Ahmed Seddiqi is a name familiar to any watch collector in the Middle East as one of the most prominent watch retailers in the UAE. In celebration of the retailer’s 75th anniversary, they’ve teamed up with Louis Erard to create a commemorative timepiece. It’s the Louis Erard La Petite Seconde x 75th Anniversary Seddiqi, an ode to Arabic culture in wristwatch form.
It features a 39mm x 12.82mm case in stainless steel with a round design and smooth bezel. However, while the case is very nice, the focal point of the watch is unavoidably the dial. It features a salmon-like copper tone with a concentric circle motif and a peripheral hour track with eastern Arabic numerals, paying tribute to Arabic culture and tradition. Then at 6 o’clock you can find the titular small seconds subdial.
While there is a certain amount of traditionalism on display between the dressy colourway and eastern Arabic numerals, the watch also references the modern feats of engineering that the UAE is famous for. The three hands have stepped shapes inspired by the Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building. You know, the one Tom Cruise climbed in Mission Impossible. Even without the cultural significance of the building, the geometric shape combines with the concentric dial to create a Middle Eastern adaptation of the Art Deco style.
Powering the watch is the Sellita SW261-1 with élaboré grade finishing. It’s a classic Sellita movement with 38-hour power reserve and you can view it through the exhibition caseback. The Louis Erard La Petite Seconde x 75th Anniversary Seddiqi is a limited edition of 75 pieces at a price of AED 11,900.00 (approx. £2,400) and is of course available exclusively from Ahmed Seddiqi. While in the UK we aren’t hugely familiar with Seddiqi, if you plan to visit Dubai Watch Week this November, make sure to pop into a boutique too if you have time.
Price and Specs:
More details at Seddiqi.
