Dwayne Johnson Wears Custom Jacob & Co. Matai Tourbillon Timepiece at Moana 2 Premiere

Actor and Professional Wrestler, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, attended the premiere of Moana 2 wearing a custom-made, one-of-a-kind Jacob & Co. timepiece, Matai Tourbillon. 

Matai means “chief” or "leader" in the Samoan language, symbolizing Dwayne Johnson’s deep connection to his culture, his role as a protector of his family, and his warrior spirit. The name evokes the themes of resilience, leadership, and the cultural heritage reflected in his tattoo and the design of the watch.

The extraordinary Jacob & Co. timepiece draws direct inspiration from Johnson’s tribal-inspired tattoo, which pays homage to his Samoan roots and serves as a symbolic link to his Moana 2 character, Maui. In the film, Maui’s tattoos represent his triumphs, struggles, and the traditions he holds dear—paralleling the personal meaning behind Johnson’s real-life ink.

 Merging fine watchmaking with meaningful symbolism, the watch’s intricate motifs reflect these themes of bravery, resilience, and cultural heritage, celebrating Johnson’s journey and his profound connection to Polynesian culture. 

In a 2012 interview with WWE, Johnson described his tattoo as a representation of his life’s journey, his ancestors, and his culture. It reflects his struggles, the triumph of overcoming them, and his gratitude for success. Central to the design is his deep pride in family, a commitment to protecting them, and an unyielding warrior spirit that refuses to be defeated.

The black dial is adorned with intricate patterns inspired by Samoan tribal tattoo art, making this timepiece both a technical marvel and a unique tribute to Johnson's heritage. The 45mm 18K rose gold case adds a luxurious warmth, complemented by a black alligator strap with a titanium and rose gold deployant buckle.

Benjamin Arabov, CEO of Jacob & Co., shared the significance of this collaboration: “Creating a piece for Dwayne was an incredible honor for us. This watch not only speaks to the pinnacle of fine watchmaking but also to Dwayne’s profound connection to his heritage. We aimed to design a watch that he could wear with pride, with each detail reflecting our respect for his legacy and our commitment to making something truly bespoke.”

Ilaria Urbinati, Johnson’s stylist who helped design the timepiece, said: “We wanted to pay homage to the beloved character of Maui that Dwayne helped make so iconic, and merge that design with Dwayne’s personal tattoo to make it very personal to him. We chose black and gold so that even though it’s inspired by an animated character, it still felt timeless and luxurious and something that could be worn with any look.”

This one-of-a-kind Jacob & Co. timepiece is more than just a watch—it’s a celebration of Johnson’s journey, his cultural roots, and his iconic role in Moana 2, blending personal meaning with unparalleled craftsmanship.