Sitar virtuoso Rishab Sharma steals the spotlight with Rs 35.8 lakh Jacob & Co Ram Janmabhoomi watch at ‘Ramayana’ event: Here's what makes it rare

At the star-studded Ramayana: Pratham Sankalp event, all eyes were expectedly on lead stars Ranbir Kapoor and Yash, yet sitar maestro Rishab Rikhiram Sharma quietly made one of the boldest style statements of the evening. Posing alongside the film’s cast and crew, Rishab sported a limited-edition Jacob & Co. Epic X Ram Janmabhoomi Edition watch valued at Rs 35.88 lakh.

On his wrist was rare timepiece created in collaboration with Ethos Watches that blends Swiss haute horology with Indian heritage. The limited-edition watch is among the most distinctive creations in Jacob & Co.'s India-exclusive lineup and pays tribute to the Ram Janmabhoomi temple through intricate craftsmanship.

A watch inspired by the Ram Janmabhoomi

The timepiece captures the spiritual and cultural essence of Ayodhya’s historic Ram Janmabhoomi site. The openworked skeleton dial showcases a finely engraved 2D titanium relief of the Ayodhya Ram Mandir, alongside delicate etchings of Lord Ram holding his bow and arrow, Lord Hanuman in devotion, and the inscription "JAI SHRI RAM" along the dial’s base. Housing the 44 mm titanium case is a striking saffron-orange rubber strap, echoing the spiritual themes of the overall design.

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A closer look into the Ram Janmabhoomi watch. (Image- Ethos Watches)

What makes the Epic X collection special?

Introduced in 2015, the Epic X collection has become one of Jacob & Co.'s signature lines, recognised for its bold X-shaped lugs, skeletonised movements and contemporary design language.

Underneath the hood, the watch is powered by a hand-wound JCAM02 skeleton calibre operating at 28,800 vibrations per hour with a generous 48-hour power reserve. The movement is composed of 158 carefully arranged components visible through a see-through sapphire crystal caseback, offering 100 metres of water resistance alongside exquisite perlage finishing on the bridges.

The backside of the Ram Janmabhoomi watch. (image- Ethos Watches)

Earlier, Salman Khan and Abhishek Bachchan, as well as cricketer Suryakumar Yadav also flaunted the same watch.

Part of Jacob & Co.'s India story

India has become an increasingly important market for Jacob & Co., prompting the brand to create several India-exclusive editions with Ethos Watches.

Earlier models celebrated monuments such as the Taj Mahal, India Gate and Qutub Minar. More recently, the brand expanded its "Wonders of India" collection to include the Ram Mandir, reflecting the country's evolving cultural landscape through luxury watchmaking.

The Ram Janmabhoomi Edition is one of the most exclusive pieces in that portfolio, combining traditional Indian symbolism with the technical precision of Swiss horology.

The Ram Janabhoomi watch that Rishab Sharma was spotted wearing.

The choice of timepiece carries deep symbolic resonance for Rishab Sharma, a disciple of the legendary Pandit Ravi Shankar. Rishab has joined Oscar-winner Hans Zimmer and music maestro A.R. Rahman to compose music for the film Ramayana, contributing themes for key characters using his custom electronic sitar, SITARA. Wearing the limited-edition piece, one of only 49 produced globally, perfectly bridged his musical contribution to the epic tale with the rich heritage celebrated at the event.