Hands on The Aramedes Mecca Mastertimer Salat

In a previous article, we discussed a new brand with a revolutionary idea, Aramedes, a Swiss company from the German-speaking side, specifically in the city of Zurich. Aramedes aims to combine advanced technology with classic watches to offer a watch that is as beautiful as it is practical.

During Dubai Watch Week 2021, the global launch of the brand took place. Since then, the company has continued to move forward, introducing new editions. The coming years promise a lot, according to Co-Founder and CEO Tom Morf. Aramedes offers two distinctive collections: the Mecca Collection and the Zürich Collection. and today we have in our hands the Aramedes Mastertimer Salat, the latest edition from Mecca collection.

This timepiece features very special functions, made possible only through our unprecedented combination of traditional mechanical watchmaking and advanced technology. This watch features a Qibla function (Mecca compass). By pressing the pusher at 2 o’clock, the watch calculates and shows the direction to Mecca based on your current location.

The second innovative feature is the Salat (prayer time indicator). Set your prayer time convention, and the Salat display will always show your next prayer time. The watch also includes an alarm function that uses gentle vibrations to alert you when it is time to pray. The hands stay for 15 minutes at the current prayer time, then move to the next prayer time. To set your prayer time in Aramedes watches, there is a smartphone application.

The correct display of these functions depends on the individual location and the position of the sun. This information cannot be displayed with a purely mechanical movement. Therefore, in addition to a classic mechanical movement, the watches in the Mecca Collection also contain an electronic component: the AraTec 1 Module, developed and patented by Aramedes.

The AraTec 1 Module houses a magnetic compass, a BLE RISC processor, a three-axis accelerometer, a linear resonant actuator, a vibration module, and up to three step motors. The perfect interaction with the mechanical movement results in the unique functionality of the Aramedes Mastertimer watches.

This Aramedes Mastertimer Salat edition features a bronze case with a 42 mm diameter and a 15.6 mm height, complemented by a mushroom pushers. Together, these elements create a simple yet refined elegance. The watch boasts a domed sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating on both sides, This design creates an optical effect that makes the watch appear slimmer when viewed from the side. The case offers 30 meters of water resistance. The crown is adorned with the lion logo, the iconic symbol of Zurich, while the case back is decorated with an Arabic geometrical pattern. This watch does not have an open case back. This design choice is deliberate, as the space between the mechanical movement and the case back houses the electronic device which requires protection.

The dial features a beautiful brown hue, referred to by the company as a "chocolate dial," which perfectly complements the case material. The dial is surrounded by a printed hours track with Eastern Arabic numerals and applied indices in a golden hue, coated with luminescent material, as are the minutes and hours hands. The other hands do not have luminescent coating. The subdials match the color of the case, a bronze hue with a polished finish.

The Mastertimer Salat edition offers hours, minutes, seconds, a Qibla indicator (Mecca compass) at 3 o'clock, and a Salah indicator, which is a prayer time assistant located at 9 o'clock.

This edition is powered by the Sellita SW300 Automatic, specially configured for Aramedes. It is a self-winding movement operating at 28,800 vibrations per hour (4 Hz) offers a 42-hour power reserve.

Recognizing the limitations of a purely mechanical movement, the company started from scratch to create an electronic module that is both thin and capable enough to meet the watch's specific needs. The AraTec 1 Module integrates three step motors, which It is a type of small electronic motor that operates without the need for sensors. A stepper motor is an electric motor that moves in discrete steps rather than continuous rotation, making it ideal for precise positioning and control. This device is equipped with a Bluetooth Low Energy system, ensuring advanced functionality and seamless performance.

The watch features different straps as you prefer from stainless steel bracelet to rubber to suede leather strap. Every watch comes inside a recyclable box decorated with a pattern Inspired by the Coat of Arms of Zürich and Mashrabiyas. priced at 28,000 AED.

For more information please visit Aramedes official website.