A Father's Gift That Shaped a Legacy: The Story Behind Jacob & Co.
In a modest room in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, during the days of the Soviet Union, a father extended his hand to his teenage son. In it was a watch, ordinary to some, but unforgettable to the 13-year-old boy who received it. That boy was Jacob Arabo, and the man who gave it to him, his father Nison, unknowingly ignited a spark that would burn for many decades.
That simple act wasn’t about luxury or timekeeping; it was about belief. Nison handed over more than just a timepiece; he passed on a message: You have my trust, and the world is open to you. In a time and place where dreaming beyond your borders was nearly impossible, this was an act of quiet rebellion, deep love, and unwavering hope.
From Tashkent to New York: The Journey Begins
Born in 1965 in Tashkent, then part of the Soviet Union, Jacob Arabo (born Yakov Arabov) grew up in a Bukharian Jewish family. At 13, the gift of a world time watch from his father sparked a fascination with horology. A year later, he secured a part-time job assisting a watchmaker, captivated by the intricate gears and mechanisms.
In 1979, at the age of 14, Jacob and his family immigrated to New York City, settling in Forest Hills, Queens. Facing financial hardships, Jacob left high school at 16 to enroll in a six-month jewelry-making course, which he completed in four months. He began working in a local jewelry factory, earning $125 a week, while designing his own pieces at night.
Building Jacob & Co.: A Dream Realized
By 21, Jacob had opened his own booth in New York City's Diamond District, initially operating under the name "Diamond Quasar" before establishing Jacob & Co. in 1986 . His innovative designs quickly attracted a celebrity clientele, including hip-hop artists and athletes, earning him the moniker "Jacob the Jeweler".
Jacob's creations, such as the Five Time Zone watch introduced in 2002, combined bold aesthetics with technical prowess, solidifying his reputation in the luxury watch industry.
A Legacy Continued: Father to Son
The legacy of Jacob & Co. continues through Jacob's son, Benjamin Arabov, who took over as CEO in 2021. Under Benjamin's leadership, the company has embraced digital transformation and expanded its global presence.
In a tribute to the family's journey, Jacob & Co. launched "The World Is Yours Dual Time Zone" watch, inspired by the original timepiece Nison had given to Jacob. This creation symbolises the enduring bond between father and son, and the belief that with love and support, the world is indeed yours to conquer .
From a simple gift in Tashkent to a global luxury brand, the story of Jacob & Co. is a testament to the power of familial love, ambition, and the belief that dreams, no matter how distant, are within reach.
This Father's Day, we're celebrating stories like Jacob's.
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