Jacob Arabo’s Vision: The Untold Story of Jacob and Co’s Rise from Immigrant Dream to Luxury Legend
Behind every great brand is a visionary leader, and Jacob and Co. is no exception. Jacob Arabo, born Yakov Arabov in Tashkent, Uzbekistan (formerly the Uzbek Soviet Socialist Republic), was an immigrant, jewelry designer, and watchmaking pioneer. He transformed a small stall in Manhattan’s Diamond District into a global luxury empire, always upholding values of boldness, innovation, and uncompromising quality. The story of Jacob and Co. is more than just watches and jewelry; it’s about the American Dream, the power of passion, and the courage to challenge the status quo—all stemming from a young immigrant’s determination to translate his love of design into extraordinary achievement.
Arabo’s journey began with a bold experiment. In 1979, at the age of 14, he and his family immigrated to the United States from the former Soviet Union, settling in Forest Hills, Queens. They were almost penniless, driven only by their dreams of a better life. His first encounter with the luxury goods industry was during his first summer in the United States, when he apprenticed under a watchmaker and developed a deep interest in horology—he was captivated by the tiny parts, gears, and the art that brought the movement to life. This early passion had already blossomed at age 13 when his father gifted him a world time fake luxury watch with two mechanical movements—a gift that later inspired his iconic five-time zone watch design. Realizing his talent, Alabeo enrolled in an immigrant training program to learn jewelry making and found work in a local factory, where he honed his skills—even lying about his age to secure the $125-a-week job. However, assembling mass-market jewelry quickly bored him; Alabeo yearned to create pieces as unique and bold as his vision.
In his spare time, Alabeo set up a makeshift studio in his bedroom, designing and making custom jewelry for his mother and four sisters—pieces that quickly gained attention for their distinctive style and exquisite craftsmanship. Growing up surrounded by women, he honed his skills from a young age, repairing earrings and bracelets for them. This practical experience fueled his desire to create more fashionable and personalized pieces. Encouraged by family praise and early word-of-mouth success, he began selling his designs part-time, eventually earning more from his factory job than he did full-time. In 1986, at the age of 21, he resolutely quit his factory job and opened a small stall in Manhattan’s Diamond District, designing custom jewelry for jewelry brands and private clients. This marked the official birth of Jacob and Co., a brand under his company “Diamond Quasar,” whose philosophy is: luxury should belong to those who dare to be different.
The brand’s early success stemmed from Arabo’s ability to connect with clients. In the early 1990s, he opened his jewelry kiosk in the Diamond District, and his innovative jewelry attracted the attention of the late rapper The Notorious B.I.G., who nicknamed him “Jeweler Jacob” and introduced him to entertainment industry elites. This relationship allowed him to rapidly expand his clientele, encompassing hip-hop stars like Jay-Z, Drake, and 50 Cent, as well as celebrity athletes such as Madonna, Michael Jordan, and David Beckham—all drawn to his bold and unique designs. Arabo understood that his frequently traveling clients needed accessories that reflected their vibrant personalities and dynamic lifestyles. This insight led him to expand into watchmaking in 2002, launching the iconic five-time-zone watch. With its colorful dial, interchangeable bezel and strap, and the ability to display the time in five cities, this quartz timepiece became a status symbol worn by celebrities like Naomi Campbell, Bono, and Derek Jeter, solidifying Jacob & Co.’s position in the watchmaking world.
As the brand grew, Arabo remained true to his core values. He insisted on uncompromising quality, ensuring that every watch was meticulously crafted by artisans to perfection. In 2004, Jacob & Co. moved its flagship store from the Diamond District to the intersection of 57th Street and Park Avenue, a milestone that marked its growing status as a luxury giant. Arabeau has consistently pushed the boundaries of design, launching numerous innovative creations, such as the world’s first vertical tourbillon watch with a 31-day power reserve—the Quentin Tarantino watch, which was later worn by director Quentin Tarantino and featured on the cover of Vogue magazine. In 2007, Arabeau founded Jacob and Co. SA in Geneva, Switzerland, combining bold American innovation with the precision of Swiss watchmaking, elevating the brand’s watchmaking craftsmanship to new heights. This dedication to innovation has earned Jacob and Co. a reputation as a pioneer in the luxury industry, and Swiss watchmakers have ultimately recognized the brand’s technological prowess.
Today, Jacob and Co is a global luxury icon, with a presence in major cities around the world and a brand valued for its extravagant, artful timepieces—including the Astronomia Tourbillon and collaborations with Bugatti—that sell for six to seven figures sup:5. Its timepieces are worn by some of the biggest names in entertainment and sports, and its collaborations with brands like Bugatti and Bvlgari have further elevated its status. But despite its success, the brand remains true to its core values: boldness, innovation, and a refusal to accept the impossible—echoing Arabo’s own words: “My dream has always been to invent things that haven’t been done before. For the brand, it’s about making the impossible reality”superscript:4. This is the legacy of Jacob Arabo—a man who turned an immigrant dream into a luxury legend, and who continues to inspire others to chase their visions, no matter how impossible they may seem.
For collectors and enthusiasts, Jacob and Co is more than a brand—it’s a symbol of resilience, creativity, and the power of passion. Its history and culture are a reminder that great things can happen when you dare to be different, and that luxury is not just about price tags—it’s about the story behind the piece: a story of an immigrant kid with a dream, a bedroom workshop, and the courage to redefine what luxury could be. http://www.moon-watch.co.uk