Jacob Arabo, born Yakov Arabov in Uzbekistan, emigrated to the United States with his family when he was just 14 years old. Coming from a modest background, Arabo’s rise in the luxury world is a testament to his passion, perseverance, and exceptional talent. Initially, he enrolled in a jewelry design course and quickly mastered the craft. By the age of 16, he began working as a professional jeweler, and soon after, he opened his own workshop in New York’s Diamond District.
In the early stages of his career, Arabo focused on creating custom pieces for private clients, tailoring designs to their specific tastes. Arabo’s entrepreneurial spirit led him to venture into watchmaking, where he applied the same visionary creativity. He didn’t just design timepieces but redefined what luxury watches could be, integrating high art with advanced technical craftsmanship. Watches like the Five Time Zone, worn by influential figures such as Jay-Z and David Beckham, marked his entry into the world of haute horlogerie. This transition solidified Jacob & Co.’s place in both the jewelry and watchmaking spheres.