Jacob & Co. has a reputation for pushing the boundaries of watchmaking, both in terms of design and technical complexity. Founded by Jacob Arabo, the brand quickly became known for its bold, statement-making timepieces that caught the eyes of celebrities and high-profile collectors. Starting in the jewelry business, Arabo's knack for unique designs led him to venture into the world of horology. He didn't just want to create watches; he aimed to produce pieces that stood out, challenged norms, and showcased a level of artistry rarely seen in the industry.
One of the brand's most significant turning points was the introduction of the Five Time Zone watch, a piece that became iconic for its multi-colored dials and global time-tracking capabilities. This watch solidified Jacob & Co.'s position in the luxury watch market and set the stage for future innovations. The brand continued to surprise the watch world with complications like the Astronomia, a watch with a gravitational triple-axis tourbillon, showcasing the earth and moon rotating in a mesmerizing display. This flair for the dramatic and a commitment to high watchmaking became the hallmarks of Jacob & Co.
Courtesy of Jacob & Co
Now, the brand presents a new chapter in its history, with a watch that pays tribute to its roots, while also looking forward to its future. The World Is Yours Dual Time Zone Tourbillon is a timepiece that captures a deeply personal story. It’s a nod to a gift from Arabo’s father, a dual-time zone watch with a world map that he received at the young age of 13. This gift wasn't just a watch; it was a message, an encouragement to explore and conquer. The World Is Yours Dual Time Zone Tourbillon captures that spirit, combining the emotional resonance of the original gift with the advanced watchmaking techniques Jacob & Co. has mastered over the years.
The dial of The World Is Yours Dual Time Zone Tourbillon is a captivating representation of the world. Made from titanium, the continents of North, Central, and South America, Africa, Europe, and Asia, including the Arabian Peninsula, are meticulously crafted. The process involves stamping a blank circle to achieve the strikingly curved shape and then using a high-precision laser to etch the detailed relief of the landmasses. The surface is initially blued using a PVD technique. A laser removes the blue parts, leaving the continents, and then they are treated with a 5N rose gold finish. This combination of bluing and gold creates a stunning visual contrast, making the continents stand out against the ocean backdrop. The remaining regions of the world are not forgotten either, but printed in gold over blue sapphire glass on the case back.
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Located in the center, where the Mid-Atlantic Ridge would be, are two sub-dials and the central tourbillon. The sub-dials are flat, yet tilted at a 64-degree angle, offering a unique perspective and ease of reading. The sub-dial at 12 o'clock, with Roman numerals, displays one time zone, while the one at 6 o'clock, with Arabic numerals, shows another. What sets this dual time zone functionality apart is the ability to set each time zone independently, down to the exact minute. This feature caters to those who need to track time in regions with unusual offsets, such as India (UTC + 5:30), Newfoundland (UTC-3:30), Nepal (UTC+5:45), or Australian Central Standard Time (UTC+9:30), places where a 30-minute or even 45-minute difference is common.
The heart of this watch is the 30-second double-pace tourbillon, positioned directly beneath the compass rose. The compass rose, an eight-pointer design, has evolved from being a small-seconds hand in the original The World Is Yours Dual Time Zone model to now house this fascinating complication. The tourbillon's carriage bridge is made of transparent sapphire, which gives the illusion of the tourbillon floating in place. This design choice not only adds to the visual appeal but also showcases the intricate mechanics of the tourbillon, a device invented to counteract the effects of gravity on a watch's accuracy. The 30 second revolution, twice the pace of a standard tourbillon.
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The World Is Yours Dual Time Zone Tourbillon houses the all-new JCAA45 movement, designed specifically for this model. An off-centered micro-rotor is incorporated, for the first time ever, to wind the automatic movement. This architectural choice is not just for show; it helps to limit the overall height of the movement, while its solid 950 platinum composition ensures ample energy for optimal winding. The placement of the micro-rotor in the center of the movement is highly unusual and presented a unique set of technical challenges that Jacob & Co.'s engineers had to overcome.
The JCAA45 caliber powers the dual time zone indications, allowing each sub-dial to display a completely different time. It is up to the user to decide which subdial is which. The movement comprises 300 components and features 40 jewels, a testament to its complexity and the meticulous craftsmanship involved. It operates at a frequency of 21,600 vibrations per hour (4 Hz) and offers a power reserve of 65 hours.
The case of The World Is Yours Dual Time Zone Tourbillon is as thoughtfully designed as the dial and movement. Made from 18K rose gold, it measures 43mm in diameter, a size that makes a statement without being overly imposing. The case's profile is highly curved, measuring 10.4mm at the edge and 18.1mm in the center, reflecting the domed shape of the earth it represents. This curvature is not just aesthetic; it's designed to follow the natural lines of the wrist, ensuring a comfortable fit. The absence of a bezel further enhances the watch's sleek, streamlined appearance.
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The case back continues the theme of the world map, with blue oceans and gold continents metallization on sapphire. The domed sapphire crystal has an anti-reflective treatment, ensuring that the dial is always clear and legible, no matter the lighting conditions. The watch is water-resistant to 30 meters, adding a degree of practicality to its luxurious design.
The strap of The World Is Yours Dual Time Zone Tourbillon is made from blue alligator leather, complementing the blued dial and providing a comfortable and stylish fit. The deployment buckle, crafted from 18K rose gold, ensures that the watch remains securely fastened to the wrist. The choice of materials and the attention to detail in the strap and buckle reflect the overall quality and luxury of the timepiece.
The technical specifications of the watch are impressive, showcasing the level of engineering and craftsmanship involved. The self-winding JCAA45 caliber, with its 30-second tourbillon and dual time zone functionality, is a feat of horological engineering. The materials used, from the 18K rose gold case to the titanium dial and sapphire components, are all of the highest quality, ensuring both durability and visual appeal.
Courtesy of Jacob & Co
Every aspect of this watch, from the intricate dial to the complex movement and the carefully chosen materials, reflects the brand's commitment to excellence. It's a watch that tells a story, not just of time, but of heritage, innovation, and the adventurous spirit that drives exploration and discovery. This isn't just a tool for telling time; it's a symbol of personal connection and a testament to the artistry of watchmaking.
The World Is Yours Dual Time Zone Tourbillon is a limited edition of 199 pieces. This limited production run adds to the watch's exclusivity and desirability, making it a coveted item for collectors. The price of the watch is set at $230,000.
Case: 43mm diameter, 18.1mm height (in the center), 10.4mm (at the edge). 18K Rose Gold. Caseback with Blue Oceans and Gold Continents Metalization on Sapphire. Domed Sapphire Crystal with Anti-Reflective Treatment. Water resistant to 30m.
Movement: Manufacture Jacob & Co. JCAA45. Self-winding with 950 Platinum, Off-centered Micro-rotor. 38.60mm diameter, 14.76mm height. 300 Components, 40 Jewels. 65-Hour Power Reserve. 21,600 vib/h (4 Hz) Frequency. Features Double Timezone with Independent Hours and Minutes and a Central, 30-second Tourbillon with Sapphire Upper Bridge.
Dial: Blued Titanium, Stamped Continents, Hand-Finished with Rose Gold Finish. Features a Compass Rose in the Center and Rose Gold-Plated Hands. Hand-Fitting Inclined at 64°. Two sub-dials display the separate time zones.
Strap: Blue Alligator Leather. 18K Rose Gold Deployment Buckle.
Price: $230,000
Reference Number: JCAA45
Notes: Limited Edition of 199 Pieces. Inspired by a watch gifted to Jacob Arabo by his father. Features a unique dual time zone function capable of tracking unusual time zone offsets.