Jacob Arabo, the mastermind behind Jacob & Co., is one of the most innovative figures in the luxury watch and jewellery industry. Known for his fearless approach to design and craftsmanship, Arabo has transformed his company into a global powerhouse, creating some of the most iconic and complex timepieces in the world. With his extraordinary vision and passion for both luxury and innovation, Jacob Arabo has captivated the imagination of watch collectors and celebrities alike.

In this feature, we will explore Jacob Arabo’s journey, the rise of Jacob & Co., and the incredible timepieces that have put the brand at the forefront of the luxury watchmaking world. From the revolutionary Bugatti Tourbillon to the iconic Jacob & Co. Roulette watch, Arabo’s creations continue to push the boundaries of horology.

Born in 1964 in the Soviet Union (now Uzbekistan), Jacob Arabo immigrated to the United States with his family at the age of 14. From a young age, he was fascinated by luxury and the craftsmanship behind fine jewelry. His entrepreneurial spirit emerged early, and by the time he was 16, Jacob was already working as an apprentice in the jewelry industry, learning the skills that would later define his career.

At 21, Arabo set out on his own, opening a small jewellery kiosk in New York City’s Diamond District. His talent for crafting unique, bold designs quickly caught the attention of high-end clients, and he soon gained a reputation as a go-to jeweller for celebrities and affluent individuals.

Arabo’s skill in creating intricate and visually stunning pieces laid the foundation for what would become Jacob & Co., but his ambition didn’t stop at jewellery. He saw an opportunity in the world of luxury watches, and in 2002, he expanded into watchmaking—a decision that would forever change the trajectory of his brand.

Founded in 1986, Jacob & Co. started as a jewelry business but quickly evolved into a brand known for its daring designs and technical mastery in watchmaking. Unlike traditional luxury watchmakers who adhered to classic styles and movements, Jacob Arabo took a more avant-garde approach, blending high jewelry with intricate mechanical complications. His vision was to create not just watches, but horological masterpieces that would stand out in an already saturated market.

Arabo’s big break in the watch industry came with the release of the Five Time Zone watch. Launched in 2002, the timepiece was a bold departure from the traditional Swiss designs, featuring multiple dials that displayed the time in five different cities simultaneously. Celebrities like Jay-Z, David Beckham, and Leonardo DiCaprio were spotted wearing the watch, and it quickly became a status symbol among the elite. The success of the Five Time Zone watch marked the beginning of Jacob & Co.’s rise as a serious player in the luxury watchmaking world.

Jacob Arabo is known for pushing the boundaries of both design and technical innovation. His watches are often characterised by their complex complications and unique artistry. One of the most famous examples of this is the Astronomia Tourbillon, a watch that has become synonymous with the brand. Released in 2014, the Astronomia features a stunning three-dimensional display, with a rotating tourbillon, a miniature globe, and a diamond-studded moon orbiting the dial. The entire mechanism moves beneath a domed sapphire crystal, giving the impression of a miniature universe on your wrist.

The Astronomia redefined what a luxury timepiece could be, combining mechanical ingenuity with aesthetic artistry. The watch was not just a tool to tell time but a piece of wearable art that showcased the incredible craftsmanship behind Jacob & Co.’s watches. It became an instant icon and cemented Jacob Arabo’s reputation as a visionary in the industry.

Jacob & Co. has long been known for its innovative designs and complex timepieces, but one of its most exciting partnerships to date is with the legendary car manufacturer Bugatti. This collaboration has led to the creation of the Jacob & Co. Bugatti Tourbillon, an extraordinary watch that captures the spirit and engineering marvel of Bugatti’s supercars in a timepiece. However, the brand has also created watches inspired by Bugatti’s famous models, such as the Bugatti Chiron, which deserves its own recognition.

The Jacob & Co. Bugatti Tourbillon is a celebration of both watchmaking expertise and the mechanical artistry of Bugatti. The tourbillon complication is one of the most prestigious and difficult to create in horology, designed to counteract the effects of gravity on a watch’s timekeeping mechanism. However, Jacob & Co. took this already impressive complication to new heights with the Bugatti Tourbillon by incorporating the essence of Bugatti’s high-performance engineering directly into the timepiece.

This watch features an engine block-shaped movement designed to mimic the iconic Bugatti W16 engine. The mechanical movement is made up of 578 components, and with just the press of a button, the pistons and crankshaft of the watch “engine” spring into motion, replicating the feel of a high-powered Bugatti engine revving up. The intricate mechanism can be admired through the large sapphire crystal case, giving the wearer a clear view of the inner workings, much like how a Bugatti car showcases its engine as a centerpiece of design.

At 57mm, the Bugatti Tourbillon is bold and eye-catching, much like the cars it draws inspiration from. The watch is available in various versions, including models made from rose gold, titanium, and sapphire crystal, ensuring that each piece stands out as both a luxury item and an engineering marvel. This timepiece is a perfect example of how Jacob Arabo’s vision seamlessly merges high-end aesthetics with innovative mechanics, offering something entirely unique for both watch and car enthusiasts alike.

While the Bugatti Tourbillon focuses on the mechanical artistry of a Bugatti engine, Jacob & Co. has also honored Bugatti’s most famous supercar, the Bugatti Chiron, with its own dedicated timepiece. The Jacob & Co. Bugatti Chiron Tourbillon takes inspiration from the sleek design and unparalleled speed of the Bugatti Chiron, a car that redefined automotive engineering and set new records for speed and performance.

The Bugatti Chiron is renowned for its quad-turbocharged W16 engine, which produces an incredible 1,500 horsepower, allowing the car to reach top speeds of over 260 mph. This unmatched performance is mirrored in the watch, where the tourbillon mechanism is designed to reflect the precision and complexity of the car’s engine. Just like its namesake, the Bugatti Chiron Tourbillon combines luxury and high performance, offering a level of craftsmanship that few other watches can match.

The Bugatti Chiron Tourbillon is built to mirror the power and elegance of its automotive counterpart, featuring a similar engine-style movement and a sapphire crystal case that offers an unhindered view of the mechanism. The attention to detail in this timepiece is impeccable, from the intricately designed movement that mimics the pistons of the Chiron’s engine to the high-quality materials like titanium, carbon fiber, and rose gold that make up its case and components.

The partnership between Jacob & Co. and Bugatti represents a perfect marriage of high-performance engineering and luxury craftsmanship. Both brands are renowned for their attention to detail, their drive to push the boundaries of what is possible, and their ability to create products that combine aesthetic beauty with functional excellence.

Through the Bugatti Tourbillon and the Bugatti Chiron Tourbillon, Jacob Arabo and Bugatti have demonstrated their shared commitment to innovation. These timepieces are more than just watches; they are mechanical marvels that tell the story of engineering and artistry. Collectors and enthusiasts of both fine watches and luxury cars appreciate the unparalleled craftsmanship that goes into creating these pieces, and with Jacob & Co.’s imaginative designs, the Bugatti legacy continues to grow in new and exciting ways.

Both watches offer a unique way to celebrate Bugatti’s automotive achievements in a wearable form. Whether it’s the Bugatti Tourbillon, with its incredible W16 engine-inspired movement, or the Bugatti Chiron Tourbillon, which mirrors the power and elegance of one of the fastest cars in the world, Jacob & Co.’s Bugatti watches have redefined what a luxury timepiece can be.