Sriram “Ram” Natarajan is now GIA’s senior vice president of laboratory operations and is based out of the lab’s headquarters in Carlsbad.
Jacob & Co. Inks Ambassador Deal with Lionel Messi
The company is collaborating with the man considered to be the greatest soccer player of all time on a timepiece.

New York—Lionel Messi recently sported watchmaker and diamond jewelry house Jacob & Co. on his wrist as the soccer player accepted his record fifth Golden Boot award.
Now, the two have announced an official partnership.
Revealed Friday, the two collaborated on a limited-edition timepiece, the Epic x Chrono “Messi” watch.
“The Epic x Chrono ‘Messi’ is recognizable anywhere,” Jacob & Co. founder Jacob Arabo said, “and for us, it was the perfect way to begin a partnership with Messi and a true association of champions.
“The beauty of this finished product and our overall experience with the Messi brand thus far have also significantly raised our expectations for future releases. Admirers of the Epic x Chrono will surely be pleased with what’s to come.”
The Epic x Chrono “Messi” style features a polished grade 5 titanium case, anti-reflection sapphire glass, white ceramic chronograph bezel and buttons, titanium and blue-rubber horns, and red-rubber crowns.
The style’s light blue and white colors are a tribute to Messi’s Argentinean heritage.
As further homage to the player, the timepiece features his famous No. 10 in red on the flange ring, his logo on the dial at six o’clock and his signature on the glass sapphire back, which shows the automatic bi-compax skeleton chronograph movement.
One hundred and eighty models of the wristwatch are being produced, with retail price beginning at $28,000.
“I am delighted to be in partnership with Jacob & Co, who I regard as the most innovate watch maker,” Messi said.
The Epic x Chrono “Messi” watch is the first timepiece commemorating Jacob & Co. and Messi’s partnership. Their exclusive three-year deal promises to release more limited-edition watches in the future.
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