Watch Paparazzi

Footballer Luis Figo spotted wearing Jacob & Co

Luis Figo, the former Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Inter Milan winger widely regarded as one of the finest footballers of his generation, was recently photographed at a formal event with a Jacob & Co Epic X Chrono strapped to his wrist. The watch — finished in black DLC-treated grade 5 titanium with a black ceramic bezel and a translucent red skeleton dial — is one of the more visually confrontational pieces in Jacob & Co's lineup, and it wore surprisingly well against Figo's understated navy blazer ensemble.

The Epic X Chrono is built on Jacob & Co's in-house JCAA05 automatic movement, a bi-compax chronograph calibre beating at 28,800 vph with a 48-hour power reserve. The skeletonized architecture of the movement is not merely aesthetic — the openworked bridges and red-anodized components are integral to the dial design, giving the watch its layered, almost mechanical-industrial appearance. The case measures 47mm in diameter, and the combination of DLC titanium and rubber strap keeps it wearable despite that footprint.

The Epic X line was introduced as Jacob & Co's answer to the ultra-sports chronograph segment dominated by names like Richard Mille and Hublot. Where those brands lean into carbon and sapphire composites, Jacob & Co opted for a more aggressive automotive-inspired architecture — thick lugs, exposed crown guards, and a bezel profile that evokes a racing helmet visor. The red transparent dial variant is among the most sought-after executions, offering visibility into the movement while delivering a strong visual identity on the wrist.

Figo has long been known for bold watch choices — befitting an athlete whose career was defined by flair and confidence. The Epic X Chrono sits comfortably in the collection of a man who won the Ballon d'Or in 2000 and played at the highest level for over two decades. It is not a subtle watch, but subtlety was never the point.

At retail, the Epic X Chrono in black DLC titanium with red transparent dial is listed at approximately $30,000. The grey market remains relatively close to retail, reflecting steady but not explosive secondary demand — making it accessible for serious collectors without the premiums associated with Richard Mille or certain Patek complications.