The 6th edition of Dubai Watch Week; Unveiling the Aventi Golden Tiger; World Record Broken for a Millennium Watch at Sotheby’s Geneva

   
 
 

Market News

 

The 6th edition of Dubai Watch Week

Under the patronage of Her Highness Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority (Dubai Culture) and Member of the Dubai Council, Dubai Watch Week commenced its sixth edition yesterday. Held in partnership with Dubai Culture and the Department of Economy and Tourism besides Christie’s, World of Dreams, Du, Aston Martin, and Masafi, Dubai Watch Week 2023 continues until 20 November. The event features over 60 leading watch brands, the highest participation to date, showcasing the latest timepieces and a programme that appeals to watch enthusiasts and novices alike. Founded in 2015 by Ahmed Seddiqi & Sons, the global event, which is open to the public and free to attend, celebrates the creative confluence of the luxury watch industry. This edition of the event is anticipated to witness 20 launches from international brands as well as UAE limited editions.

 

Unveiling the Aventi Golden Tiger

Aventi, a pioneer in luxurious timepieces, has presented its first artistic watch, a true masterpiece in decorating crafts, the Golden Tiger. Inspired by the mystique of the wild and the primeval relationship linking men to nature, the brand bridges the realms of art and horology to introduce the world to a masterpiece that roars with pride. Deep within the jungle, the Golden Tiger is its true King, moving with unmatched grace and power. Aventi captures the raw essence of this majestic creature, wrapping it around the wrist in a magnificent fusion of sapphire and gold. Every contour and hue speak of Aventi's undying commitment to world-class craftsmanship, transforming the timepiece into a coveted objet d'art. The Golden Tiger boasts an in-house caliber known for its rare beauty and advanced technical prowess - the GT-01S. This Swiss-made hand-wound movement features one of the most coveted complications in the world of watchmaking: the tourbillon.

 

World Record Broken for a Millennium Watch at Sotheby’s Geneva

Horological history was made when the most important pairing of wristwatches ever to come to auction was sold to the same UAE collector over two consecutive bidding battles lasting over five minutes each. The pairing eventually went for a total amount just below 3 million CHF (2,914,100 CHF / $3,241,499 / 25,363,843 HKD) with lot 97, the Millennium reference – the last from the Millennium series ever to be made, the first wristwatch ever made by Roger W Smith’s, becoming his own personal watch for nearly 8 years and the only wristwatch George Daniels ever double-signed, bearing Smith’s name – breaking the world record. The bidding battle lasted just over five minutes and was fought by nine bidders (five on telephones, two online and two in the room). In the last two minutes only one bidder in the room and another on the phone remained, with the room bidder eventually outbidding the telephone bidder with a final bid of 2,177,500 CHF ($2,422,142 / 18,952,599 HKD) against an estimate in excess of 1 million CHF.

 
 

Product Launch

 

Breitling introduces Special Edition watches exclusively for the UAE

Breitling Middle East has announced the launch of two Special Edition watches, exclusively for the UAE market, in partnership with longstanding retail partner Ahmed Seddiqi & Sons.  Breitling’s Chronomat Automatic GMT 40 will be presented in two new special designs, which proudly showcase Indian numerals on the dial.  The Chronomat Automatic GMT 40 ADMT Special Edition is designed with an ice blue dial with a satin sunray finish, while the Chronomat Automatic GMT 40 DMT Special Edition features a bright blue dial. Both special editions feature 18 k red gold plated large Indian numerals on the dial as well as 18 k red gold-plated hour and minute hands coated with Super-LumiNova®, whose luminescence makes them easy to read wherever your adventures might take you.

 

Louis Moinet presents SAVANNA TOURBILLON “Panda” and “Cobra”

Following the successful launch of the first in the series of unique SAVANNA TOURBILLON timepieces, Louis Moinet is continuing its artistic journey by presenting new exceptional creations: SAVANNA TOURBILLON PANDA and SAVANNA TOURBILLON COBRA. The 34-millimetre dial of the SAVANNA TOURBILLON implements the puzzle idea in the most accomplished way possible. It is composed of 81 carefully cut-out pieces that are assembled to give life to a majestic tiger. To make the sheer ingenuity of the dial stand out, Les Ateliers Louis Moinet have created four different levels, meaning that some of the pieces are raised by fractions of a millimetre. The decision to do it in this manner made for great complexity. Indeed, the image must flow harmoniously regardless of the angle of vision. 

