Jacob & Co

Jacob & Co. was founded in New York in 1986 by the jeweller Jacob Arabo. It became known for diamond jewellery and colourful multi-time-zone watches in the early 2000s, and later moved into high watchmaking with movements developed in Geneva, starting with the Astronomia, shown in 2014.

The brand's watches are designed to be spectacular: rotating mechanisms in domed sapphire cases, multi-axis tourbillons, animated scenes and heavy gem setting. The catalog includes the Astronomia, Epic X, Bugatti, Casino Tourbillon, Gotham City, The Mystery, The World Is Yours, Opera and God of Time, as well as gem-set lines such as Brilliant, Caviar, Fleurs de Jardin, Palatial and the high-jewellery Billionaire.

When dealing in Jacob & Co., documentation matters more than usual. Many models are limited or close to unique, and references combine a model code with codes for case material, gem setting and dial, so check every part of the reference against the watch and papers. Gem-set pieces should be examined for missing or replaced stones, and complicated movements need servicing by the brand. Buyers will expect the full box and certificates.