The Jacob & Co. Billionaire watch linked to Flavio Briatore was unveiled in 2015 as a one-of-a-kind collaboration. Contemporary reports put its launch price at 18 million Swiss francs or US$18 million—not the $18.3 million figure in the supplied title. The reports establish Briatore’s role in the collaboration, but do not establish that he personally owned the finished watch.
How much did the Jacob & Co. Billionaire watch cost?
At its 2015 launch, reports quoted the price as either 18 million Swiss francs or US$18 million. Forbes México reported 18 million Swiss francs, while The National and Forbes Brasil reported US$18 million. These are launch-era prices, not evidence of a current asking price or resale value. The reviewed reports do not support the more precise $18.3 million figure.
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Because the reports give different currencies, the figures should not be treated as competing prices without a dated exchange rate and a clear explanation of when the conversion was made. The original watch was described as one of a kind, and the launch reports do not establish whether it is currently for sale.
What was the original watch made of?
Launch-era coverage emphasized the diamond setting. Forbes México reported a total of 260 carats of emerald-cut diamonds. Forbes Brasil reported 239 diamonds and described an 18-karat white-gold case with a diamond bracelet.
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- Unique Vintage Design：The watch features a vintage roman numeral dial paired with an innovative concealed crown at 3 o’clock, Fashionable and Simple, suitable for various occasions such as business and leisure
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Forbes Brasil also described a hand-wound JCAM09 skeleton tourbillon movement and a 72-hour power reserve. WatchReport separately reported that the JCAM09 had 167 components. These are details from secondary coverage of the 2015 original, rather than specifications on a current official page for that watch.
What was Flavio Briatore’s connection to the watch?
Forbes México reported that the watch was unveiled on March 20, 2015, at Baselworld as a collaboration between Briatore and Jacob & Co. The National said the “Billionaire” name reflected the friendship and business partnership between Briatore and Jacob Arabo, the company’s founder. Forbes Brasil identified Briatore as the owner of Billionaire Couture and reported that Arabo described a two-year project to cut and match the stones.
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That establishes a documented collaboration, not personal ownership. The reviewed launch reports do not say that Briatore owned the completed watch, so calling it “Briatore’s watch” can imply more than the available evidence shows.
How the original differs from Billionaire II
Jacob & Co.’s official Billionaire II page describes a later, distinct model. Its specifications should not be applied to the Briatore-linked original.
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| Detail | 2015 Billionaire original | Billionaire II |
|---|---|---|
| Identity and edition | One-of-a-kind, according to The National’s 2015 report. | 18-piece edition, according to Jacob & Co.’s official Billionaire II page. |
| Movement | Hand-wound JCAM09 skeleton tourbillon; 167 components reported by WatchReport in 2015. | Hand-wound JCAM39 caliber with 167 components and a one-minute tourbillon, according to Jacob & Co.’s official page. |
| Diamond setting | 260 carats reported by Forbes México; Forbes Brasil reported 239 diamonds. | 429 white diamonds totaling 161.40 carats, according to Jacob & Co.’s official page. |
| Power reserve | 72 hours, according to Forbes Brasil’s 2015 report. | 72 hours, according to Jacob & Co.’s official page. |
| Case and bracelet | 18-karat white gold and a diamond bracelet, according to Forbes Brasil’s 2015 report. | 18-karat white gold, according to Jacob & Co.’s official page. |
What the launch price does—and does not—tell you
An announced price for a unique luxury watch is not the same thing as a verified sale price. The 2015 reports establish what publications said the watch cost at launch; they do not establish a present-day market value, a later transaction, or current availability. Nor does the original’s one-of-a-kind description mean Billionaire II shares the same edition status: Jacob & Co. lists that model as an 18-piece edition.
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Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
