Introduction
Where High Jewellery Meets Watchmaking
Watches That Tell a Story
Who Wears Jacob & Co.?
Why Are Jacob & Co. Watches So Expensive?
Where to Buy Jacob & Co. Watches in the UAE
Frequently Asked Questions
COLLECTION
The Story of Jacob & Co.
The story of Jacob & Co. begins with its founder, Jacob Arabo, who started his career in jewellery in New York. After studying jewellery design, he established his business in 1986, creating bold pieces with distinctive shapes, colourful gemstones and a style that stood apart from traditional luxury jewellery.
His designs soon became popular among musicians, athletes and entertainers, helping Jacob & Co. gain international recognition. But Arabo's vision eventually moved beyond jewellery and into the world of luxury watches.
In the early 2000s, Jacob & Co. began making its mark in watchmaking. One of its first major successes was the Five Time Zone watch, introduced in 2002. Its colourful design displayed the time across several cities and quickly became one of the brand's most recognizable early watches.
From there, Jacob & Co. moved into more complicated mechanical watchmaking. Creations such as the Quenttin showed the brand's growing technical ambition, while the later Astronomia became a symbol of its unique approach, transforming the movement itself into a three dimensional mechanical display.
Today, collections including the Astronomia, Billionaire, Twin Turbo, Epic X and Bugatti continue this vision. By bringing together its New York jewellery heritage, Swiss watchmaking, precious stones and complex movements, Jacob & Co. has created a world of watches that is bold, luxurious and unmistakably its own.
The Man Behind Jacob & Co.
Jacob Arabo is the founder and creative force behind Jacob & Co. Born in Uzbekistan and later moving to New York, he developed a passion for jewellery and design from a young age. His bold creations soon attracted musicians, athletes and some of the biggest names in entertainment, earning him the nickname “Jacob the Jeweler.”
Arabo later brought his creative vision into luxury watchmaking, where he became known for challenging traditional design. His focus on bold ideas, complex movements and exceptional gemstones continues to shape Jacob & Co. today, from the iconic Astronomia to some of the house's most extraordinary high jewellery watches.
Where High Jewellery Meets Watchmaking
One of the easiest ways to understand Jacob & Co. watches is to look at the brand's background in jewellery.
Diamonds and coloured gemstones are not simply added as decoration. On many pieces, they become a major part of the watch's identity.
Jacob & Co. has created watches covered in carefully selected diamonds, sapphires, rubies and other precious stones. The setting itself can require exceptional precision, particularly when stones need to flow around the case, bracelet and dial.
At the same time, the brand produces highly complicated mechanical watches.
This combination gives Jacob & Co. its distinctive character. A single creation can showcase both an elaborate mechanical movement and the craftsmanship normally associated with high jewellery.
Watches That Tell a Story
Many traditional watches are designed around subtle details that reveal themselves slowly. Jacob & Co. often takes a different approach. Its watches are created to capture attention and turn mechanical watchmaking into a larger story.
That story might be inspired by space, a hypercar, a casino, music, architecture or an exceptional gemstone. The design, movement and complications are then developed around that central idea.
The Astronomia, for example, brings the idea of space and movement to the wrist, while the Bugatti watches take inspiration from the engineering and performance of hypercars. Other creations bring playful ideas such as casino games into fine watchmaking.
This approach allows Jacob & Co. to create pieces that feel almost like miniature mechanical sculptures. Movements, tourbillons and other components become part of the visual experience rather than remaining hidden.
For collectors, the appeal goes beyond technical specifications. Each watch carries its own personality and story, making it both a luxury timepiece and a conversation piece.
Materials Beyond Traditional Watchmaking
Jacob & Co. works with many of the materials expected in fine watchmaking, including gold, titanium, diamonds and sapphire crystal, but often uses them in unconventional ways.
Sapphire is particularly important to some of the house's complicated watches because transparency allows the movement to become part of the design.
Titanium can help manage weight on larger and more mechanically complex pieces, while precious metals provide the traditional luxury associated with high watchmaking.
