The $1.5M Vantara Watch: Anant Ambani World on a Wrist

New Delhi, january 22, 2026: In the world of high-end horology, few names push the boundaries of “extra” quite like Jacob & Co. Their latest creation, however, has set a new benchmark for personalized luxury. The legendary watchmaker recently unveiled ‘The Vantara,’ a bespoke timepiece priced at approximately $1.5 million (around ₹12.5 crore), dedicated to Anant Ambani’s massive wildlife conservation project in Gujarat.

What makes this watch a global talking point isn’t just the price tag, but the fact that Anant Ambani himself is literally part of the movement.

A Sanctuary on Your Wrist

Inspired by the Vantara Global Wildlife Rescue and Conservation Centre, the watch is a miniature, mechanical tribute to nature. At the very heart of the dial sits a hand-painted figurine of Anant Ambani, depicted wearing a blue floral shirt. This central figure is intended to symbolize his role as a “steward” of the animal kingdom.

Surrounding the central figurine is a meticulously crafted ecosystem including:

• A fierce Bengal tiger and a majestic lion.
• An intricately etched elephant in gold.
• The “Vantara” name prominently displayed.

The Art of 397 Gemstones

True to the Jacob & Co. aesthetic, the watch is a masterclass in jewelry setting. To mimic the lush, green landscapes of the Gujarat sanctuary, the watch features a green camouflage motif made from a staggering 397 gemstones, totaling nearly 22 carats.

The palette is achieved using a sophisticated blend of rare stones:

• Demantoid Garnets: Providing flashes of electric green.
• Tsavorites: Adding deep, rich forest tones.
• Green Sapphires: Introducing tonal variation.
• White Diamonds: Used to provide light, structure, and a brilliant sparkle.

A “Polarizing” Masterpiece

As with any $1.5 million statement piece, the Vantara watch has ignited a firestorm on social media. While horology enthusiasts have praised the incredible hand-painted detail and the complexity of the gem-setting, others have pointed out the irony of its design.

Netizens were quick to troll the “maximalist” look, with one viral comment stating, “I can see everything in this watch except the time.” Others compared the hyper-realistic figurines to AI-generated art, questioning the practicality of a timepiece that prioritizes a diorama over a clock face.

The Ambani Legacy of Horology

This is not Anant Ambani’s first brush with rare watches. He is famously a collector of “Holy Grail” pieces, including the Patek Philippe Grandmaster Chime (worth $8 million) and various custom Richard Mille models.

This latest collaboration with Jacob & Co. cements his status not just as a collector, but as a muse for the world’s most elite artisans. For the youngest Ambani scion, the Vantara watch is clearly more than a tool to tell time—it’s a wearable monument to his life’s work in conservation.