Daniel Oliver 
Swiss luxury watchmaker Hublot, along with its UAE partner Ahmed Seddiqi & Sons, has launched a special edition of its Classic Fusion Chronograph to celebrate the UAE’s golden jubilee. Launched as a tribute to the country’s remarkable achievements, Hublot says the special watch is a reaffirmation of their shared values such as linking tradition and innovation, and “bringing the past to the future.”
“We are happy to celebrate the UAE’s 50th anniversary with our partners Ahmed Seddiqi & Sons by launching this special edition which is a perfect representation of the nation’s creativity and ingenuity. We are looking forward to seeing the watch on the wrists of Hublotistas and collectors in the Emirates,” says Ricardo Guadalupe, Hublot CEO.
In a nod to the country’s landscape, its past, and its present day urban advancements, the new watch has a case made of concrete, a dial made of actual desert sand sourced from the UAE, and a strap made of camel leather. While sand and camel leather represent the UAE’s history and traditions, concrete, an essential material in the making of any modern city, highlights the county’s inspirational urban development and progressive vision.
The technique used in crafting the UAE special watch’s case and bezel is similar to the Classic Fusion Concrete Jungle New York watch launched last year. That watch, unveiled as a tribute to New York City’s architectural splendor, also used composite concrete.
“We are honored to present with Hublot this very special watch dedicated to the UAE Golden Jubilee. This year marks an important milestone for the UAE, and we are proud to commemorate it with this outstanding edition that pays homage to the country as we look forward to the 50 years to come and beyond,” says Mohammed Abdulmagied Seddiqi, Chief Commercial Officer of Ahmed Seddiqi & Sons.
Designed and produced at the Hublot Manufacture in Switzerland, the Classic Fusion Chronograph Concrete Sand is housed in a 45mm case with a matching bezel, both cut out of fine concrete, with minute detailing evoking UAE cities’ edges and structure. The caseback is made of micro-blasted titanium, engraved with “Special Edition” and the series number, and is see-through thanks to the sapphire with interior anti-reflective treatment. The sapphire caseback window has ‘Year of the Fiftieth’ written in English and Arabic. Powering the special edition watch is Hublot’s Caliber HUB1143 self-winding chronograph movement featuring 59 jewels and a standard 42 hour power reserve.
“Hublot’s approach to time has always been first, different and unique. Not only do we look at the future when creating a watch – but we also learn from the past. The Classic Fusion Chronograph Concrete Sand sets a mark in history, and symbolizes a fusion of time, culture and development through its combination of materials,” says David Tedeschi, Regional Director for Hublot Latin America & Caribbean and Middle East & Africa.
This homage to the history of the UAE is limited to 100 pieces.
