Jacob & Co launches the $1.5 million Opera Vantara Green Camo watch inspired by Anant Ambani’s wildlife conservation vision, featuring 397 gemstones and wildlife motifs.
This timepiece goes beyond conventional luxury watches with its green camouflage motif crafted entirely from gemstones. (Photo: Instagram)
A new masterpiece from American luxury watchmaker Jacob & Co has captured global attention with its blend of art, conservation, and high horology. The brand has unveiled the Opera Vantara Green Camo, a bespoke wristwatch inspired by Anant Ambani and his Vantara Global Wildlife Rescue and Conservation Centre in Gujarat. This extraordinary piece is not just a timekeeper — it is a celebration of wildlife, craftsmanship, and storytelling.
The Opera Vantara Green Camo stands out for its intricate design and symbolic narrative, reflecting Anant Ambani’s passion for wildlife conservation. At the centre of the dial sits a hand-painted figurine of Anant Ambani, surrounded by miniature sculptures of a lion and a Bengal tiger, representing the species protected at Vantara. These elements create a rich visual story of stewardship and responsibility.
This timepiece goes beyond conventional luxury watches with its green camouflage motif crafted entirely from gemstones. The case and dial feature 397 hand-set stones — including demantoid garnets, tsavorites, green sapphires, and white diamonds — totaling approximately 21.98 carats. This meticulous gem setting adds depth, contrast, and organic movement to the design, giving the watch an artistic and nature-inspired aesthetic.
Although Jacob & Co. has not released an official retail price, industry sources and multiple reports place the value of the Opera Vantara Green Camo at around $1.5 million (approximately ₹12–13.7 crore). This positions the timepiece among the most expensive and exclusive watches in the world today, reflecting both its artistic complexity and the brand’s reputation for unmatched luxury.
Jacob & Co’s founder, Jacob Arabo, is known for creating watches that serve as narrative objects, blending haute horlogerie with cultural storytelling. The Vantara watch is no exception — it honours a real-world mission rather than simply showcasing wealth. Arabo’s philosophy is to “invent things that haven’t been done before,” and this creation exemplifies that ethos by fusing conservation themes with high-end craftsmanship.
The Opera Vantara Green Camo also reflects a broader trend in luxury markets where collectors seek purpose-driven designs that resonate emotionally and symbolically, beyond pure aesthetics or value.
The watch has sparked mixed reactions from collectors and enthusiasts. While many praise its technical mastery and symbolic depth, others question its practicality as a timepiece, given the emphasis on artistic elements. Some social media observers have even joked about the design’s complexity, with one comment noting: “I can see everything but not time in this ‘watch’”.
The Opera Vantara Green Camo is a striking example of how high-end watches are evolving into personal and cultural statements. By intertwining conservation, storytelling, and gemstone artistry, Jacob & Co has created a timepiece that is not just an accessory but a symbol of luxury with purpose.
In the world of luxury watches, this creation marks a new chapter where values and visual storytelling merge with precision engineering and craftsmanship, making it one of the most talked-about horological pieces of 2026.
