Have you ever wondered why you should buy a timepiece? Well, Jacob&Co’s latest creation will give you more than enough reasons to invest almost $900,000 in the limited-edition Astronomia Mount Everest designed in partnership with Swedish explorer and environmentalist, Johan Ernst Nilson.
Two years ago, Nilson, who has climbed the Seven Summits and holds a place in the Guinness Book of World Records for his Three Poles Challenge expedition, took an Astronomia Tourbillon timepiece with him while climbing the Himalayas. He ascended 6,200 meters and the watch continued to work despite -30 degree temperatures and the high altitudes. Inspired by its rugged nature and the need to address the impacts of climate change he’s witnessed while travelling to 172 countries, Nilson – also a keen environmentalist – came back to work with Jacob & Co. on the Astronomia Everest timepiece that incorporates elements from his three most-accomplished expeditions: a trek to the North Pole, to the South Pole and his Mt. Everest climb.
This impressive timepiece, which is just as complex as all other Astronomia Tourbillons, has mounted in its centre, an actual piece of rock from Everest itself collected by Nilson. On opposite ends are two clear capsules that emulate buckets Nilson used to collect water at each of the poles. Water from the poles is actually inside both capsules. Based on the brand’s beloved Astronomia Sky Tourbillon watch, the timepiece boasts a double-axis gravitational tourbillon on one of four satellites. The other three satellites feature a one-carat 288-faceted Jacob-cut diamond, a constantly rotating magnesium globe and the hour/minute dial.
For the first time, Jacob&Co uses Super-LumiNova for the hands, the globe, the constellations on the background, and even on the strap, allowing you to see your timepiece clearly even in poor lighting conditions. There are two versions of the 47mm watch, one with a black dial and crafted in blackened 18-karat white gold, and one with a blue dial and crafted in 18-karat white gold. Just 12 of each will be made, making a total of 24 watches (representing the world’s 24 main time zones).
Priced at $884,800 – reflecting the height of Mt. Everest (8,848 meters), 10% of the proceeds of the sale of each timepiece goes to organisations (not yet specifically determined) that are helping the environment. But that’s not all: Jacob & Co. and Nilson have added an adventure to the purchase. Every buyer will receive a helicopter trip for two with Nilson to the spot on Everest where he took the rock that is used for the timepieces.
“I want this special timepiece to help make a change in the world,” says Nilson. “The Astronomia is the only watch I’ve ever had people ask me about while I am wearing it, so we will be starting conversations that hopefully will lead to change. This special edition will spread the word about the fragility of our planet.” Speaking further, Jacob Arabo, founder of Jacob & Co. adds, “Raising awareness about the dangers facing our planet is important. Working with well-known adventure activist Johan Ernst is a great way for our brand to get involved, and the new limited edition of the Astronomia Everest is really special.”
Source: Forbes