Dubai Watch Week is making its mark on the watch world, with the sixth edition in November 2023 boasting the best attendance figures. Some brands used the opportunity to launch new timepieces to watch fans keen on experiencing the horology-focused lifestyle event, founded by Ahmed Seddiqi & Sons in 2015.
Here are some of the watches we loved most.
Frederique Constant Classic Tourbillon Meteorite Manufacture
2023 was a year of celebration for Frederique Constant – its 35th anniversary coincided with the 15th anniversary of its iconic tourbillon calibre, which the Maison honoured with a new creation: the Classic Tourbillon Meteorite Manufacture.
Available in only 35 pieces, this is the first time the watchmaker has combined a meteorite dial with a platinum case. The watch is finished by hand, a labour of love entrusted to two watchmakers. Collectors will appreciate the masterful hand-finishing of all the components of the movement, another first for the Maison.
The meteorite dial, just 0.5mm thick, is painstakingly crafted from a fragment of space that fell to Earth in Gibeon, Namibia. The watchmakers must carefully cut the material to produce a perfectly flat, smooth disc where no flake can fall off and damage the movement beneath it. It is also protected by a coat of ruthenium, which protects the surface from oxidation. The movement also has a ruthenium finish, which is rare for Frederique Constant and the watchmaking industry.
The numbered edition reflects on the tourbillon cage and the caseback.
MB&F HM11 Architect
HM11 ‘Architect’ by MB&F is a 3D sculpture representing 18 years of watchmaking R&D. Inspired by architecture, it features a vertically stacked 60-second flying tourbillon, a unique time-setting room with an oversized crown in sapphire crystal, and a groundbreaking power reserve winding system that works by rotating the entire case on its base. The latter two innovations are world firsts. The 42mm diameter case, crafted from titanium and sapphire, comprises 92 components and 19 gaskets that ensure water resistance.
DOXA SUB 300β Seddiqi Edition 2023
DOXA launched the first SUB with a glorious deep sea blue mother-of-pearl dial – the SUB 300β Seddiqi Edition 2023. The SUB 300β Seddiqi Edition 2023 pays homage to the iconic SUB 300T design while introducing a touch of contemporary elegance.
Slimmer and with a reduced bezel height, it measures just 11.95mm in profile (compared to 13.65mm for the SUB 300T). Crafted from 316L stainless steel, it has a 42.5mm diameter and 30 ATM water resistance and features a patented unidirectional rotating bezel with dual scales for dive duration and depth.
BR 01 Cyber Skull Sapphire Ice Blue
Meet the exclusive BR 01 Cyber Skull Sapphire Ice Blue, a limited-edition timepiece with only 25 units made. Encased in a 45mm sapphire case, its iconic design, reminiscent of stealth aircraft aesthetics, showcases a skull-shaped central dial in a captivating glacier-blue hue.
Crafted with precision, the true face is meticulously carved from anodised steel. Powered by the BR-CAL.209 hand-wound mechanical movement, the overall transparency of this exceptional timepiece allows for a clear view of the meticulous craftsmanship of the manufacture calibre movement.
Hublot Classic Fusion Black Magic
The Hublot Classic Fusion Black Magic, designed in collaboration with calligraphy artist Wissam Shawkat, pays homage to Arabian culture and heritage. These special edition timepieces feature vibrant Arabic calligraphy in bright colours against a black ceramic bezel. It reads “Al Zaman” and “Al Waqt,” meaning ‘time’ in Arabic. There’s a fancier option for those looking for extra sparkle. The Classic Fusion Black Magic Diamonds 38mm is decorated with 36 black brilliant-cut diamonds on the polished black anodised aluminium bezel, accentuating the calligraphy in this work of art.
