In Dubai, where legacy and innovation converge, Ahmed Seddiqi and Swiss independent watchmaker Gerald Charles have introduced a creation that embodies timeless artistry and friendship. The Maestro 2.0 Ultra-Thin ‘Tiger’s Eye’, limited to just 20 pieces, marks both the 75th anniversary of Ahmed Seddiqi and the 25th anniversary of Gerald Charles—a dual celebration of heritage and horological excellence.
This rare timepiece is born of collaboration between Mohammed Abdulmagied Seddiqi, CEO of Ahmed Seddiqi, and Federico Ziviani, CEO of Gerald Charles. More than a partnership, it is a reflection of longstanding friendship and shared passion for fine watchmaking. Together, they have crafted a watch that represents harmony between tradition and modernity, luxury and subtlety.
At its heart lies a dial fashioned from Tiger’s Eye, a fibrous quartz admired for its golden shimmer and magnetic play of light. Once a material embraced by watchmakers in the 1970s, here it is reimagined with a contemporary sensibility. Each dial is painstakingly cut, finished, and selected, making every piece not only technically challenging but also a work of natural art, alive with depth and texture.
Gerald Charles takes a daring approach with this edition, forgoing indices and minute tracks to allow the natural beauty of the stone to dominate. The design ethos, described as “minimal baroque,” juxtaposes the richness of baroque-inspired architecture with the simplicity of a minimalist dial. The result is a striking visual statement: a watch both expressive and understated.
Encasing this natural canvas is the iconic Maestro case, debuting for the first time with a Colormix finish. The metallic bronze-brown hue, created through a proprietary blend of treatments, echoes the warmth of the stone while offering enhanced durability and scratch resistance. Paired with a sand-toned vulcanised rubber strap, the watch evokes the golden landscapes of the UAE, creating a seamless narrative between case, dial, and strap.
Beneath the artistry, the Maestro 2.0 Tiger’s Eye remains a feat of engineering. It is powered by the ultra-slim calibre GCA2000, just 3.7mm thick, comprising 189 components and finished with colimaçon, Côtes de Genève, and perlage. Offering a 50-hour power reserve, it balances precision with everyday wearability, ensuring it is as functional as it is refined.
More than a timepiece, the Maestro 2.0 Tiger’s Eye is a symbol of enduring partnership and artistry. It celebrates a legacy carried by both Ahmed Seddiqi and Gerald Charles—one rooted in passion, craftsmanship, and the pursuit of beauty. Limited in number yet infinite in spirit, it is destined to become a collector’s treasure, a meeting of history and innovation on the wrist.
