In March 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated a massive wildlife rescue and rehabilitation centre in Jamnagar, Gujarat. Spread across nearly 3,500 acres inside the Reliance refinery complex, the centre was named Vantara. Managed by Reliance Industries chairman Mukesh Ambani’s son Anant Ambani, Vantara was envisioned as a long-term initiative focused on wildlife protection and animal welfare. The centre is believed to house more than 1.5 lakh animals and includes a dedicated elephant hospital and a 100,000-square-foot wildlife hospital equipped with modern facilities such as MRI and CT scan units.
Since its launch, Vantara has frequently been in the news for its scale and infrastructure. Now, the project has inspired something entirely different — a high-end luxury timepiece worth several crores of rupees.
Luxury watchmaker Jacob & Co. on January 21 unveiled a special watch titled Opera Vantara Green Camo. The watch has been designed as a tribute to the Vantara wildlife conservation project and its underlying philosophy of protecting nature and endangered species. According to the brand, the watch blends fine craftsmanship with a strong environmental message.
The design of the watch is its most striking feature. The dial showcases a detailed miniature portrait of Anant Ambani, seated and dressed in a blue floral shirt. Alongside him are lifelike miniature sculptures of lions and Bengal tigers, symbolising the wildlife ecosystem preserved at Vantara. A green camouflage motif dominates the design, reflecting forests and natural habitats.
The watch is also notable for its use of precious materials. It is set with 397 gemstones weighing a total of 21.98 carats, all reportedly hand-set. Industry estimates place the price of the watch at around 1.5 million US dollars, which is approximately ₹12.5 crore in Indian currency. This makes it one of the most expensive limited-edition watches linked to an Indian conservation theme.
Another standout element is the dial’s theatrical design. Crafted to resemble a stage, it features intricate hand-drawn motifs that highlight the artistic skill involved in its creation. Media reports also mention the presence of a gold-engraved elephant figure and the word “Vantara” engraved into the watch, reinforcing its connection to the project.
At a time when environmental protection is gaining global urgency, such initiatives are being viewed through a broader lens. Climate experts have warned that the El Niño effect is contributing to rising temperatures and changing rainfall patterns in many regions. These changes can put additional stress on forests and wildlife habitats. In this context, projects like Vantara — and creative efforts that draw attention to conservation — are seen as increasingly relevant.
Industry observers say the Opera Vantara Green Camo watch stands at the intersection of luxury, art, and environmental awareness, showing how high-end brands are beginning to align with conservation narratives.