Gemstones add another dimension. Depending on the creation, diamonds and coloured stones can transform almost every visible surface of the watch.
The material is chosen not only for luxury, but for the story the watch is intended to tell.
Who Wears Jacob & Co.?
Jacob & Co. has long had a strong connection with music, sport and popular culture. Its bold and distinctive watches naturally appeal to people who want something different from traditional luxury watchmaking.
Over the years, the brand has been connected with some of the world's most recognizable names. Cristiano Ronaldo has a close relationship with Jacob & Co., with the partnership even leading to dedicated CR7 timepieces. NFL legend Tom Brady has also been seen wearing the spectacular Jacob & Co. Caviar Tourbillon, while Saquon Barkley has worn the Astronomia Solar Zodiac.
Celebrity attention, however, is only part of the appeal. With complicated movements, tourbillons, precious stones and unusual designs, Jacob & Co. watches have also attracted serious collectors looking for something outside the traditional world of luxury watches.
Whether chosen for its mechanics, gemstones or unmistakable design, a Jacob & Co. watch is made for someone who is not afraid to stand out.
Why Are Jacob & Co. Watches So Expensive?
The price of a Jacob & Co. watch can vary enormously depending on the collection, movement, materials, rarity and gemstones involved.
At the highest level, these watches can involve extremely complicated mechanical movements, limited production, extensive hand finishing and large quantities of exceptional precious stones.
Developing an unusual movement can also require significant time and specialist knowledge.
Then there is rarity. Many of the house's most ambitious watches are produced in very small numbers, while certain creations are unique pieces.
For collectors, the value proposition is therefore very different from that of a conventional luxury watch. They are buying into complexity, rarity, craftsmanship and an unmistakable design.
Where to Buy Jacob & Co. Watches in the UAE
For collectors looking to buy Jacob & Co. watches in Dubai or across the UAE, Sands UAE offers access to a selection of sought after and rare timepieces from the luxury watchmaker. From the iconic Astronomia and Bugatti creations to the Billionaire, Epic X, and other exceptional references, Sands UAE can assist clients in finding the right watch.
Through its luxury sourcing service, Sands UAE can also help locate specific Jacob & Co. models that may be limited or difficult to find. Whether you are searching for a complicated mechanical watch, a diamond set creation, or a particular reference, the team can assist with sourcing options based on availability.
For collectors in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and across the UAE, this offers a convenient way to explore Jacob & Co. watches and source exceptional pieces from the brand.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who founded Jacob & Co.?
Jacob Arabo founded Jacob & Co. after beginning his career in jewellery in New York. His background in high jewellery later became an important influence on the company's approach to luxury watches.
What is Jacob & Co. famous for?
Jacob & Co. is known for highly complicated mechanical watches, bold designs, exceptional gemstone setting and collections such as the Astronomia, Billionaire, Bugatti, Epic X and Twin Turbo.
What is the most famous Jacob & Co. watch?
The Astronomia is one of the brand's most recognizable watch families. Its three dimensional mechanical display and extensive use of sapphire make it a defining example of Jacob & Co.'s approach to watchmaking.
Does Jacob & Co. make Swiss watches?
Jacob & Co. is a New York founded luxury house, while its high watchmaking activities and complicated timepieces are closely connected with Swiss watchmaking.
Where can I buy Jacob & Co. watches in the UAE?
Jacob & Co. watches can be found through authorized luxury watch channels in the UAE, while rare and limited references may require specialist sourcing. Sands UAE can help clients source sought after Jacob & Co. watches, including specific and hard to find references. When purchasing a high value watch, buyers should always check the authenticity, exact reference, documentation and condition of the piece.
Explore More from Sands UAE
For more insights into luxury sourcing, authentication, and personal shopping, visit our full FAQ page or connect with us on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn to discover the latest arrivals and features.
Experience the world of curated luxury — where every detail reflects the Sands UAE standard of excellence.