A prestigious, 16th anniversary, event celebrating the world’s most appreciated creations.
The Middle East Watch & Jewellery of the Year Awards was held on November 25th 2020 at the Dubai Creek Golf & Yatch Club – Park Hyatt Hotel. Fullfilling its dedication of continously honoring the finest craftsmanship from renowned watch and jewellery brands, this special event was brought to life by the organisers MPP-ME and Arabian Watches and Jewellery Magazine, with the support of Bentley Motors, British luxury automotive manufacturer, and global auction institute, Sotheby’s.
This hybrid event involved both physical and virtual aspects of a ceremony, and was conducted in strict compliance with Covid-19 protocols and guidelines. Amongst those that physically attended the event were H.E. Massimo Baggi, the Ambassador of Switzerland to the UAE and Kingdom of Bahrain, selected participating brands, and committee members. Joining them online were industry leaders and winners that celebrated their success, along with over 300 online guests from Switzerland, France, the United Kingdom, and several Arab countries.
It was themed around the “Power of the past – Force of the future”, that intended to raise awareness of the watch and jewellery culture within the Middle East, and draw focus to the region as a prominent global hub for the industry. Brands were recognized for their achievements across 23 different categories (found below).
Winners of the 2020 awards:
WATCHES
Best Chronograph Watch – Chopard, Alpine Eagle XL Chrono
Best Classical Watch - IWC Schaffhausen, Portugieser
Best Design Watch - MB&F, Horological Machine
Best Diving Watch – Panerai, Submersible
Best High-End Jewelled Watch - ROGER DUBUIS, EXCALIBUR SUPERBIA
Best Iconic Watch – CHANEL, J12·20
Best Independent Watch Brand - ARMIN STROM, SYSTEM 78
Best Ladies Watch - Jacob & Co., Fleurs de Jardin
Best Men’s Watch – BVLGARI, OCTO FINISSIMO AUTOMATIC SATIN-POLISHED ROSE GOLD
Best Multi-Time Zone Watch - A. Lange & Sohne, LANGE 1
Best Sports Watch - H. Moser & Cie., Streamliner
Best Technical Innovation Watch - LOUIS MOINET, SPACE REVOLUTION
Best Tourbillon Watch - Girard-Perregaux, Cosmos Infinity Edition
Lifetime Achievement Award – Mr. Jean-Christophe Babin, CEO, BVLGARI
JEWELLERY
Best Colorful Jewellery Set – CHANEL, TWEED DE CHANEL
Best Diamond-Studded Necklace – Graff, Unique High Jewellery
Best Eastern Design Jewellery Piece - Jacob & Co., Fine Jewelry
Best Everyday Jewellery – Chopard, Happy Spirit
Best Fashionable Jewellery – CHAUMET, LIENS
Best High-End Jewellery Collection – BOUCHERON, CONTEMPLATION
Best Pearl Jewellery Piece - Al Zain Jewellery, High Jewellery Arab Deco Collection
Best Red Carpet Jewellery Set – Akillis, Guarani
Best Theme Jewellery - Dolce & Gabbana, “Strawberries” parure with pink tourmalines, spinels, sapphires, rubies, emeralds and diamonds
Best Independent Designer - Al Zain Jewellery (concluded by online poll voting)
Nominated brands were judged by a distinguished panel of experts including collectors and watch experts from Switzerland and the United States of America.
This year’s event marks the 16th edition of The Middle East Watch & Jewellery of the Year Awards, first introduced in the Middle East by Arabian watches & Jewellery magazine in 2005.