Watch Paparazzi

Entrepreneur Kevin O'Leary spotted wearing Jacob & Co

Kevin O'Leary, serial entrepreneur and resident contrarian on ABC's Shark Tank, was recently spotted sporting the Jacob & Co Epic X Chrono in black titanium, reference EC313.21.SB.BB.B — punctuated by his signature red strap that has become almost as recognizable as the man himself. The pairing is deliberate: O'Leary has spoken publicly about choosing watches that project authority without defaulting to the obvious Rolex or Patek playbook.

The Epic X Chrono EC313.21.SB.BB.B is built around Jacob & Co's in-house JCAM18 manual-winding chronograph movement, a calibre that offers 50 hours of power reserve and beats at 28,800 vph. The movement is displayed through a fully skeletonized dial framed by a 44mm black-coated titanium case, keeping the overall weight surprisingly manageable despite its visual mass. The 'SB.BB' designation in the reference confirms the all-black treatment on the case and bridges, while sapphire crystals front and rear ensure the movement spectacle isn't restricted to a single angle.

Jacob & Co launched the Epic X line to stake out territory between traditional haute horlogerie and the streetwear-influenced, visually aggressive watches championed by brands like Richard Mille. The skeletonized X-frame architecture — literally an open cross-brace connecting the movement components — has become a house signature and gives the Epic X Chrono genuine collector identity beyond its celebrity associations. Production volumes remain limited, adding quiet scarcity to a watch that hardly needs it aesthetically.

O'Leary's relationship with Jacob & Co is well established. He has worn multiple references from the brand across various media appearances and has been photographed at Jacob & Co events, suggesting endorsement-level affinity if not formal ambassadorship. The red strap selection is O'Leary's personal flourish — a recurring style choice that ties his watch rotation together across brands and references, functioning almost as a personal hallmark.

At a UK list price of approximately £18,500 — translating to roughly $23,000 USD at current exchange — the Epic X Chrono EC313.21.SB.BB.B occupies credible mid-to-upper independent watchmaker territory. Grey market movement has been modest, with pre-owned examples typically trading at or slightly below retail, reflecting solid but not speculative demand. For collectors drawn to movement architecture and independent manufacturing, it represents defensible value.