In an interview, Benjamin Arabov, CEO of Jacob & Co., discussed the brand’s growth and expansion plans for 2023. Jacob & Co., which was founded in 1986 by Jacob Arabo, has become a coveted watch and jewelry brand, particularly in the hip hop world, where it has been mentioned in songs by popular artists such as Jay-Z and 50 Cent.
Since taking over as CEO two years ago, Arabov has continued to expand the brand’s revenue, particularly in the watch sector. Jacob & Co. has experienced a 132% revenue growth since 2020, with revenue reaching $188 million in 2022, of which approximately 75% comes from watch sales.
Arabov has focused on reducing his father’s workload so that he can focus on global expansion and creative design. To achieve this, the brand has opened several new stores around the world, with plans to open a dozen more in countries such as Saudi Arabia, Thailand, Hong Kong, and Egypt in 2023.
Jacob & Co.’s most popular watch sales include the Bugatti Chiron Tourbillon and the Opera Godfather watches, which have sold over 200 and 100 pieces, respectively, in the past few years. The brand’s less expensive watches, such as the Epic X and the Epic X Chronograph, have also experienced a sales increase over the past two years.
To continue growing the brand’s watch business in 2023, Jacob & Co. has developed five new complicated watches, including a “world’s first” model that will be revealed at this year’s Watches & Wonders exhibition in Geneva. Arabov also plans to create watches that are 44mm or less in size, based on feedback from clients and retail partners.
Overall, Arabov notes that Jacob & Co.’s growth is due to a strong demand for luxury watches in general, as well as consumer interest in certain product families offered by the brand.
