This year’s honorees include a Midwest retailer and two multi-store independents, one in New York and the other in New England.
This Is the Watch of Choice of the World’s Top Footballer
Sports icon Lionel Messi sported a special timepiece to pick up his record fifth European Golden Shoe award last week.

Barcelona, Spain —To pick up his record fifth European Golden Shoe award last week, FC Barcelona’s Lionel Messi wore a very special timepiece.
Considered one of the greatest soccer players of all time, the Argentinian player sported Jacob & Co.’s Epic SF24 Tourbillon Timepiece.
Equipped with a total of 528 components, the Epic S24 features a unique, patented “split-flap” second time zone display and flying tourbillon. Set in 18-karat rose gold and featuring a see-through back, the strap is rendered in alligator. The style is limited to 101 editions.
Messi isn’t professionally partnered with Jacob & Co.; the wristwatch is part of his personal collection.
The European Gold Shoe award is given annually to the top-scoring player in the European soccer leagues. Messi led the 2017-2018 season with 34 goals.
He previously picked up the statue in the 2009-10, 2011-12, 2012-13 and 2016-17 seasons. He’s already leading the current season with 14 goals so far, the highest number in the European leagues.
The 31-year-old player also holds the honor of being Barcelona’s top scorer of all time, with 572 goals.
Messi’s fifth European Gold Shoe win breaks his tie with Portuguese star Cristiano Ronaldo, who has four of the statues.
The price of the footballer’s Jacob & Co. timepiece is available upon request via JacobandCo.com.
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