There are many appealing aspects to watches. We are drawn not only to their design and mechanism, but also to the stories specific to each brand and model. One of these is their appeal as an accessory that shows off your individuality. Jacob & Co.'s Epic X teaches us the joy of wearing a watch. Wearing it will lift your spirits, and you will experience luxury every time you look at your watch.
The two bridges that accentuate the sharpness of the skeleton dial are decorated with a stud-motif "Clous de Paris" pattern and polished to a high finish. The blue accents edging the inner ring and crown express a sense of dynamism. Manual winding (Cal. JCAM45). 21 jewels. 28,800 vph. Power reserve approximately 48 hours. Stainless steel (diameter 44mm, thickness 13.05mm). Water resistant to 50m. Price: 4,785,000 yen (tax included).
(right)Epic X Flight of CR7
This is a collaboration model with longtime friend Cristiano Ronaldo. The watch features a passionate red base, his image on the left bridge, and a soccer ball-inspired pattern on the barrel. Manual-winding (Cal. JCAM45). 21 jewels. 28,800 vph. Power reserve approximately 48 hours. 18KRG (diameter 44mm, thickness 13.05mm). Water resistant to 50m. 9,240,000 yen (tax included).
Text by Mitsuru Shibata
Edited by Tomoshige Kase
[Article published in the July 2023 issue of Kronos Japan]
A luxury timepiece that teaches you the joy of dressing up
With its distinctive luxury and unique sensibility, Jacob & Co. is one of the brands that pioneered high-end luxury watches, connecting with the art, culture, and entertainment of the time and further refining its aesthetics.
The rose gold case is boldly combined with the trendy color green. While the contrast creates a casual feel, the gorgeous RG bridges and movement exude elegance. Manual winding (Cal. JCAM45). 21 jewels. 28,800 vph. Power reserve approximately 48 hours. 18KRG (diameter 44mm, thickness 13.05mm). Water resistant to 50m. Price: 957 million yen (tax included).
Jacob Arabo came to the United States from the former Soviet Union (now Uzbekistan) and received specialized training, starting a new life as a jewelry craftsman. He honed his skills and founded his own brand in 1986. At this time, he also pursued his childhood dream of becoming a watchmaker.
It all started with a two-time zone watch given to him by his father at the age of 13. Its dial featured a world map, and even though it was gold-plated, it's not hard to imagine how it opened his young mind to the world and sparked a profound admiration for timepieces. This memory led to the release of the Five Time Zone Watch in 2002. Its popularity spread rapidly after it was worn by celebrities such as Jay-Z and Naomi Campbell, and its unique functionality and design, taking advantage of the characteristics of quartz, took the world by storm.
The lightweight titanium case and sky blue accent color create a sense of lightness. The vertical bridges are also openworked. The honeycomb structure strap is stretchy and breathable.
Excellent. Manual winding (Cal. JCAM45). 21 jewels. 28,800 vph. Power reserve approximately 48 hours. Ti (diameter 44mm, thickness 12.3mm). Water resistant to 50m. 363 million yen (tax included).
Jacob & Co., who became a star of the New York hip-hop culture, has also challenged the limits of mechanical watches, creating numerous sophisticated complications, such as the Astronomia, which features a two-axis tourbillon and subdials, a carousel-like rotation of the Earth and Moon, and a collaboration model with the Bugatti Chiron, which is based on the design motif of a 16-cylinder engine.
This stylish creativity and stunning watchmaking is what drives the brand forward. The Epic X is the gateway to this new world.
A total of 26 baguette-cut diamonds are invisibly set on the bezel, and 11 on the crown. The inner ring is set with sapphires, tsavorites, and amethysts in a rainbow pattern. Manual winding (Cal. JCAM45). 21 jewels. 28,800 vph. Power reserve approximately 48 hours. 18KRG (diameter 44mm, thickness 12.3mm). Water resistant to 50m. 29.7 million yen (tax included).
The "Epic" collection was launched in 2008. In 2015, the Epic X was added, featuring a skeleton dial and a bridge with an X motif, the model's name. The second generation, which inherited the name and boasts a completely new appeal, was born in 2022.
(Left) The see-through case back is made of sapphire crystal and features a gold print of Ronaldo's back wearing a uniform with his lucky number "7."
The symbolic X is shaped by the upper and lower lugs, and the caliber JCAM 45 is housed between the vertical bridges on the left and right sides of the skeleton dial. The large barrel is placed at the top, and the vertically laid out gear train is connected to the balance wheel with a regulating screw, embodying the tradition of watchmaking within this cutting-edge design. The dressy design, which omits a calendar display, does not interfere with the beauty of this movement.
In addition to the colorful rubber strap, the hard-feeling bracelet is reminiscent of the luxury sports watches that are currently mainstream, giving the watch an active, sophisticated and sporty feel.
The multifaceted form is deliberately finished smoothly, creating a beautiful luster and elegance, another aesthetic sensibility unique to jewelers.
(Left) The caliber JCAM45 can be seen through the half-black see-through case back. In addition to a vertical gear train, it uses a unique octopus spring. Three thin blades that extend in a beautiful curve simplify winding and hand setting, and add a unique personality to the movement.
Its basic and informal style is suited to a variety of life situations and is imbued with a strong sense of originality. The Epic X, a symbol of modern luxury, will remind you of the joy of dressing up.
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