Jacob & Co. is a young brand with a lot to give in the world of luxury, what in your own words is the brand’s DNA?
We aren’t afraid to take design risks and be truly innovative. We see other brands that are almost weighed down by their history. Also, for our high jewelry and watch collections we have a strong focus on one-of-a-kind items. That also separates us.
You received your Tasks in the company in very recently, what is your vision for Jacob & Co. globally and in the Middle East? What are your priorities?
Taking Jacob & Co. from being a successful jewelry and watch company to a global brand is the overall mission. Getting the marketing infrastructure and strategic partners correct are my top priorities. The Middle East is an important market for us. It’s a place where we’ve been very successful in the past, so we’re very excited to rebuild it.
Jacob & Co is investing intensively in watch industry, now you have Swiss premises, please elaborate. What is your strategy concerning watches?
Yes, we have new Geneva facilities. Every watch we make is not only Swiss-made, but Geneva-made from start to finish. Our strategy concerning watches is to create product that stands out from the competition.
Jacob & Co. launched a large and varied Collection of watches and jewellery in BaselWorld 2013, how were they received?
We received an overwhelmingly positive response.
When will the new products be available at your sales points in the Middle East?
The first products will start shipping at the end of June/July.
Jacob & Co. announced Christiano Ronaldo as brand ambassador what qualities and characteristics does he bring and share with the brand and what will be his responsibilities?
Cristiano is at the top of his game. He shares our commitment to excellence, and he’s extremely fashionable. He’ll be in Monte Carlo with Jacob & Co. in July celebrating the 150th anniversary of the SBM, but as brand ambassador, I’m sure he’ll be at appearances with us throughout the year.
How, in your opinion, is Jacob & Co distinct from its competitors?
I truly believe we are head and shoulders above everyone else when it comes to innovation and design. A collector said it well, “When you own a couple of watches and you put on a Jacob & Co., it makes you smile.”
Jacob & Co is represented in the Middle East through Bin Hindi in the UAE and Amiri Gems in Qatar. Do you have plans to expand your network in the region or open stand alone boutiques?
The Middle East is a very important region for our brand. We’ll be announcing a significant new partnership shortly, and it does include freestanding Jacob & Co. boutiques.
What is your biggest market now?
Russia and Eastern Europe are huge for us. Obviously we have a huge base in the U.S. as well, but our clients are global.
Where does the Middle East market stand? In your Opinion what are the potentials available in the Middle East?
Our brand is very well known in the Middle East, and we have huge hopes for continuing to grow with the new product launches. Our brand is perfect for the Middle Eastern market.
Who is your target audience in this region?
People who appreciate beautiful things and want something different.
What trends are you witnessing worldwide with regard to premium watch and fine jewellery preferences?
It seems everyone is producing complications in watches now, whereas historically you didn’t see that too often. Regarding jewelry, there’s been more of a return to yellow gold.
Jacob & Co is popular among US celebrities, how do you explain the brand’s popularity?
Many of them wear the brand because of Jacob himself – they love his sense of fun and creativity. Creative people are drawn to other creatives and this is the best testimony we can have for the brand.
Jacob & Co has designed a $16 million platinum and diamond tiara for the wedding of Amber Ridinger and actor Duane McLaughlin, and there are rumors of similar creations, who’s next?
We would never break news that belongs to our clients.
Did Jacob & Co complete any bespoke Jewellery or Time pieces to clients in the Middle East? If yes please elaborate.
Yes, we complete custom requests from across the Middle East on a regular basis, but we would never share that information without our client’s permission.