The union of Arnold & Son’s visionary Swiss horology and Ahmed Seddiqi’s distinguished Middle Eastern legacy has resulted in a creation as riveting as it is refined. The Nebula 40 Steel Seddiqi 75th Anniversary Edition makes its entrance not simply as a limited timepiece, but as a subtle statement of design prowess and watchmaking artistry, celebrating 75 years of Seddiqi’s devotion to haute horlogerie with a run of just ten unique pieces.
Upon first encounter, the dial’s artistry emerges from a skeletonised architecture where harmony and transparency are celebrated. The garnet-hued flange immediately draws the eye, adorned with gold-finish Eastern Arabic numerals that delicately underscore Seddiqi’s heritage. This exotic vibrance is mirrored by an intricate composition of finishes and materials: the main plate carries a gold lustre and “Rayons de la Gloire” guilloché, while the barrel covers feature radiant sunray brushing. Every visible component has received the respectful attention of Arnold & Son’s craftsmen, from the palladium-plated bridges to the mirror-polished, chamfered screws. The lattice of the movement itself becomes the dial, projecting an open spectacle that is at once poetic and precise, driven by the brand’s well-known penchant for detail and architectural proportion.
The soul of the watch, the hand-wound A&S5201 calibre, invites scrutiny through its seven skeletonised bridges, each elegantly arranged in a configuration inspired by nebulae. These bridges converge toward the heart, granting the movement a dynamic, almost celestial symmetry that embodies the collection’s essence. Technical refinement abounds: at a svelte 4.18 mm in thickness and 31.10 mm in diameter, the calibre counts 24 jewels and surges with a 90-hour power reserve courtesy of twin series-coupled barrels. The escapement beats at a lively 3 Hz, ensuring timekeeping that feels both rigorous and vital. Alternating finishes tease the eye, as satin surfaces interplay with polished edges, while the balance wheel, plated in rhodium, offers a gentle counterpoint to the circular-grained, chamfered wheels beneath.
Encasing this horological ballet, the Nebula 40 wears its stainless steel body with considerable poise. At 40 mm in diameter and just 9.10 mm thick, the case reveals deep lugs and a softly rounded profile, a discreet frame that places the openworked dial and movement firmly centre stage. Both the domed sapphire crystal and the exhibition case back are double-coated for anti-reflection, ensuring a clear view from any angle. The external presentation is complemented by a choice of three bracelets: a steely three-link, garnet calfskin, or technical fabric, each echoing the garnet motif and meeting the wrist with tailored sophistication. A folding clasp secures the steel version, while traditional pins finish the others.
As I regard the Nebula 40 Steel, Seddiqi 75th Anniversary Edition, its significance blooms on several levels. The piece honours legacy, the Seddiqi family’s 75 years in the region’s horological realm, with design that captures both spirit and heritage. The composition is not loud but compelling, each technical and aesthetic element resonating with understated intent. Arnold & Son and Ahmed Seddiqi have jointly given rise to a timepiece that feels genuinely special. The limited release of just ten pieces, the calibre’s visual and technical choreography, and the symbiotic play of materials together mark this Nebula as a sophisticated tribute, perhaps a quiet celebration, yet imbued with lasting significance. For those fortunate enough to glimpse or acquire it, the Nebula 40 Steel (AED 101,000) stands as an enduring connection between squared innovation and storied legacy, perfectly capturing the moment where excellence and elegance converge.
