It’s the end of another year, and at Ahmed Seddiqi & Sons, we’re feeling excited and contemplative as 2022 draws to a close and 2023 gets set to unfurl. This time of year is often when we emerge from the cosy cocoon of family get-togethers and venture to the shops in search of end-of-year treasures from our favourite boutiques. The end of the year is a shared moment in time when the world pauses together to celebrate a new beginning. With our passion for watchmaking, we’re venturing into our favourite boutiques to see what’s making us tick as 2023 beckons. Happy New Year from all of us!
December 29, 2022
The Watchmaking News: December
Rolex authenticity, guaranteed
One of the most sought-after marques in the world of watchmaking is now offering increased confidence to aficionados of the brand that choose to purchase a pre-loved timepiece.
Head to any approved official Rolex Retailer (such as Ahmed Seddiqi & Sons, who introduced Rolex to the Middle East in the 1950s) and the Rolex Certified Pre-Owned programme will be offered when acquiring a second-hand Rolex. The certificate guarantees that the watch is authentic, has been serviced in accordance with Rolex criteria and benefits from the full know-how and professionalism of the brand’s worldwide network of experts.
Breitling Top Time Deus is back
Australian custom motorcycle company Deus Ex Machine first collaborated with Breitling on a Top Time Chronograph back in 2021 and the resulting horological-surf-bike creation was an instant hit. Fans of the release who missed out on a timepiece the first time around now get a second chance to acquire a watch available at selected retailers. Limited to 2000 pieces, the sporty, rugged and eye-catching Top Time Deus – a model first launched in the 1960s – features luminescent indexes and a white lacquered dial contrasted by sky-blue on its subdials and speed-measuring tachymeter scale. If you’re a boarder, biker or surfer, this might be the Breitling for you, but hurry – just 2,000 of these 41mm limited-editions are being made.
Moser in the Metaverse
Moser & Cie, the watch brand known for its nonconformist, avant-garde approach to watchmaking, has entered the Metaverse with its Endeavour Centre Seconds Genesis. The watch has been designed so that it brings together experiences in the physical, digital and virtual thanks to a unique QR code on the sapphire glass that can be scanned using the phone. This is a gateway to the Metaverse application – and to the future!
Frederique Constant Classics Worldtimer Manufacture Globetrotter Edition
A true travel icon celebrated 10 years of globe-trotting in 2022, and to mark the occasion, Frederique Constant has released a stunning 42mm edition in black. A sandblasted PVD titanium case encircles a black dial that displays 24 city airport codes – instantly recognizable to the jetsetter who lives between time zones. All its features can be adjusted via the crown’s intuitive three-notch system, while the local time via the central hands and home time via mobile flange are automatically synchronized.
Breitling opens its first boutique in Abu Dhabi
Breitling’s new boutique is in the Galleria Mall on Al Maryah Island, and was officially inaugurated by Breitling CEO George Kern and Ahmed Seddiqi & Sons’ Commercial Director, Mohamed Abdul Majeed Seddiqi. The boutique's unique design simulates the style of industrial buildings that were popular in the mid-20th century. Step inside and you’ll discover a collection of watches that also includes special and limited editions, such as the Navitimer Automatic 41, which was launched last month exclusively in the Middle East. Georges Kern said: “We are delighted to offer the full Breitling experience in Abu Dhabi. Following the success of our boutique in The Dubai Mall, we are proud to increase Breitling's presence in the UAE in cooperation with our long-term partner, Ahmed Seddiqi & Sons.”
Mohammed Abdul Majeed Seddiqi added: “With its unique and diverse products, we are confident that the boutique will meet the needs of customers across the United Arab Emirates and develop their passion for the watch industry.”