Signature Jacob & Co. watches and their design codes
Jacob Arabo built his name as a jeweller in New York before turning to watchmaking. That background still shapes the watches. Dials are treated as a stage, and stones are part of the design rather than an afterthought. You can read more about the house on our Jacob & Co. brand page.
The collections most buyers ask about:
- Astronomia: the house's showpiece. The movement is set in the open and rotates beneath a domed crystal, often with a small globe and a tourbillon. It is closer to kinetic sculpture than to an everyday watch.
- Epic X: a skeletonised sports watch. The open-worked movement and rubber strap make it the most wearable entry into the brand's mechanical side.
- Five Time Zone: the design that made the name. It shows several time zones on a colourful, layered dial and suits someone who travels or works across continents.
- Brilliant and high-jewellery pieces: cases and dials set with diamonds or coloured stones, where the jeweller's craft leads.
Jacob & Co. watches price: what drives the cost
No two Jacob & Co. pieces are priced on the same logic, so it helps to understand the variables before setting a budget.
- Movement: quartz and simpler automatic models sit at the accessible end. Tourbillons and rotating complications such as the Astronomia sit far higher.
- Case material: steel and titanium cost less than gold, ceramic or sapphire crystal cases.
- Gem-setting: the number, size and quality of stones can multiply the price of an otherwise similar watch.
- Rarity: limited series and unique pieces command a premium.
As a broad, hedged guide, even the more approachable models tend to sit well into six figures in rand, while high complications can reach into the millions. Prices move with exchange rates, so plan a range rather than a single figure. If you have a budget and a style in mind, tell us and we will come back with options.
Choosing a Jacob & Co. watch as a gift
A Jacob & Co. suits someone who already enjoys bold design: the collector who owns a classic steel sports watch and wants something unexpected, or the person who wears jewellery with confidence. For a quieter taste, compare the wider luxury watches guide.
Practical points to check:
- Wrist size: many models are large, often 44 mm or more, with domed crystals that sit high. Note the recipient's current watch diameter and how it fits.
- Lifestyle: the Epic X on rubber handles weekends and travel. Astronomia and gem-set pieces are for occasions and careful wear.
- Care: complicated movements need servicing by a qualified watchmaker. Store gem-set pieces separately to avoid scratches.
For a similar contemporary, material-led approach, our Hublot watches guide is a useful comparison, and our gifts for him page offers ideas at other levels.