Jacob & Co. unveils exclusive 'Wonders of India' collection, priced at ₹27 lakh

Luxury watchmaker, Jacob & Co., known for its pioneering designs in high watchmaking has been flirting with the Indian luxury market for a few years now. In 2021 it launched a limited edition Astronomia Art India tourbillon model, priced at upwards of ₹6 crore. Last year, it launched the limited-edition Epic X India Edition Watches in rose gold (₹58 lakh) and titanium (₹26 lakh) which depicted four Indian iconic buildings – India Gate, Gateway of India, Taj Mahal and Qutab Minar. Continuing with the theme, the brand has launched the Epic X Titanium Neoralithe Inner Ring – Wonders of India Edition, available exclusively in India.  

The new, India-inspired collection comprises a quartet of watches in red, green, powder blue, and navy blue, with each iteration offering a limited edition of 11 pieces. The models in the collection feature 2D representations of the India Gate, Taj Mahal, Qutab Minar and surprisingly the Ram Mandir at Ayodhya within the skeletonised dials.
The open-worked, or “skeletonised” dial is one of the most traditional forms of watchmaking, which allows the movement to be visible both through the dial and the back of the watch, with as much metal removed as possible without compromising functionality. The goal of the watchmaker crafting an open-worked watch is to achieve the highest level of transparency possible.

The design aesthetics of the new references, all sized at 44 mm, are marked by the Epic X’s signature X-shaped lugs, skeletonised dials, rubber straps that match the hue of the inner ring, and titanium cases that are water-resistant up to 100 metres. The strap features hexagonal perforations in a honeycomb pattern making for a comfortable fit. 

Inside each of the new models beats the JCAM45 calibre, a movement exclusively crafted for Jacob & Co. by Concepto. This high-precision, manual-winding skeletonised movement operates at 28,800 vibrations per hour, and ensures precision while offering a 48-hour power reserve.

Comprising 158 components, the JCAM45 movement is designed to enhance each watch’s skeletonised aesthetics. The finishing touches — including 21 rubies set at polished angles — showcase the artistry of Jacob & Co.’s watchmakers.

The Epic X Titanium Neoralithe Inner Ring – Wonders of India Edition is available exclusively through Ethos, Jacob & Co.’s dedicated retail partner in India. Priced at Rs 27 lakh each, the watches are available in Mumbai, New Delhi, Bangalore, Kolkata, Chennai, Ahmedabad, Hyderabad, Surat, Chandigarh and Pune.

The Indian luxury watch market is estimated to be worth $3,364 million in 2023 and is expected to reach a projected revenue of $4,671.5 million by 2030, at a CAGR of 4.8 per cent from 2024-2030, as per a report by market research firm Grand View Research. 

Furthermore, in October 2023, a study published by audit firm Deloitte predicted that by 2028, the export of Swiss watches in India will amount to over CHF 400 million and India will be among the top 10 Swiss export markets within a decade.