Renowned Argentinean soccer player Leo Messi was Audemars Piguet’s ambassador since 2010 and the brand released three Royal Oak Chronographs in his honor back in 2012. In 2014, Messi was still visiting the Audemars Piguet manufacture around 2014 and who knows what happened since them, but somehow that close friendship and relationship ended. All that we know, is that Messi loves watches and he is now partnering with Jacob & Co. and Jacob Arabo. Right before Baselworld 2019, Jacob & Co. presented the first watch from their relationship with Leo Messi and we were finally able to check it out during Baselworld last week. The new Epic X Chrono Messi Limited Edition is available in rose gold with grade 5 titanium, in grade 5 titanium and also in white gold with grade 5 titanium set with 36 diamond baguettes. The first two watches available in a limited edition of 180 pieces each and the last one in a limited edition of 36 pieces.
To many, Leo Messi is the greatest player in the history of soccer and to others he is one of the top 5 soccer players in the history of the game. Regardless, the new Epic X Chrono Messi pays tribute to a player of great magnitude. The Jacob & Co. Epic X Chronograph Messi Limited Edition is available in a limited edition of 180 pieces.
Things to Know About the Watch
The Jacob & Co. Epic X Chrono Messi Limited Edition features a highly polished grade 5 titanium case measuring 47 mm in diameter by 14 mm in thickness. The case is equipped a white ceramic bezel and pushers, blue rubber inserts at the side of the lugs and red rubberized crowns at 3 and 10 o’clock. The color combination derived from the colors of the Argentinean flag, Messi’s country of origin. The dial features a light blue sapphire crystal, a 30-minute chrono register at 3 o’clock, running seconds at 9 o’clock and an M Sytlized ‘Messi’ logo. A red seconds hand along with a red ‘10’ on the minute track flange, add the perfect level of contrast.
The white ceramic pushers feature red engraved labeling and the winding crown features a white ceramic insert as well as a red rubber o-ring. The blue rubber inserts at the side of the lugs play in symphony with the color of the dial, against the white canvas created by the rubber strap and the white ceramic on the bezel and the pushers. The second red crown at 10 o’clock is used to rotate the inner flange with 60-minute track so that it can be used as a timer for elapsed times.
The Movement & Case Back
Fitted with a light blue sapphire crystal with Messi’s signature in black on its display case back, the automatic skeletonized chronograph movement calibre JCAA05 can be fully admired. This movement with column wheel mechanism and oscillating weight with red accents, beats at a frequency of 28.,800 vph to provide a power reserve of 48 hours.
On the Wrist & Price
On the wrist, the Jacob & Co. Epic X Chrono Messi Limited Edition wears slightly bigger than its actual size and more like a 48-49 mm watch. Due to the thick case construction and prominent X-shaped casing, the watch also appears visually clunkier. Nonetheless, the watch is great looking and very striking in terms of its color scheme. For those that don’t like white straps, Jacob & Co. provides a second rubber strap in light blue.
Sticker Price $28,000 USD for titanium and $44,000 USD for rose gold. For more info on Jacob & Co. click here.
