On September 25, at 7:50 PM in Dubai, the spotlight falls on a creation that transcends timekeeping. Ahmed Seddiqi & Sons and the independent Swiss maison Gerald Charles unveil the Maestro 2.0 Ultra-Thin “Tiger Eye”, a limited edition of only 20 pieces. This remarkable collaboration not only commemorates milestones—75 years of Ahmed Seddiqi and 25 years of Gerald Charles—but also celebrates friendship, artistry, and the enduring spirit of watchmaking.
The Spirit of Collaboration
At the heart of this masterpiece lies the vision of Mohammed Abdulmagied Seddiqi, CEO of Ahmed Seddiqi, and Federico Ziviani, CEO of Gerald Charles. Their long-standing friendship and shared passion for horology have resulted in a timepiece that redefines elegance. “This creation is more than a watch,” Seddiqi reflects, “it honors craftsmanship while embodying our values and legacy.”
The Tiger Eye Dial: Nature Meets Precision
The dial, crafted from the rare tiger’s eye gemstone, captures light with a golden shimmer, offering a rich optical depth. Once popular in the 1970s, the stone makes a modern return in this edition. Its fragility demands precision cutting with diamond-tipped tools, a process mastered by only a handful of artisans. Each dial undergoes strict selection to ensure both structural integrity and visual harmony—resulting in a natural canvas that is alive with beauty.
Design Without Boundaries
In a daring move, Gerald Charles eliminates traditional hour markers, letting the gemstone speak without distraction. Housed in the iconic Maestro case—known for its baroque architectural lines—the watch introduces the Colormix finish to the exterior for the first time. The bronze-metallic hue, born from a unique blend of chemical and physical treatments, enhances durability while exuding warmth. The look is completed with a dark-brown clasp and a sand-toned vulcanized rubber strap, evoking the desert landscapes of the UAE.
Mechanical Excellence in Ultra-Thin Form
Beneath its artistry lies Swiss precision: the GCA2000 2.0 calibre. With a slim 3.7 mm profile, it integrates 189 components, including hours, minutes, seconds, and a date window at six o’clock. Decorated with colimaçon spirals, Côtes de Genève stripes, and perlage finishing, the movement reflects Gerald Charles’ dedication to horological excellence while ensuring comfort and daily wearability.
A Legacy in Motion
The Maestro 2.0 Tiger Eye is designed for both men and women, making it more than a timepiece—it is a testament to legacy, friendship, and innovation. In only 20 examples, it encapsulates the harmony between tradition and modernity, craftsmanship and artistry, endurance and elegance.
