Astronomical wonders from Jacob & Co.
Led by Jacob Arabo, the exquisite creations of Jacob & Co. – both timepieces and fine jewellery – have for over three decades captivated and continue to revolutionise the worlds of haute horology and haute joaillerie. Originally founded in 1986 in New York, Jacob & Co. is now celebrating its 30th year
Whether challenging the limits of grand complications or pushing the boundaries of artistic beauty, Jacob Arabo’s daring vision of luxury has developed the brand into a symbolic expression of success and individuality. “Day & Night” magazine caught up with Jacob Arabo for an exclusive interview in which he talks of the Astronomia Sky and the challenges that the brand faces in its creations.
In comparison with its predecessors – Astronomia Tourbillon Baguette Watch (2015) and the Astronomia Tourbillon (2014) – what improvements have you incorporated in the new Astronomia Sky?
Astronomia Sky is based on the gravitational and triple axis tourbillon movement of the Astronomia, but its functions and interpretation are very different. Indeed, it’s a completely never-before-seen display of time: a sidereal display; in other words, the watch shows the stars that are above you at that precise moment via an oval sky indicator rotating above the blue titanium celestial vault. There is also the indication of the 24-hour Day and Night represented by the earth at the top of the movement and the indication of the second. This masterpiece provides two distinctive units of time: sidereal time and legal time (or solar time).
What is the feedback so far on your latest launch?
The feedback is amazing. I am very grateful that the Astronomia Sky has received such a warm welcome from specialised trade horology press as well as lifestyle press.
Do you think Astronomia Sky will receive the same success that the other two earned and why?
I really have the feeling that this watch inspires and excites all watch lovers through the revolutionary breakthrough that it has achieved in the art and craft of watchmaking.
How do you plan on continuing the Astronomia collection?
The Astronomia features the first manufacture movement with a vertically constructed gravitational triple axis tourbillon. From this basis, an infinite number of dressings can be declined.
What were the challenges that you faced in crafting the Astronomia Tourbillon Baguette Watch – a highly complex timepiece with diamonds and stones?
The Astronomia collection is very difficult as it is a three-dimensional timepiece. The real challenge with the Astronomia Baguette was to retain this three-dimensional effect with the setting of the case and the dial. The case’s setting requires extreme precision and delicacy as it is very thin. The dial is rounded and features rays that do not have to be distorted.
Why is Jacob & Co. increasingly focused on creating men’s mechanical watches in the past few years?
Watchmaking has always been a passion of mine. Developing high complications is a long process. Since the Quenttin in 2006, the first watch with a 31 days power reserve and a vertical tourbillon, Jacob & Co. has launched several pieces on the market such as the Epic SF24: a world timer of 473 components; the Astronomia; and the Astronomia Sky. We shouldn’t forget the world premiere of the Twin Turbo, which combines two triple axis tourbillon with a minute repeater inside a case water-resistant to 30 meters – each of which are world-first features in the watchmaking industry!
How did Jacob & Co. perform globally and regionally (Middle East) last year and in the first quarter of 2016?
2015 was a prolific year for Jacob & Co. We offered spectacular timepieces such as the Billionaire and the Astronomia. The first quarter of 2016 has seen the launch of Jacob & Co.’s two masterpieces: the Astronomia Sky and the Twin Turbo. The brand also opened its second flagship store in Dubai, at the Mall of the Emirates. The organic growth of the brand is proceeding in a promising way.
What goals would you like to see fulfilled for the rest of this year?
I would like to keep our growth steady as it has been in the past years.
