Jacob & Co

Jacob & Co.

Company type	Private
Industry	Luxury jewelry and wristwatches
Founded	1986
Founder	Jacob Arabo
Headquarters	Manhattan, New York City , United States
Products	Jewelry, wristwatches

Jacob & Co. is a privately owned American retailer specializing in luxury jewelry and wristwatches, established in 1986 by renowned diamond designer Jacob Arabo. Its main store and corporate offices are situated in Manhattan, New York City.

History

Following his completion of a jewelry design program in early 1981, Jacob Arabo began his career with a modest booth located in New York City's Diamond District, creating pieces for both private clients and fashion labels. In 1986, he founded the company "Diamond Quasar" and started crafting jewelry under the "Jacob & Co." brand. The label swiftly gained recognition across New York and ventured into high-end watchmaking by 2002.

During the early 1990s, Arabo's Diamond District kiosk drew significant attention from entertainers, particularly the late rapper Notorious B.I.G., who dubbed him "Jacob the Jeweler" and connected him with other influential figures in the industry. Arabo was instrumental in popularizing oversized diamond jewelry for men, which soon became a widespread trend.

His clientele boasts prominent hip-hop artists such as Sean "Puffy" Combs, Biz, Jay-Z, Drake, 50 Cent, and Big Sean. Additionally, the brand caters to celebrities and athletes including Madonna, Rihanna, Pharrell, Elton John, David and Victoria Beckham, Jennifer Lopez, Salma Hayek, Sofia Vergara, Michael Jordan, and Mariah Carey.

In 2002, Jacob & Co. introduced the Five Time Zone collection of quartz watches, characterized by vivid colors and multi-time zone capabilities designed for frequent travelers. This fusion of style and practicality quickly attracted international celebrities such as Naomi Campbell, Bono, Angela Bassett, and Derek Jeter.

Milestones

• 2002: Debuted the Five Time Zone watch series powered by quartz movement, notable for its vibrant dials, interchangeable bezels, and straps that merged fashion with utility.
• 2004: Shifted flagship store to the intersection of 57th Street and Park Avenue in Manhattan.
• 2007: Established Jacob & Co. SA in Geneva; launched the Quenttin watch featuring a vertical tourbillon and an unprecedented 31-day power reserve.
• 2011: Appointed Chinese martial arts icon Donnie Yen as the inaugural brand ambassador.
• 2012: Welcomed supermodel Milla Jovovich as brand ambassador during Baselworld.
• 2013: Released Epic SF24, the first timepiece with a patented Split-Flap world time display; football star Cristiano Ronaldo became ambassador for the Ghost Five Time Zone line.
• 2014: Presented Astronomia Tourbillon, an astronomical-themed watch showcasing a rotating four-arm vertical movement with a magnesium globe, a 288-facet "Jacob Cut" diamond Moon, triple-axis tourbillon, and differential gearing; hailed by founder Arabo as groundbreaking.
• 2015: Unveiled the $18 million Billionaire watch adorned with 260 carats of diamonds; later acquired by boxer Floyd Mayweather in 2018.
• 2016: Launched Astronomia Sky with enhanced celestial complications alongside Twin Turbo, combining dual triple-axis tourbillons with a minute repeater housed in a sporty case; inaugurated Dubai boutique.
• 2017: Introduced Astronomia Solar Planets Jewelry collection featuring gemstone spheres symbolizing planets.
• 2018: Expanded Twin Turbo series with Twin Turbo Furious integrating twin triple-axis tourbillons, decimal minute repeater, monopusher chronograph, and time difference calculator; opened Geneva boutique; collaborated with Lionel Messi on limited-edition Epic X Chrono watches reflecting his personal branding.
• 2019: Partnered with Bugatti to create bespoke Epic X Chrono and Twin Turbo Furious models; released Bugatti Chiron Tourbillon in 2020 featuring engine animation inspired by the hypercar's design. Collaborated with Paramount Pictures on Godfather Musical watch incorporating a musical complication playing the film’s theme. Launched Astronomia Casino with miniature roulette wheel and Mystery Tourbillon featuring linked central triple-axis tourbillons. Extended retail footprint with new boutiques in Beijing, Kuala Lumpur, Bangkok, plus a second Beijing location in 2020.
• 2020: Forged five strategic collaborations including NBC/Universal for Opera Scarface Musical watch; menswear designer Virgil Abloh for "Office Supplies" gold and diamond jewelry line; Supreme for Four Time Zone watch; UFC Champion Khabib Nurmagomedov for Epic X Chrono watches incorporating his branding; explorer Johan Ernst Nilson for Astronomia Explorer watch featuring expedition motifs promoting environmental causes.
• 2021: Became the pioneering luxury watchmaker to sell an NFT (digital SF24 Tourbillon) for $100,000 and accept cryptocurrency payments. Released Astronomia Maestro Worldtime combining minute repeater carillon chiming with Worldtime functionality; introduced three Twin Turbo Furious models featuring transparent sapphire cases and decimal minute repeater. Partnered with Universal Pictures to develop Fast & Furious Twin Turbo watch inspired by the film series; collaborated with Warner Bros. Consumer Products and DC on Batman-themed collection; launched Astronomia Alec Monopoly showcasing pop culture sculptures by graffiti artist Alec Monopoly.
• 2022: Relocated Geneva boutique to an exclusive two-story venue on Rue du Rhône.
• 2025:
  • Opened inaugural Seoul boutique in February 2025.
  • Announced "Jacob & Co. Beachfront Living by Ohana," a residential development project in partnership with UAE-based Ohana Development situated between Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

Awards and recognition

In 2006, the Five Time Zone - "The World is Yours" watch by Jacob & Co. was honored with the Travel + Leisure Design Award, underscoring the brand's pioneering approach in the luxury watch industry.