by Martin Green
The federation of the United Arab Emirates marks its fiftieth anniversary in 2021. Already two decades before its formation, Ahmed Seddiqi & Sons became the horological hub in the region in terms of high-end watches. Fueled by an incredible passion, this family-owned business has become much more than that: it is now the driving force behind a watch fair with a reputation just as strong as the brands it represents.
Celebrating in style
To mark the anniversary of the United Arab Emirates, Seddiqi & Sons worked with a wide variety of brands to create a commemorative collection for the occasion. This includes brands like Sarpaneva, H. Moser & Cie, De Bethune, Louis Moinet, Chopard, and Bovet. With the latter brand, Seddiqi has created an exceptional version of the 19thirty that stands out in its use of color.
Bovet 19thirty Seddiqi UAE 50th Anniversary Edition
The 19thirty is one of the purest watches that Bovet makes. What it lacks in complications it makes up for in understated style. With a diameter of 42 mm, it has a lot of character. And the watch’s height of just 9.05 mm makes it a refined one.
To the eye, it is very pleasing with its two slightly overlapping dials, one for the hour and minutes, the other for the seconds. The rest is bare metal, showing the perfectly finished top of the movement, a treat in itself, and the seven-day power reserve (from one barrel) at 3 o’clock, which highlights the technical prowess of this caliber.
Why didn’t I think of this color combination?
The color combination Seddiqi selected together with Bovet is inspired by the flag of the United Arab Emirates, in particular the green and red. The partners allowed themselves some liberty with regard to the colors, choosing a moss-green hue for both the strap and to fill in the engravings on the front of the movement. They also combined the orange stitching of the strap with sunburst-finished dials that have a copper tone to them.
Bovet 19thirty Seddiqi UAE 50th Anniversary Edition
As I write this, I am aware that it doesn’t sound all that appealing but just look at the images: it simply works, and works well, giving the 19thirty a very refined twist. It is also one of those color combinations that make you ask, “why didn’t I – or somebody else – think of this before?”
Bovet 19thirty Seddiqi UAE 50th Anniversary Edition
A nice nod to the anniversary is the moss green L printed on the dial at 10 o’clock. This Roman numeral representing 50 is rarely – or never – used on watches. However, for the fiftieth anniversary of the founding of the U.A.E. it’s very appropriate.
Bovet 19thirty Seddiqi UAE 50th Anniversary Edition
The case of this 19thirty also deserves a special mention as it is unlike any other in the industry. It is a hybrid version of the famed Vendôme-style lugs, with the strap on top attaching to the bow that also serves as a crown guard. It is not only charismatic, but also greatly influences this watch’s high degree of wearing comfort.
Refinement is part of Bovet’s “DNA,” and this shows when you turn the watch over to admire the manufacture movement. Here, Bovet once again went for shapes that are as symmetrical as possible, resulting in an enticing spectacle complemented by a refined finish and kept exciting by the somewhat jagged edges of the two main bridges. An extra sense of depth is added by the engine-turned backdrop inside the movement.
For more information, please visit www.seddiqi.com/curators-journal/50-years-crafting-future-uae.
Quick Facts Bovet 19thirty Seddiqi UAE 50 Anniversary Edition
Case: 42 x 9.05 mm, stainless steel
Movement: hand-wound Caliber 15BM04 with seven-day power reserve and one single spring barrel
Functions: hours, minutes, seconds; power reserve indication
Limitation: 10 pieces
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