Jacob & Co. is perhaps best known for adorning watches and jewelry with glitzy diamonds and gems, but it also works with more understated materials.
Case in point: Jacob Arabo’s eponymous label recently unveiled a new line of Palatial timepieces with luxurious hard-stone dials.
Jacob & Co. first introduced the Palatial collection at BaselWorld in 2013. As its moniker suggests, the line is rooted in elegance and pays tribute to the horological classics of the 1940s and ‘50s. The clean and refined Palatial watches stand out from other decidedly extravagant pieces in the Jacob & Co. family, but are still somewhat elaborate in design. The new touch of ornamental stone adds some extra pizzaz, too.
Housed in either a steel or rose-gold case, the Palatial Big Date can be fitted with a blue Lapis Lazuli, green Malachite, or black Onyx dial. (The original Palatial models from 2013 had transparent dials.) The precious stones are carefully selected from the natural mineral slabs that offer the most intense color, best texture, and zero defects. Jacob & Co. says the stone must be cut to extreme thinness and pierced to accommodate the hour markers and complication fixtures.
Each piece of stone showcases a unique pattern, so no two Palatial faces will be alike. The malachite features striking veins in green and black, the lapis sees deep blue contrasted by white speckles, and the onyx is a pure expression of pitch black. “Like the sheen of fabric and the mesmerizing appeal of a pattern, they provide Palatial with a renewed sense of decor, ornament, and style,” Jacob & Co. said in a statement.
Beyond the hard stone, the Palatial Big Date features a 42 mm curved case conducive to everyday wear. Under the sapphire glass, the dial shows a large date with a double disc at 12 o’clock and a power reserve indicator at 6 o’clock. The watch is powered by a hand-wound movement (Caliber JCAM52) that is unlike any other in the catalog, according to Jacob & Co. Featuring 173 components, the caliber beats at a frequency of 4Hz and provides the watch with a 48-hour power reserve.
The Palatial can be equipped with a signature six-link bracelet or an alligator strap. Hey, who wants to detract from the dial? The price of each individually numbered piece is available upon request.
