The Watchmaking News: November

Football fever time!
Hublot scores a goal with a limited-edition Big Bang e FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022

It’s the fourth time that Hublot has been the official timekeeper for the FIFA World Cup and to celebrate, the disruptive and daring brand kicks off with a new Big Bang watch that fuels football fever with an excitement-inducing timeline function. The watch ticks off the days leading up to the matches, delivering the latest team line-ups and player profiles before match kick-off times. Further bringing the action of the game to the wearer’s own wrist, the outer edge scale on the dial will indicate the timing of the match taking place, alerting the wearer to penalty cards and player subs as well as the final score. For up to 1,000 football fans who want to remember the World Cup in a unique and stylish way, this Big Bang could be the ultimate way to do so.

1000 reasons to smile

The hearts of classic car enthusiasts will be racing as fast as their beloved vintage motors this December, with the announcement that the Middle East’s own edition of 1000 Miglia, the classic car rally, now has its own commemorative timepiece.
Ahmed Seddiqi & Sons, in partnership with race organisers Chopard, confirmed that 25 stainless steel watches featuring a chronometer-certified movement will be made available. The race takes place between December 4-8 and pits motorists against each other in a race of vintage and modern supercars as they take on a route across the seven emirates.

Flying High
Breitling releases a new set of Chronomats
Breitling’s distinctive sporty aesthetic nods to the company’s aviation heritage, and reinterpreted for contemporary high-fliers, its Chronomat family has taken off to become one of Breitling’s most popular collections. This is thanks to the diversity of what’s on offer – from petite 32mm pieces to bold 44m chronographs, and something in between – such as a new diamond model

Breitling reaffirms its sustainability credentials with the new Super Chronomat 38 that glitters with the ethical sparkle of lab-grown diamonds, responsibly sourced gold and supply-chain traceability The Breitling Super Chronomat 38, in traceable red gold, isn’t just a pretty face. It features the COSC-certified Breitling Calibre 17 automatic movement with a 38-hour power reserve. Also with a 38mm size and lab-grown diamonds, the Super Chronomat Automatic 38 is presented in either an icy blue or frosty green dial version – steel, rubber or alligator straps can be chosen in either colour.

Meanwhile, less bling but more bold – the Chronomat Automatic GMT 40 is minimalist, sporty and makes a confident statement on any wrist thanks to its slick steel bezel, bracelet and choice of arresting dial colours: steely blue, deep green or metallic anthracite lend this serious, sporty watch a pop of colour.

All aboard!
Oris launches the Train-Honoring Limited Edition watch

For those who like their timepieces with a sense of history or nostalgia, look no further than this limited-edition Oris Waldenburgerbahn that shines a fond spotlight on the Waldenburger train line that connected the Waldenburger Valley – home to Oris since 1904 – with the surrounding areas and beyond. “The Waldenburgerbahn linked Hölstein and Oris to the world,” says Andreas Büttiker, CEO of BLT Baselland Transport AG. “The WB was and is the lifeline of the valley. In the 19th century, it fueled industrial development and the founding of numerous, innovative companies, especially in the watchmaking and precision engineering industries. Oris, like the WB, stands for reliability, quality, and innovation.”

The early railroads created the need for international timezones, and Oris’ timepiece nods to the heritage with a vintage aesthetic courtesy of the dial design and brown deer leather strap. The dial feature large Arabic numerals on the front and even a date hand that rides on the outer dial date ring; the large crown makes adjustments simple; flip the watch over and there’s a pretty engraving of a historical locomotive.

Going green with orange
Oris fires up its ecological credentials with a limited-edition watch
The watch industry has been making inroads into becoming more sustainable, from transparency in its supply chain to ethical sourcing. Oris is one of a handful of watch companies blazing a trail in this regard and in 2021 became certified as climate-neutral. In continuing to harness its brand starpower to shine a spotlight on pressing ecological issues, Oris recently launched the magnificently fiery Coulson Limited Edition, that pays tribute to aerial firefighters who tackle blazes that are often caused by the effects of global warming. The 3D printed carbon case – a first in watchmaking – surrounds the attention-demanding orange gradient dial. The brand’s flagship, highly accurate inhouse Calibre 400 movement fuels this 41mm auburn timepiece, which is available in a limited run of 1,000.

Rolex boutique unveils its new look
The flagship 1,093 sq. ft. Rolex boutique at the Grand Atrium, The Dubai Mall has opened its doors, welcoming visitors to discover exceptional timepieces in a setting that directly references the rich heritage, culture and style of Rolex, such as in wall panels featuring a pattern inspired by the shape of the Oyster watch’s bezel; a striking emerald wall serves as the focal point of the boutique, referencing the famous Rolex green.

“Ahmed Seddiqi & Sons is delighted to unveil the redesigned Rolex boutique. We are honoured and humbled to build on our long-standing partnership with Rolex, one that spans over 70 years in the region, and look forward to elevating the brand experience while upholding the highest standards of quality and service,” said Mr. Abdul Hamied Seddiqi, Chairman, Ahmed Seddiqi & Sons.

Pomellato opens the doors to its freshly revamped boutique in The Dubai Mall

A jewellery brand that unites the playful aesthetic of modern Italian style with unexpected gemstone colours, shapes and textures, this gorgeous Italian travels exceptionally well. An established regional favourite, Pomellato needs to excuse to throw a party and so it was without further ado that the region’s glittering social butterflies descended in a confection of jewels and sparkling style to celebrate the Milanese jeweller’s new chapter in Dubai. The impeccably updated interior features Pomellato’s signature jewel tones with emblematic Montenapoleone red, golden brass and powdery pinks creating an intimate, luxurious enclave in which one can admire Pomellato’s creations at leisure.

CEO Sabina Belli, speaking at the opening, affirmed: “Dubai has some of the most discerning and international people in the world, who appreciate elegant Milanese design and the exquisite craftsmanship of Pomellato jewels.” With the latest additions to the Nudo, Iconica, Sabbia and Catene collections on display, the only challenge that remains is to decide which particular confection to select. We say – choose them all!