A new luxury watch themed on Vantara, the private zoo run by the family of Asia’s richest man Mukesh Ambani, has been unveiled in India by renowned watchmaker Jacob & Co.
A Unique Design
The bejewelled timepiece features a hand-painted figurine of Anant Ambani, Mukesh’s youngest son, seated at the centre of the dial. Surrounding him are sculpted figures of a lion and a Bengal tiger, symbolising the wildlife housed at Vantara.
Jacob & Co revealed that the watch is composed of 397 precious stones, including diamonds, green sapphires, garnets, and other gems. While the brand has not disclosed its price, industry collective Watchopea estimates its value at approximately Ksh193 million.
Vantara: The Inspiration
Spread across 3,500 acres in Jamnagar, Gujarat, Vantara is branded as a private wildlife rescue and rehabilitation centre. It is home to more than 2,000 species, including lions, elephants, and tigers.
The zoo, owned by Anant Ambani, is not open to the public. It made headlines last year following allegations of unlawful animal acquisition and mistreatment, though a Supreme Court-appointed team later found no evidence of wrongdoing.
Vantara was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in March 2025 and also served as one of the venues for Anant Ambani’s lavish 2024 pre-wedding celebrations, which drew global attention.
A Star-Studded Affair
The pre-wedding festivities were attended by India’s top Bollywood stars and international celebrities such as Kim Kardashian and Rihanna. Business leaders including Bill Gates and Mark Zuckerberg, former UK prime ministers Tony Blair and Boris Johnson, and U.S. presidential family members Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner were also present.
Symbolism and Availability
In unveiling the watch, Jacob & Co described it as “a tribute to Vantara,” with Anant’s figurine symbolising stewardship and responsibility.
An executive from Ethos Watches, Jacob & Co’s India retail partner, told the BBC that the watch is not yet available in stores and its official price remains undisclosed.
Conclusion
The unveiling of the Vantara-inspired timepiece underscores the Ambani family’s penchant for blending luxury with symbolism. With its intricate design and dazzling array of gemstones, the watch is set to become one of the most talked-about creations in the world of haute horology.
