomia, they’ve become hip-hop’s horological badge. Even Bollywood’s Ranveer Singh sports a Jacob and Co watch on red carpets, bridging East and West. This cultural cachet, paired with NFT editions and crypto payments, positions Jacob and Co as forward-thinking— the first luxury brand to tokenize a timepiece in 2021.
Yet, Jacob and Co watches aren’t without controversy. Early legal woes, including a 2006 money-laundering probe tied to hip-hop clientele, tested Arabo’s resilience. Critics decry their flash as “nouveau riche,” but proponents hail the inclusivity—making high complications accessible beyond Geneva’s gates. Today, with boutiques in Dubai and Geneva, Jacob and Co watches thrive, expanding into real estate with opulent residences mirroring their jewel-like precision.
In an era of minimalist tickers, Jacob and Co watches roar with personality. They challenge: Why tell time when you can orchestrate a universe? For collectors, investors (limited editions appreciate 20-30% annually), or showmen, these pieces— from $15,000 quartz entry points to multimillion-dollar marvels—offer immortality on the wrist. Jacob and Co watches aren’t just worn; they’re wielded, a testament to Arabo’s enduring creed: Dare the impossible, and time bends to your will.
FAQ
What is the history of Jacob and Co watches? Jacob and Co was founded in 1986 by Jacob Arabo as a jewelry brand in New York. It entered watchmaking in 2002 with the Five Time Zone model, evolving into high-complication pieces like the Astronomia by 2014. The brand is known for blending American boldness with Swiss precision.
What are some iconic Jacob and Co watches? Standouts include the Astronomia (rotating tourbillon with celestial elements), Bugatti Chiron Tourbillon (automotive-inspired with engine automaton), and Casino Tourbillon (mini roulette wheel). The Five Time Zone remains a celebrity favorite for its customizable design.
How much do Jacob and Co watches cost? Prices start at around $15,000 for quartz models like the Five Time Zone and soar to over $1 million for limited editions like the gem-set Astronomia or Billionaire collections. Factors like diamonds and complications drive the premium.
Are Jacob and Co watches suitable for everyday wear? While bold, many Jacob and Co watches like the Epic X are water-resistant and comfortable for daily use. However, their extravagant designs—such as oversized cases and heavy gem settings—appeal more to statement-makers than subtle traditionalists.
Where can I buy authentic Jacob and Co watches? Purchase from authorized retailers like Watches of Switzerland, Ethos, or the official Jacob & Co website. Avoid secondary markets without certification to ensure authenticity.