Roundup Best 5 watches chosen by Waqt

As the 6th edition of Dubai Watch Week concluded, the event exceeded expectations by bringing together over 60 brands in one venue, featuring the launch of numerous special and distinguished editions. In this article, we have selected for you a number of distinguished watches that made a lasting impression at the exhibition. Discover the five most noteworthy watches selected by Waqt during Dubai Watch Week 2023.

La Chronométrie Ferdinand Berthoud 3SPC

The Chronomètre FB 3SPC draws its stylistic, technical, and aesthetic inspiration from the rare and exceptional No. 26 decimal watch created in 1793 by Louis Berthoud. The Caliber FB-SPC features a cylindrical balance-spring, making it the first and only wristwatch with a variable-inertia balance and a cylindrical balance-spring to be officially chronometer-certified by COSC. The FB 3SPC.1-1 is housed in an 18-carat white gold case measuring 42.30 MM, which may be a bit large for some, but its thickness of 9.43 mm ensures a comfortable wearing experience. Mr. Vincent Labar, the general manager of the company, assured us that the solidity of the watch is something the company is truly proud of and always strives to make its watches wearable on a daily basis. The timepiece features a black-varnished minutes track with black-rhodium-treated visible movement components, framing the overall design. The watch is priced at CHF 140,000, equivalent to 582,000 AED.

 Ulysse Nardin Freak ONE OPS

The Ulysse Nardin Freak One OPS watch is an extraordinary testament to Ulysse Nardin's avant-garde approach to watchmaking. Unveiling a captivating blend of innovation and design, this timepiece stands out with its audacious aesthetics and technical prowess. The Freak One OPS boasts a 44 mm black DLC titanium case and Carbonium bezel. Notably, it eschews a traditional winding crown, resulting in a completely symmetrical case profile. Like the original Freak model, time adjustments are made by rotating the bezel, reminiscent of the appearance of the bezel on the very first Freak. At its core is the UN-250 movement, featuring a flying carousel tourbillon, a signature of the Freak collection. Taking the place of a dial is a rotating green khaki barrel cover that revolves once every 12 hours. The Ulysse Nardin Freak ONE OPS is priced at 63,000 CHF, equivalent to 258,000 AED.

Remy Cools Atelier Tourbillon 

A new brand, created by the young French watchmaker Remy Cools, who won the F.P. Journe Young Talent Competition in 2018 with his Mechanica Tempus Pendulette Tourbillon. During Dubai Watch Week, he introduced, for the first time, the Tourbillon Atelier, his second collection. Tourbillon Atelier features a new 33mm hand-wound movement with a 60-second tourbillon and a 48-hour power reserve. It will be available in two versions: a yellow gold or pink gold dial. A 39mm platinum case surrounds the movement, with a domed sapphire crystal that highlights the tourbillon. The watch impressed us with its unique design that accentuates the tourbillon, and what is notable about the watch is that it has assumed a more formal aesthetic compared to the first version, "Subscription”.
You can watch our interview with Remy Cools. 

De Bethune Digital Evergreen

De Bethune is rekindling these successful designs with the "Digital" in a new edition. The new Digital Evergreen watch is a creation that transcends mere elegance. This exceptional piece distinguishes itself through the color green, a hue rich in meaning in Arab culture, symbolizing optimism and creativity. The DBD Evergreen features a titanium mirror-polished 42.6 mm case, with the crown at 12 o'clock, further distinguished by its cone shape. What makes it particularly special is the green dial adorned with vertical Geneva waves, and the windows displaying the time, day, date, and month are elegantly small.
The calendar aperture is positioned below the screwed-on De Bethune plaque, a single-line window with two visible jewels on the sides. A semi-circle window for the minutes graces the center of the dial, with the minutes disc moving at a calculated speed, and the jumping hour aperture is located at 6 o’clock. This watch is released in a limited edition of 20 pieces.

MB&F Horological Machine 11 Architect

MB&F Horological Machine 11 Architect is a true testament to the brand's avant-garde spirit and commitment to pushing the boundaries of traditional watchmaking. This extraordinary timepiece, often considered a horological masterpiece, captivates with its architectural-inspired design and mechanical ingenuity. The distinctive asymmetrical case, crafted in titanium and sapphire crystal, houses a three-dimensional movement that transcends conventional expectations. The sapphire crystal domes on the top showcase the intricate elements of the movement, providing a mesmerizing visual experience. What impressed us when we tried it was that it was unexpectedly easy to read the time on. The Horological Machine 11's flying balance wheel and the 3D sculpted numerals are strikingly displayed, demonstrating MB&F's dedication to both form and function. The company highlighted its engineering capabilities in distributing the weight over the parts of the watch, so that when worn, it is comfortable despite its size.
The Horological Machine 11 Architect is limited to 25 pieces for each edition and comes with a price of 213,000 CFH which is equivalent to 882,000 AED.

At the conclusion of our tour of Dubai Watch Week, we hope you enjoyed our selections and coverage.It's important to mention that a multitude of other releases and collaborations captured our attention, and we have chosen five watches to highlight for you. You can explore all of Dubai Watch Week's releases on our website.