Jacob & Co. Watches + Yvan Arpa = Bright Future For Brand?

by Ariel Adams (RSS feed)
Aug 19th 2010 at 7:01AM

The recent history of Jacob & Co. is arguably more interesting than their recent watches. With the brand's founder Jacob Arabov in jail, the brand's relevancy in the luxury market has more or less plummeted to irrelevancy. Especially in times like these when style, grace, and value are more important than showiness, excess, and being ostentatious. Just about dead, I assumed no life would be breathed back into the brand which defined bling until Jacob himself was free again.

Suddenly I get news that Jacob & Co. will have a new COO, and that it will be Yvan Arpa - whom I've discussed many times. With his hands already full with Black Belt, Artya, and Volna, does the Swiss watch designer, and all around free thinker have the time and insight to lead the once powerful urban wealth brand? Perhaps he will usher in a new era for Jacob & Co., giving its staid image a new direction. Seen here are two new designs that I believe are products of Arpa's leadership. I admit that they are much more tasteful and held back than previous Jacob & Co. pieces, and display Arpa's signature penchant for large, interesting watch cases. Both models feature tourbillon complications and totally jewel covered cases. Interestingly enough, the name of the brand is left off the dials, in favor of subtle logos built into the tourbillon carriages. At least one thing is for sure, Jacob & Co. isn't going downmarket at all. I look forward to meeting with Mr. Arpa to learn the details of his new position at Jacob & Co, and what he has in store for the brand. Jacob & Co. could see it self in headlines once again.

Ariel Adams publishes the luxury watch reviews site aBlogtoRead.com.

Tags: coo, jacob co, watch, yvan arpa