THE ENDURING ALLIANCE: JACOB & CO. AND CRISTIANO RONALDO
The longstanding and intimate partnership between Cristiano Ronaldo and Jacob & Co. stands as a testament to trust and respect cultivated over two decades. Founder and Chairman Jacob Arabo and Cristiano Ronaldo forged a strong bond when the Portuguese football sensation was on the brink of stardom, evolving into a enduring friendship.
Both individuals share a common pursuit of excellence, having built their success from the ground up through unwavering determination and hard work. This camaraderie has blossomed into a collaborative business venture, with Jacob & Co. designing and producing timepieces inspired by the image of Cristiano Ronaldo, featuring co-branding by these two influential entities.
A TRIBUTE TO CRISTIANO RONALDO
The Jacob & Co x CR7 Epic X collection is a deeply personalized iteration of the Epic X, retaining its distinctive features such as a 44mm case with X-shaped lugs, a polished or diamond-set bezel, and a colored crown and flange. Powered by one of Jacob & Co.’s iconic calibers, this skeleton movement boasts a remarkable architectural design, with two vertical pillars forming the central part of the X shape initiated by the lugs, defining the watch as Epic X.
In the Jacob & Co x CR7 Epic X collection, these pillars take on a unique significance. The left pillar represents Cristiano Ronaldo in various postures, while the right one bears the CR7 logo and the footballer’s hand signature, engraved boldly. The skeleton barrel cover, shaped like a football, further emphasizes the football theme. The caseback features a gold-printed image of Cristiano Ronaldo donning his iconic number 7 jersey on a tinted sapphire crystal.
THE INTRICATE SKELETONIZED MOVEMENT
At the core of the Jacob & Co x CR7 Epic X identity lies Caliber JCAM45, meticulously designed as a skeleton movement from its inception. Its graphic structure, with a wide barrel at 12 o’clock and a balance wheel at 6 o’clock, exudes verticality, enhanced by the accompanying vertical bridges. The left pillar, representing Cristiano Ronaldo, mirrors the footballer wearing his cherished number 7 jersey.
Caliber JCAM45 is intricately skeletonized, revealing black-plated surfaces finished with circular graining, sandblasting, and vertical graining. The movement’s back exposes the distinctive “Octopus” spring with three elegantly curved blades, showcasing the haute horlogerie expertise of the Jacob & Co x CR7 Epic X collaboration.
THE REVAMPED CASE DESIGN
The latest iteration, the Epic X V2, introduces a striking modification to the case design. The stepped bezel, now adorned with 26 baguette-cut white diamonds (~4.26 ct), creates a luxurious touch. The X-shaped lugs, flush and full, start just above the sapphire crystal and culminate angularly, providing a seamless fit for the strap. The caseband extends beyond the circular case, forming crown guards, housing a redesigned crown with a two-level, notched steel tip.
Adding a vibrant touch, aluminum components in various colors accentuate the redesigned crown, flange, and satin-finished edges on the vertical bridges. The discreet underside of these components, visible through the sapphire caseback, complements the intricate components of Caliber JCAM45.
THE DIAL AND HANDS
Being a skeleton timepiece, the Jacob & Co x CR7 Epic X does not possess a conventional dial. However, the integration of vertical bridges serves a dual purpose. While they are integral to the movement, they also fulfill the visual role of a dial. These bridges are a testament to Jacob & Co.’s design ingenuity, balancing functionality and aesthetics.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
The Jacob & Co x CR7 Epic X, identified by item number EX120.43.BC.AB.ABRUA, is powered by Caliber JCAM45, a hand-wound, skeleton movement. With a diameter of 44mm and a height of 13.05mm, the case is crafted from 18k rose gold. The bezel, polished and set with 26 baguette-cut white diamonds, adds a touch of opulence. The crown, made of 18k rose gold with a red aluminum tube, features a redesigned two-level tip.
The red aluminum minute track ring on the flange and the sapphire crystal with anti-reflective treatment contribute to the watch’s distinctive appearance. The caseback, featuring a custom CR7 design on red mineral crystal, reinforces the football theme. With water resistance up to 50 meters (5 atm), the Jacob & Co x CR7 Epic X is as durable as it is stylish.
The dial, adorned with vertical bridges shaped after Cristiano Ronaldo, showcases the footballer’s hand-signature and CR7 logo on the right pillar. The hands of the timepiece, designed in a skeleton style, add to the overall aesthetic appeal.
The strap, made of black Cordura with red lining, is secured with an 18k rose gold pin buckle, completing the refined and sporty look of this remarkable timepiece.
