ReviewSet In Stone: Introducing The Jacob & Co Palatial Classic Collection’s Stone Dials

Jacob & Co’s Palatial Classic collection consists of some of the most subdued creations by a brand known for their bling. However, despite the lack of precious stones decorating them, these watches are unquestionably ornate, with robust 42mm cases housing dials in a guilloche pattern, or with mineral watch faces, as in the case of the latest stone dials in malachite, lapis lazuli and black onyx. What sets these new stone dials apart from Jacob & Co’s earlier mineral crystal dials is how the brand have toned down their logo in order to let the natural minerals shine through against rose gold or stainless steel.

Minerals On A Watch Dial

Stone dials are not exactly a new concept on watches. They’ve been around since the 1960s, when the Art Deco movement inspired watchmakers to introduce colours of bright precious and semi-precious stones on their timepieces. Watchmakers Piaget were among the first to create popular watches with dials made out of precious stones and minerals such as tiger’s eye, opal and lapis lazuli, to name a few. Over the years, mineral dials have become more popular, although crafting these dials requires an expertise that only a few brands can boast. The texture and patterns on these minerals lend a unique dimension to the watch they are housed in.

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The Opulent Luxury Of Precious Minerals

Jacob & Co’s new Palatial Classic collection offers dial options in blue lapis lazuli, green malachite and black onyx, in a sizeable 42mm case in rose gold or stainless steel. The height of the case is a comfortable 13.5mm. Undoubtedly, the rose gold cases with their curved lugs look dressier, but even in steel, the polished case and lugs lend the watch a classy aesthetic. Protected by guards, the crown is engraved with a Jacob & Co logo. The dials themselves are protected by a sapphire crystal glass with antireflective treatment.

The Jacob & Co Palatial Classic Manual Big Date in a rose gold case and lapis lazuli dial. The flecks of gold on the dial add a unique dimension to the rich blue rock

The Jacob & Co Palatial Classic Manual Big Date in a rose gold case and malachite dial with a horizontal texture. Rose gold indexes and hands add an elegance to the watch

The Jacob & Co Palatial Classic Manual Big Date in a rose gold case and a deep, black onyx dial that evokes Vantablack, the darkest black on earth

The Jacob & Co Palatial Classic Manual Big Date in a steel case and lapis lazuli dial. Protected by guards, the crown is engraved with a Jacob & Co logo

The Jacob & Co Palatial Classic Manual Big Date in a steel case and malachite dial. The dial is protected by a sapphire crustal glass with anti-reflective treatment

The Jacob & Co Palatial Classic Manual Big Date in a steel case and onyx dial. At 12 o’clock is a double-digit date in a silver-framed window with a subdued logo underneath

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Each of the green and blue mineral dials stand out for their distinctive patterns. The malachite dials feature a horizontal texture, while the lapis lazuli’s flecks of gold add a unique dimension to the rich blue. On the other hand, the smooth onyx is reminiscent of Vantablack, the darkest black ever. Polished dauphine rose gold or rhodium-plated indexes and hands enhance the elegant aesthetic of the dial. At 12 o’clock is a double-digit date in a rose gold or silver framed window. The Jacob & Co sits neatly under this big date display. In other Palatial Classic timepieces, the logo is framed prominently in a circle at nine o clock. By doing away with that circular frame, the brand have instead highlighted the beautiful pattern on the stone. At six o’clock is a power reserve indicator, with an outline that matches the metal of the case, and marked in numerals of 48, 24 and zero, which means the watch needs to be wound.

By doing away with the circular framed logo, the brand have instead highlighted the beautiful pattern on the stone

At six o’clock is a power reserve indicator, with an outline that matches the metal of the case

Stony Nature Of The Palatial Classic

The 48-hour power reserve offered by the watch is made possible by the brand’s manual-winding mechanical JCAM52 calibre, with an Incabloc shield that offers considerable protection against shocks. The JCAM52 calibre includes timekeeping, large date and power reserve indicator functions, and is protected by a closed caseback.

The watch is powered by the manually-wound mechanical JCAM52 calibre, with an Incabloc shield that offers considerable protection against shocks

The JCAM52 calibre includes timekeeping, large date and power reserve indicator functions, and is protected by a closed caseback

The watches are paired with matching 18-karat rose gold or steel bracelets. Alternatively, they are mounted on alligator leather straps that match the colour of the dial—rich green for malachite, royal blue for lapis lazuli, and an evergreen and elegant black for the onyx dials. Much like the distinct dials, each of the strap and bracelet options also lend every watch a unique appearance. The one thing they all have in common is that they’re here to make a statement. For Jacob & Co founder Jacob Arabo, these beautiful mineral dials must be an easy assertion. After all, he is as accomplished with stones as he is with watches.