Jacob & Co‘s eponymous brand is creating a clear path to the legitimacy of watches.
I have been racking my brains, trying to express Jacob & Co.’s influence on the world of haute horology. Because there is really no one in this industry like Jacob Arable. Arabo came to New York from Russia at the age of 14. He started as an apprentice as a jeweler when he was 16 to help support his family. While making jewelry for other brands, he sold his work as a side business, and then hung up his shingles 1986 York in New York.
His design quickly attracted the attention of singer Faith Evans, who turned her husband’s notorious B.I.G. to the work of Arabo. Soon, he became the immortal “Jeweler Jacob” in hip-hop lyrics. But it’s not just celebrities who are attracted to Jacob & Co.-collectors have also noticed his luxurious timepieces, because Arabo focuses on highly complex timepieces whose designs are made of precious materials such as rare gems.
As a self-made man, Arabo treats the fashion watch industry like he chooses the best gems: with superb technique and a certain attitude towards decadence. Some people may say that it is too much, but at the same time, Jacob’s works also have some dazzling places. The following five timepieces perfectly embody this unconventional manufacturing process.
Jacob & Co 3-D Astronomical Minute Repeater
It is indeed an extraordinary watch. 3-D Astronomia was first introduced at Baselworld in 2014, and it gets more exciting and complicated every year. This year, Jacob & Co. launched the Minute Repeater version, just to increase the value of this ultra-rare watch.
It has Carillon repeaters with three gongs and hammers (instead of the usual two). The gongs are stacked vertically so that you can better see their operation through the side of the sapphire case. The chimes sounded in the familiar Doh Re Mi tones to mark the hours, minutes, and 15-minute intervals. Innovative safety features prevent the wearer from winding when the watch sounds, thereby protecting the mechanism. The four arms radiating from the central cradle support a three-axis tourbillon.
On the icy side, the 3-D Astronomia is inlaid with 15.44 carats of two blue sapphires, with baguette diamonds inlaid on the bottom plate and case. The display also features a 1-carat spherical diamond and a rotating globe with a lacquered dial. The coolest part? A flying astronaut rotating around the 3D earth on its axis!
On the icy side, the 3-D Astronomia is inlaid with 15.44 carats of two blue sapphires, with baguette diamonds inlaid on the bottom plate and case. The display also features a 1-carat spherical diamond and a rotating globe with a lacquered dial. The coolest part? A flying astronaut rotating around the 3D earth on its axis! Jacob & Co. Twin Turbo Furious: Twin Turbo Furious Bugatti Edition
The same destructive commercial move as Jacob & Co.’s luxury watches is that the manufacturer announced in March that it had established a long-term partnership with the automaker Bugatti on a series of exclusive co-branded products. According to the press release, the partnership hopes to push “the limits of mechanically possible.”
This news marked the end of Bugatti’s long-term partnership with Parmigiani Fleurier, who also produced some excellent timepieces. But with Twin Turbo Furious: Twin Turbo Furious Bugatti Edition, Jacob & Co. once again seeks to raise the stakes technically. This watch is driven by two three-axis tourbillons (to ensure precise timing). Other additional features under the hood include a column wheel chronograph and a decimal repeater that sounds at 10 minute intervals.
The appearance is also slightly higher. Its turquoise blue outer ring is a tribute to Bugatti’s 110th anniversary blue Chiron. It also has a Bugatti logo in the center of the dial between the time counters. The power reserve indicator at 6 o’clock is called the “fuel” indicator.
There will be 18 pieces made of carbon fiber, 18 pieces made of rose gold, and three pieces will have diamonds. Each of the 39 pieces will be individually numbered. In order to make it more elusive, you can only buy this watch if you own Bugatti.
Jacob & Co. Bugatti Chrono Limited Edition 100 Years
The second work of Jacob & Co./Bugatti collaboration is Chrono Edition Limitée 100 Years, but it is not so unique. To pay tribute to the 100th anniversary of Ettore Bugatti in 1909, only 110 pieces will be produced.
This watch is also inspired by Jacob & Co.’s original Epic X Chrono column wheel movement. This version is made of forged carbon, with a black matte dial, the colors of the French flag are arranged vertically between the subdials. It is equipped with a rubber strap, also paying tribute to Chiron. Because it is not inlaid with diamonds, its price (for the brand) is 36,000 Swiss francs, which can even be regarded as an entry-level Jacob & Co.