 

H. Moser & Cie. unites the sun and moon

Given the acclaim for its perpetual calendar, the most legible and ingenious on the market, H. Moser & Cie. wanted to explore this complication further and add another calendar to its collection. In collaboration with its partner, Agenhor SA, H. Moser & Cie. developed the Endeavour Chinese Calendar Limited Edition, produced in 100 pieces. This timepiece is a real technical feat, combining the Chinese lunisolar calendar with the solar-only Gregorian calendar and displaying the 12 signs of the Chinese zodiac alongside the moon phases, all without requiring any corrections for 12 years. It also symbolises the union of two different cultures and measurements, and their harmonious coexistence. The timepiece unites the sun and moon, combining elements of the solar and lunar calendars, calculated separately, and synchronising them.

 

Introducing the MB&F Horological Machine Nº11 Architect

HM11 ‘Architect’ is the culmination of 18 years of watchmaking R&D at MB&F, as much in case design as in movement engineering. Starting with the 364 components of the movement: a vertically stacked 60-second flying tourbillon, housed under a double-domed sapphire crystal, that sends information to four “rooms” through conical gears – an MB&F specialty. The first three rooms contain hours and minutes, the power reserve indicator, and a thermometer, while the fourth room is for time setting: an oversized crown in sapphire crystal, a world first. To wind the 4 days of power reserve, another world first: simply rotate the entire case on its base, a system so efficient that turning the case just 90 degrees will power the watch up for 2½ hours. And finally, the insane case itself – undefinable but just 42mm in diameter – with its 92 components, including 19 gaskets that make this 3D sculpture of titanium and sapphire water-resistant.

 

Presenting the new RESERVOIR X POPEYE CRICKET

Like a masterstroke in the game of timekeeping, this limited-edition masterpiece blends art, innovation, and sporting passion, paying homage to the iconic Popeye the Sailor Man while celebrating the indomitable spirit of cricket. A true horological exception, the RESERVOIR X POPEYE CRICKET captures the spirit of adventure and sporting passion with its exquisite design. With its brushed finish, the watch's 41.5mm Stainless Steel Case presents a captivating blend of elegance and resilience. The slightly curved lugs and signature knurling on the crown create a fantastic, distinctive silhouette that is unmistakably RESERVOIR. Crystal, Case-back, and Dial: The RESERVOIR X POPEYE CRICKET features an anti-reflective Sapphire Crystal, providing clear visibility of the dial's artistic beauty.

 
 

Exhibitions & Events

 

HRH the Crown Prince and Prime Minister launches the Jewellery Arabia

His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, launched the Jewellery Arabia and Scent Arabia 2023 exhibitions, at the Exhibition World Bahrain, in Sakhir. HRH the Crown Prince and Prime Minister highlighted Team Bahrain’s efforts in ensuring the Kingdom’s progress towards its development goals, led by the vision of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa. His Royal Highness commended the efforts and dedication of the exhibition organisers and noted the historic success of these exhibitions over the past 30 years. In this regard, His Royal Highness expressed his best wishes for the success of this year’s exhibition. Jewellery Arabia 2023 includes a large collection of jewellery, watches, precious stones and other items from all over the world, in addition to a number of new participating brands in the exhibition. The exhibition also offers several events and a variety of innovative workshops.

 

JGTD 2024 announces new show dates and venue

Jewellery, Gem & Technology in Dubai (JGTD) is rescheduling its third edition to 12 – 14 November 2024 as it prepares to move to its new home in Halls 1 & 2 South of the Dubai Exhibition Centre (DEC). The fair was originally set for 6 – 8 February 2024 at the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC). Situated in the Expo/District 2020 neighbourhood and community area, DEC covers 45,000 square metres of versatile meeting space and boasts state-of-the-art facilities and amenities. Its proximity to the Dubai Metro Route 2020 station guarantees convenient transportation and easy access to the city’s major attractions, many of which can be reached within approximately a 30-minute drive. Dubai Marina, the luxurious waterfront district adjacent to the Palm Jumeirah, is only a 20-minute drive away.

 
 
 
 

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