The early 2000s were a defining era for hip-hop, and not just for the music. The aesthetic—the cars, the clothes, and, crucially, the jewelry—became instantly iconic. Now, a piece central to that image is hitting the auction block: the Jacob & Co. Five Time Zone Watch. This isn’t just a timepiece; it’s a cultural artifact, a symbol of a moment when hip-hop’s influence permeated mainstream culture, and a testament to the enduring partnership between Pharrell Williams and Jacob Arabo.
Launched in 2002 by Jacob Arabo, known as “Jacob the Jeweler” within the New York City hip-hop scene—a nickname reportedly given to him by The Notorious B.I.G.—the Five Time Zone Watch quickly became a status symbol. Its oversized design and functionality—displaying the time in New York, Los Angeles, Tokyo, and Paris—spoke to the increasingly global reach of hip-hop artists. Before smartphones streamlined international connectivity, the watch offered a tangible representation of a jet-setting lifestyle. Powered by a quartz movement from ETA, the watch was available in 40mm and 47mm sizes, with or without diamond embellishments, and was embraced by artists like Jay-Z, Busta Rhymes, and Pharrell Williams.
The watch’s significance extends beyond its functionality and celebrity endorsements. As Jacob & Co.’s first watch collection, it marked a pivotal moment for Arabo, transitioning him from a renowned jeweler specializing in “bust-down” pieces to a respected figure in the world of horology. The Five Time Zone watch helped establish Jacob & Co. As a luxury brand, bridging the gap between hip-hop culture and high-finish watchmaking.
A Thirty-Year Collaboration
The story of the watch is inextricably linked to the long-standing relationship between Pharrell Williams and Jacob Arabo. The two first connected three decades ago, and Williams has since become one of Arabo’s most prominent clients, collaborating on approximately 100 unique jewelry pieces. Their creative partnership extended beyond mere transactions; they co-designed pieces that became cultural touchstones, like Pharrell’s famous N.E.R.D. Chain, which helped popularize the term “bling” and solidify its place in the broader cultural lexicon.
Now, through Joopiter, Pharrell Williams’ commerce and content platform, the pair is offering a curated auction of 30 rare and unique pieces from their personal collections. The auction isn’t simply a sale; it’s a glimpse into a shared history and a celebration of their creative synergy. The offerings extend far beyond the Five Time Zone watch, showcasing the breadth and extravagance of their collaborative perform.
Beyond the Five Time Zone: A Collection of Extravagance
The auction features pieces that represent the pinnacle of luxury and craftsmanship. Among the most striking is a Jacob & Co. Yellow Diamond & Gold Necklace, inspired by the Crown Jewels of England, estimated to be worth between $6 and $8 million. The necklace is encrusted with yellow diamonds cut in heart, square, emerald, and asscher shapes. Another standout piece is a Yellow Gold & Fancy Yellow Diamond Seven Row Cuff Bracelet, featuring 57 carats of fancy yellow diamonds—a piece Pharrell acquired early in his relationship with Jacob.
The auction also includes the Rare Touch Bow Tie, a gem-encrusted piece set with approximately 1,600 stones. This piece is particularly noteworthy as it foreshadowed Pharrell’s burgeoning career as a fashion designer, demonstrating his early eye for detail and his willingness to push boundaries. These items, and the others included in the auction, represent not just financial value, but also a significant chapter in the history of hip-hop fashion and celebrity culture.
The Enduring Legacy of “Bling”
The Five Time Zone watch, and the broader aesthetic it represents, arrived at a specific moment in time. The early 2000s saw hip-hop artists achieving unprecedented commercial success and cultural influence. This newfound wealth and visibility translated into a desire for extravagant displays of luxury, and jewelry—particularly pieces from Jacob the Jeweler—became a key component of that expression. The term “bling,” popularized during this era, encapsulated this aesthetic, and the Five Time Zone watch became synonymous with it.
The auction of these pieces offers a unique opportunity to acquire a piece of that history. It’s a chance to own not just a beautiful object, but a symbol of a cultural shift and a testament to the enduring power of collaboration and creativity. The auction through Joopiter is currently live, and interested bidders can find more information on the platform’s website.
The auction is scheduled to continue through February, with further details on specific lots and bidding procedures available on the Joopiter website. For those interested in the history of hip-hop jewelry and the evolution of luxury watchmaking, this event represents a significant moment.
What do you think about the auction? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and be sure to share this article with anyone interested in hip-hop history and luxury collectibles.
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