From the trend-defining multicultural swagger of the Five Time Zone watch in the late 1990s and early 2000s to the jaw-dropping, avant-garde mechanics of the Astronomia and the high-octane engineering of the Bugatti collaborations, Jacob & Co. has undergone a remarkable evolution over the past two decades. Yet, for all its widespread recognition and cultural footprint, the family-owned watchmaker’s serious mechanical achievements are occasionally overshadowed by the dazzling glare of its high-profile celebrity clientele and opulent, gem-set timepieces.
On the latest episode of the SJX Podcast, founder and watch journalist SJX sits down with Jacob & Co. CEO Benjamin Arabov to peel back the layers of this fascinating luxury house. The wide-ranging conversation dives deep into the family-owned brand’s profound transformation, offering listeners an intimate look at how uncompromising creative ambition meets rigorous high-end watchmaking. Throughout the discussion, Arabov sheds light on the mechanical ingenuity that drives the brand forward, proving that beneath the diamonds, precious metals, and red-carpet moments lies a deeply serious horological powerhouse capable of stunning structural and technical feats.
The engaging episode explores a multitude of facets defining the modern trajectory of Jacob & Co. Among the core topics is the intricate developmental journey of how abstract, seemingly impossible ideas are successfully translated into working, high-complication mechanical timepieces. Arabov and SJX also discuss a pivotal shift in the brand’s product strategy: the introduction of smaller case sizes. By refining proportions and making complex watches more wearable, Jacob & Co. has effectively opened the door to an entirely new demographic of watch collectors who previously admired the brand’s aesthetic audacity from afar but sought a more approachable daily fit.
Another major focal point of the conversation centers on the brand’s celebrated strategic partnerships, specifically examining what makes high-profile collaborations with automotive icon Bugatti and cinematic masterpieces like The Godfather work so seamlessly. Rather than acting as mere marketing exercises, these partnerships require deep mechanical synthesis, merging the raw adrenaline and engineering principles of hypercars with micro-mechanical watchmaking, or translating the moody, iconic atmosphere of Francis Ford Coppola’s cinematic classic into spinning music-box movements and miniature sculptural displays.
Beyond the products themselves, the podcast delves into the fascinating origins of Jacob & Co.’s deep-rooted celebrity following. Long before luxury watch brands routinely partnered with athletes, musicians, and actors, the house founded by Jacob Arabov was already the go-to jeweler and watchmaker for the entertainment elite, famously championed by hip-hop stars, NBA legends, and Hollywood icons. Arabov and SJX discuss how this organic celebrity affinity was cultivated and how it continues to shape the brand’s unique positioning in the luxury landscape today.
In addition to pop-culture cachet, the conversation addresses the foundational importance of traditional retail partners. In an era where many luxury brands are increasingly opting for direct-to-consumer models and mono-brand boutiques, Arabov reflects on the enduring value of cultivating strong, collaborative relationships with trusted global retail networks that connect the brand with discerning buyers on the ground.
Finally, the episode provides a thoughtful look into leadership and legacy. As the chief executive steering a prominent family-owned enterprise, Benjamin Arabov shares his personal and strategic approach to building a resilient, enduring business. The discussion highlights the delicate balance of creating corporate and operational structures capable of outlasting the founder, all while fiercely preserving the unbridled creative ambition and boundary-pushing artistic vision that originally put Jacob & Co. on the global map.
Those interested in hearing the full, in-depth conversation can stream the episode now across multiple major audio and video platforms. The latest installment of the SJX Podcast is available for listening on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and via video on YouTube.
