From Arabic numerals to limited-edition creations, these timepieces bring regional identity to some of the world’s most coveted watchmaking houses.
Luxury watchmaking has long had a special relationship with the Middle East, where discerning collectors have helped shape the region into one of the world’s most influential horological markets. Today, leading watch houses are celebrating that connection with luxury watches designed with the region in mind — from bespoke Eastern Arabic numerals and distinctive dial colours to exclusive limited editions created specifically for Gulf collectors.
Audemars Piguet: Code 11.59
Audemars Piguet is known for pushing the boundaries of traditional watchmaking, and its Code 11.59 is a favourite among luxury watch collectors across the region. The Code 11.59 Selfwinding Flying Tourbillon combines modern design with impressive watchmaking. Its flying tourbillon, a complex mechanism that helps improve the watch’s accuracy, sits against a meteorite dial. The watch also features a grey inner bezel, white gold hands and hour markers, and a case made of platinum and black ceramic.
Contact: www.audemarspiguet.com
Bvlgari: Octo Finissimo Automatic Middle East Edition
Bulgari is known for combining Italian style with Swiss watchmaking, and its Octo Finissimo collection has become famous for its incredibly thin design. Created with Gulf collectors in mind, this Octo Finissimo Automatic features a lightweight, sandblasted titanium case measuring just 5.15mm thick. Its matching titanium dial provides a clean backdrop for green Eastern Arabic numerals, bringing a subtle touch of Middle Eastern heritage to the watch’s modern design.
Contact: www.bulgari.com
Cartier: Santos de Cartier Watch
From royal commissions to its instantly recognisable designs, Cartier has shaped watch and jewellery style for generations. This version of the Santos celebrates the brand’s long relationship with the Middle East. It features a steel case with a scratch-resistant ADLC-coated bezel and the collection’s signature square shape. The deep emerald-green dial is paired with green Arabic numerals and a crown set with a green synthetic spinel. Elegant and understated, it gives a classic Cartier design a distinctive regional touch within the luxury watch scene.
Contact: www.cartier.com
Chopard: Alpine Eagle 41 Middle East Edition
Chopard combines sporty design with high-jewellery craftsmanship, and the Alpine Eagle 41 brings a distinct local touch to the collection. Made from Chopard’s strong Lucent Steel, it features a textured Pine Green dial inspired by the eye of an eagle. The watch is finished with Eastern Arabic numeral markers and an integrated bracelet, making this Middle East edition a distinctive choice for collectors across the region.
Contact: www.chopard.com
Girard-Perregaux: Laureato 42mm
With a watchmaking history dating back to 1791, Girard-Perregaux combines traditional craftsmanship with modern design. The Laureato 42mm gives its well-known octagonal shape a regional twist with a bright sky-blue dial. Eastern Arabic numerals add another Middle Eastern detail, while the stainless steel case gives the watch a sporty yet refined look.
Contact: www.girard-perregaux.com
Hublot: Classic Fusion Titanium Seddiqi
Hublot is known for bold designs, innovative materials and its Art of Fusion approach to watchmaking. The Classic Fusion Titanium Seddiqi 75th Anniversary Edition features a lightweight titanium case and a rich burgundy dial with custom Eastern Arabic markers. A textured rubber-backed strap completes the design, combining Swiss watchmaking with a clear nod to Middle Eastern heritage.
Contact: www.hublot.com
Jacob & Co: Epic X Chrono UAE Limited Edition
Jacob & Co. celebrates the emirates with the Epic X Chrono UAE Limited Edition. The 47mm watch has a black DLC Grade 5 titanium case with a white ceramic bezel, while the crystal dial features the colours of the UAE flag. On the back, the sapphire caseback displays the official UAE emblem — the Golden Falcon, surrounded by seven stars representing the seven emirates. The watch is powered by an automatic chronograph movement, making it a distinctive UAE limited edition for collectors.
Contact: https://jacobandco.com
Rolex: Oyster Perpetual Day-Date 40
Few watchmakers are as highly regarded across the Gulf as Rolex, and vintage Rolex luxury watches with Arabic dials are especially sought after by collectors. Continuing that regional connection, the platinum Day-Date 40 features an ice-blue dial with Eastern Arabic numerals, while the day and date displays are written entirely in Arabic. The 40mm watch also features Rolex’s signature fluted bezel, bringing together classic Swiss watchmaking and Arabian heritage.
Contact: www.rolex.com
Ulysse Nardin: Freak X Enamel Seddiqi Edition
Ulysse Nardin has a long history of precision watchmaking and is known for using innovative technology in its designs. Created in collaboration with Seddiqi, the Freak X Enamel Seddiqi Edition celebrates the brand’s connection with the Middle East while giving its unusual, dial-free Freak collection a more traditional artistic touch. It features a hand-decorated blue enamel hour disc, bringing together traditional craftsmanship and the brand’s modern approach to watchmaking. A textured black rubber strap and titanium folding buckle complete the design, creating a distinctive luxury watch for Middle Eastern collectors.
Contact: www.ulysse-nardin.com
Vacheron Constantin: Historiques American 1921 Collection Excellence Platine
Vacheron Constantin has been making fine watches since 1755 and is known for its detailed craftsmanship and complicated designs. The Historiques American 1921 Collection Excellence Platine pays tribute to the maison’s long relationship with Middle Eastern collectors, featuring bright green Eastern Arabic numerals on a silver-coloured dial. Its distinctive cushion-shaped case is angled, giving the watch its instantly recognisable look. Bearing the prestigious Hallmark of Geneva, this luxury watch combines the style of the 1920s with a distinctive Middle Eastern touch.
Contact: www.vacheron-constantin.com