In brief
Luxury watchmaker Jacob & Co has unveiled a $1.5 million timepiece inspired by Anant Ambani's private wildlife rescue center, Vantara. The intricately designed watch features handcrafted figures and symbolizes stewardship, merging opulence with a message of responsibility. While the watch's price is high, it reflects the intricate craftsmanship and environmental conscience embodied in its design.
A new luxury watch themed on a private zoo run by the family of Asia's richest man Mukesh Ambani has been unveiled in India - complete with a hand-painted figurine of the tycoon's youngest son, Anant, in the centre.
Designed by luxury watchmaker Jacob & Co, the bejeweled timepiece has sculpted figures of a lion and a Bengal tiger placed around Anant's statue seated on a chair.
While the watchmaker has not disclosed the price, industry collective Watchopea estimates its value at $1.5 million (£1.1 million, 137 million rupees).
The centre - branded as a private wildlife rescue and rehabilitation centre - is home to more than 2,000 species, including lions, elephants and tigers, and is spread over 3,500 acres.
The zoo, which is owned by Anant and is not open to the public, hit the headlines last year after allegations of unlawfully acquiring and mistreating animals, but a Supreme Court-appointed team later found no evidence of wrongdoing.
It is located in Jamnagar in the western state of Gujarat, not far from Mukesh Ambani's oil refinery - which is the largest in the world.
Vantara was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in March last year.
It was also one of the venues for Anant Ambani's lavish 2024 pre-wedding events that made global headlines.
In their social media post unveiling the watch, Jacob & Co said their new luxury timepiece was a tribute to Vantara and Anant's figurine at the centre of the dial symbolised stewardship and responsibility.
The watch is made up of 397 precious stones, including diamonds, green sapphires, garnets and other gems.
