Gabriel Jacobs of Rafaello & Co., Says He’s Going to Hire a “Professional Watch Authenticator,” After He Gave Lil Baby a Replica Patek Philippe Watch, Which Cost Him $400,000 [VIDEO]
Gabriel Jacobs Addresses Selling Lil Baby a $400,000 Replica Patek Philippe Watch
Gabriel Jacobs of Rafaello & Co. is addressing a major controversy after Lil Baby called him out on Instagram for selling him a $400,000 Patek Philippe watch that turned out to be a replica. Lil Baby is known for his jewelry collection and love of luxury items. So he was not happy after discovering the watch wasn’t authentic. The Atlanta rapper took to social media to voice his frustration. As a result, demanding answers from Jacobs and putting the spotlight on the jeweler.
Lil Baby Calls Out Rafaello & Co. Over Fake Patek Philippe Watch
Lil Baby has become as famous for his impressive jewelry collection as he is for his chart-topping music. So, when the rapper flashed what he believed to be an authentic $400,000 Patek Philippe watch, it wasn’t long before fans started commenting. But everything changed when Lil Baby found out the watch wasn’t real. He didn’t waste any time calling out Gabriel Jacobs, the head of Rafaello & Co., on Instagram. Baby was asking how this could have happened.
Lil Baby’s post went viral, drawing attention from the media and sparking discussions among fans. In the world of hip-hop, jewelry is more than just an accessory—it’s a symbol of status and success. Being sold a fake watch, especially from a luxury brand like Patek Philippe, hit hard for Lil Baby. So his fans stood by him in demanding an explanation.
Gabriel Jacobs Responds to the $400,000 Replica Watch Scandal
In response to Lil Baby’s public outcry, Gabriel Jacobs spoke to TMZ, addressing the situation. Jacobs emphasized that he had no idea the Patek Philippe watch was a replica when it was sold. According to him, even one of his trusted dealers couldn’t tell the difference between the replica and an authentic Patek Philippe. He explained that Rafaello & Co. prides itself on delivering high-quality, genuine products to clients and that this incident was an unfortunate mistake.
To prevent such situations from happening in the future, Jacobs said he is planning to hire a professional watch authenticator. This move is aimed at ensuring that all watches sold by Rafaello & Co. are 100% authentic before they reach the hands of their clients.
Why Authenticity Matters in Hip-Hop Jewelry
In hip-hop culture, jewelry holds significant meaning. Since the early days of the genre, rappers have used flashy chains, watches, and rings to express their success. Jewelry is often seen as a symbol of overcoming adversity and achieving wealth, which is why authenticity is so important. Icons like Slick Rick, Big Daddy Kane, and Run-DMC made gold chains and custom jewelry essential parts of their look. Thus, setting the standard for future generations of artists.
Lil Baby is part of this tradition. His jewelry collection includes custom pieces from some of the most respected jewelers in the industry. So, it is a key part of his public image. Owning an authentic Patek Philippe is not just about the money; it’s about status. That’s why being sold a fake watch was such a major issue for the rapper.
The Prestige of Patek Philippe Watches
Patek Philippe is one of the most prestigious watch brands in the world. Established in 1839, the Swiss manufacturer is known for creating some of the most complicated and high-end mechanical watches ever made. Over the years, Patek Philippe has been worn by royalty, celebrities, and business moguls, making it a symbol of wealth and sophistication.
For someone like Lil Baby, owning an authentic Patek Philippe watch is a major status symbol. Patek Philippe watches are highly coveted not just because of their design, but because of their craftsmanship and history. That’s why receiving a replica instead of the real thing was a huge disappointment for the rapper.
Gabriel Jacobs’ Reputation in the Jewelry Industry
Gabriel Jacobs has built a name for himself in the jewelry industry, especially among hip-hop’s elite. As the head of Rafaello & Co., Jacobs has created custom jewelry for some of the biggest names in the game, including Jay-Z, Cardi B, and Lil Baby. His ability to create unique, custom pieces has made Rafaello & Co. one of the most trusted names in New York’s Diamond District.
Jacobs prides himself on his reputation for delivering quality products. As a result, this situation with Lil Baby’s Patek Philippe watch is a major setback. However, by hiring a professional watch authenticator, Jacobs is taking steps to ensure that nothing like this happens again. He’s doing this in hopes of avoiding another situation like this with a major star.
Jewelry in Hip-Hop Culture: More Than Just an Accessory
The relationship between hip-hop and jewelry runs deep. Since the genre’s inception, artists have used jewelry to make a statement. From Kurtis Blow’s iconic gold chains to Pharrell’s million-dollar NERD chain, jewelry has always been a key part of an artist’s persona. In hip-hop, jewelry symbolizes more than just wealth—it represents success, power, and resilience.
Lil Baby’s situation brings attention to the importance of authenticity in this culture. Rappers and their fans expect the jewelry they wear to be genuine because it is tied to their image and status. When a fake watch enters the equation, it doesn’t just affect the artist’s wallet—it affects their credibility.
What’s Next for Gabriel Jacobs and Lil Baby?
As the controversy continues to unfold, fans are left wondering whether Lil Baby will continue doing business with Gabriel Jacobs. Jacobs has provided Lil Baby with millions of dollars’ worth of jewelry in the past, but this situation may have put a strain on their business relationship. Still, Jacobs is taking responsibility and working to regain Lil Baby’s trust. In addition, this will rebuild the trust of others who may have been turned off.
For Lil Baby, the incident may serve as a lesson in the importance of verifying authenticity when purchasing luxury items. Whether he decides to continue working with Rafaello & Co. or move on to a different jeweler, it’s clear that authenticity will be a top priority in his future purchases.