Luxury watchmaker Jacob & Co. has unveiled one of its most extravagant creations yet — a $1.5 million timepiece named ‘Vantara’, inspired by the Vantara Global Wildlife Rescue and Conservation Centre in Gujarat. The watch is a tribute to the sanctuary’s key figure, Anant Ambani, who appears as a sculpted figurine placed at the very centre of the dial.
More than a statement accessory, the watch is designed as a symbolic narrative. Anant Ambani’s figure sits at the heart of the mechanism, representing stewardship, responsibility, and guardianship of nature. The dial features four animated elements, including a rotating orb and a Bengal tiger — a nod to India’s wildlife diversity and Vantara’s conservation mission.
A Camouflage of Gems and Craftsmanship
Visually arresting at first glance, the Vantara watch features a green camouflage aesthetic, directly referencing the natural ecosystems it celebrates. The case and dial are lavishly adorned with demantoid garnets, tsavorites, deep green sapphires, and white diamonds.
In total, the watch houses 397 gemstones weighing approximately 21.98 carats, meticulously set to create depth, texture, and motion. The result is a piece that blurs the line between high jewellery and fine horology.
Jacob & Co., known for pushing the boundaries of traditional watchmaking, has positioned Vantara as a wearable work of art, rather than a conventional timekeeping instrument.
Luxury With a Conservation Message
Named after the wildlife conservation initiative itself, the Vantara watch is intended to represent responsible luxury — combining mechanical complexity with a broader environmental narrative.
Every design element, from the colour palette to the moving wildlife motifs, reflects a commitment to nature, preservation, and craftsmanship, elevating the watch beyond pure opulence.
‘Can See Everything but Time’: Internet Reacts
As images of the watch went viral, social media reactions were sharply divided. While collectors and design enthusiasts praised the ambition and artistry, many netizens questioned the watch’s primary function.
“I can see everything but not time in this ‘watch’,” one user commented.
Another asked bluntly, “Where does it tell time?”, while some speculated whether the design was AI-generated or even an April Fool’s prank.
Several users labelled the piece a “monstrosity” or a failure as a functional watch, though many still acknowledged its value as a jewellery masterpiece and artistic statement rather than a traditional timepiece.
Art, Not Just Timekeeping
Despite the criticism, the Vantara watch has succeeded in one key area — sparking conversation. Whether viewed as excessive or extraordinary, the $1.5 million creation reinforces Jacob & Co.’s reputation for redefining what luxury watches can represent in the modern era.
