When it comes to iconic figures in the world of hip-hop jewellery, one name stands out above the rest. Jacob Arabo. Nicknamed Jacob the Jeweller by Biggie smalls he has become a household name in the jewellery industry. But there one iconic product that allowed him to transition from a jeweller to a legend in the world of horology, the Jacob & Co Five Time Zone Watch. Let’s talk about it…
How It All Started
Founded in 1996, Jacob and Co became known for their unique approach to watch and jewellery making. The brand has served many A list celebrities over the years including the likes of Jay Z Pharrell Williams and Victoria Beckham. Jacob was one of the first jewellers to put diamonds in luxury watches which we now know as bustdowns. However, it was his passion for watch making Jacob that led him to launch his own line of watches in 2002. Today Jacob & Co have created hundreds of iconic timepieces but it all started with the Jacob and Co. Five Time Zone watch.
The Five Time Zone Watch
Understanding the needs of his clientele, Jacob set out to create a watch that suited their global lifestyles. This birthed a watch which displayed the time zones of major cities across the world whilst tracking the home time at the centre of the watch. Watches featuring multiple time zones were not uncommon, examples include the Patek Philippe World Time and Rolex’s GMT. But Jacob’s spin on this made this digestible to a new crowd.
According to Jacob, he drew on inspiration from a watch gifted by his father when he was just 13. He recalled “It had two time zones, two movements, and a map of the world in the middle. That’s the original inspiration that led me to create the Five Time Zone. I still have it”.
The watch turned out to be a major success and was seen on the wrist of many of your favourite superstars. Over time, Jacob & Co. released many iterations, ranging from variations in precious metals to diamond-encrusted timepieces. The original watch was released in 40 and 47mm in a few more dimensions. In recent years, the brand joined with Supreme to create a limited edition version.
Supreme Jacob & Co
The Covid Pandemic creates many interesting things but one of them was the Jacob & Co Supreme Four Time Zone watch. Available in both 40mm ($12,000) and 47mm ($14,000) variants, and an alligator strap, this timepiece departed from its predecessor by featuring four time zones with the supreme logo in the top right. There’s another detail that’s easy to miss. Just above the 6 hour marker is printed “Fuck Em” adding that extra supreme touch.
Criticisms of the Watch
The Five Time Zone watch has not been without its critics. For starters, many say it is too clunky. Compared to popular watches today such as the 41mm Rolex Datejust and AP Royal Oak, this watch is notably bigger. However, it’s important to consider the time it was made and the target market. During the early 2000s, oversized and bold accessories were in fashion, particularly among hip-hop artists. Compared to today, most people often opt for understated if you know you know pieces. The watch’s size reflects changing style preferences as opposed to poor design choices.
Another criticism is that the watch is more of a piece of jewellery than a watch. Perhaps this was precisely the point. Jacob wanted to be different and different he was. At this time luxury watch brands would have never put diamonds in a watch, especially not a men’s watch. Jacob transcended the norms and created something which would appeal to his customer base. And he was clearly successful in doing so.
Additionally, people question its status as a real watch because it houses a quartz movement and not a mechanical movement. Considering the alternative watches at this price point, this is a fair criticism. However, what you need to understand is that you are paying for expensive raw materials such as diamonds and alligator straps. Nevertheless, this criticism is understandable and it is something Jacob & Co have improved on in their newer models.
In conclusion, the impact of the five time zone watch in the world of horology can not be denied. Of course the watch is not perfect, but what is? As always, let us know your thoughts in the comments.