Statement timepieces are often described as sitting at the intersection between horological craftsmanship and fine art. Throw a fashionista like Rihanna in the mix, and you have serious potential for a new trend.
The stars descended onto Las Vegas last weekend for the Formula One Grand Prix – not of the literal kind, but a fine selection of who's who from all areas of showbiz, from modeling (Cara Delevingne) to movies (Brad Pitt), TV and reality shows (Paris Hilton), and music (Rihanna). The mix was eclectic but potent, making the Las Vegas GP a well-attended one: the place to be if you want to be seen, as one old showbiz saying goes.
So naturally, everyone in attendance made sure they looked their best. For Rihanna, who came out more to support partner A$AP Rocky for his debut as creative director of the new line of Puma X F1 products than for the love of the sport, that meant showcasing another custom Jacob & Co. creation. It was an unlikely but striking one nonetheless.
Rihanna and Jacob & Co. go way back, though their relationship is not as strong as the one between the luxury watchmaker and Cristiano Ronaldo. Over the years, the Barbadian singer has worn several striking pieces customized specifically for her, and this was another one of those occasions: a watch anklet that costs $400,000 because it's literally dripping in diamonds.
The piece contains 155 individual stones, either emerald or round cut, and weighs a total of 70 carats. There's a diminutive timepiece in there, as well, with a face full of diamonds and striking blue hands for the hour and the minute.
Photo: Jacob & Co.
To be fair, though, given the fact this piece isn't meant to be worn on the wrist, its time-telling capability is the least important feature. Not even Jacobs & Co. considers it important since there's no word about the mechanism on the official website.
The diamonds are set in 18K white gold, with three individual diamond strands making up the bracelet. Jacob & Co. describes the piece as "the definition of luxury with a tick of time," an item that "blurs the line between a timepiece and a statement of luxury, epitomizing fashion at its peak."
The emphasis on it being a fashion statement is a must because that's the market for such a product: women like Rihanna who can afford half a million dollars on a watch they can't and will never read because it sits on their ankle.
For the F1 appearance, Rihanna paired the ankle watch with Balenciaga pantaleggings, which are legging-like pants that extend over the shoe, an oversize black leather jacket, and enough diamonds to blind an army of paparazzi – the Jacob & Co. anklet watch not included.
Elena has been writing for a living since 2006 and, as a journalist, she has put her double major in English and Spanish to good use. She covers automotive and mobility topics like cars and bicycles, and she always knows the shows worth watching on Netflix and friends. Full profile
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