Introducing the Maestro ‘Tiger’s Eye’, a limited-edition timepiece by Gerald Charles, in collaboration with Ahmed Seddiqi & Sons
In a tribute to legacy and the enduring art of fine watchmaking, the leading luxury watch and jewellery destination in the region, Ahmed Seddiqi and Swiss independent watchmaker Gerald Charles have introduced the Maestro ‘Tiger’s Eye’, a limited-edition timepiece created to celebrate the 75th anniversary of Ahmed Seddiqi and Gerald Charles’ 25th anniversary.
The exclusive Maestro 2.0 Ultra-Thin is limited to 20 pieces. This creation is the result of a close collaboration between Mohammed Abdulmagied Seddiqi, CEO of Ahmed Seddiqi and Federico Ziviani, CEO of Gerald Charles, united by a longstanding friendship and a shared passion for horology.
“Working with Federico and the Gerald Charles team allowed us to create something truly distinctive and is a tribute to the industry as we honour craftsmanship and champion creating unique timepieces. The 75th anniversary of Ahmed Seddiqi is a remarkable milestone in our company’s history, and this collaboration is a representation of our shared values,” said Mohammed Abdulmagied Seddiqi, CEO of Ahmed Seddiqi.
Led by its 75-year legacy and expertise, Ahmed Seddiqi seeks to strengthen relationships with its clients, brands and partners, while creating experiential and insightful opportunities that continue to propel horology in the region.
“Together with Mohammed, we achieved a rare harmony between the case, strap, and dial. In this creation, every detail was meticulously considered and custom-designed to ensure the piece stands out as genuinely unique. It strikes a perfect balance between the understated luxury that defines Gerald Charles and the avant-garde design that continues to drive our vision.”
At the heart of the watch lies a dial crafted from Tiger’s eye, a rare and visually striking fibrous quartz known for its golden shimmer and captivating chatoyancy. Once popular in 1970s watchmaking, Tiger’s Eye has been reimagined here with a modern edge, reflecting the spirit of both brands. Due to the stone’s internal fragility, cutting and finishing it requires diamond-tipped tools, slow precision work, and the expertise of a select few lapidary artisans. Each dial undergoes a strict selection process, with only the most visually balanced and structurally sound pieces making it through. The result is a dial that is not only technically complex but a work of natural art; unique, luminous, and alive with visual texture.
In a bold first for Gerald Charles, the dial features no indices or minute track. This minimalist approach allows the natural character of the stone to take centre stage, unencumbered by traditional markers. As Ziviani notes, “This watch exemplifies our distinctive design language, what we define as a ‘minimal baroque’ aesthetic. It captures the essence of Gerald Charles: a case inspired by baroque architecture;
rich, complex, and expressive, juxtaposed with a minimalist dial.”
The stone is framed by the brand’s iconic Maestro case, known for its fluid, architectural lines. For this edition, Gerald Charles debuts its first-ever Colormix finish on the case, a metallic bronze brown achieved through a proprietary blend of chemical and physical treatments. Previously used only on internal components, the finish has been specially reinforced for external application, lending the case a distinctive warmth and scratch resistance. This deep brown tone is echoed on the buckle and paired with a sand toned vulcanised rubber strap, whose matte, lightly textured finish evokes the golden landscape of the UAE. Together, the dial, case, and strap form a cohesive visual story, blending heritage and modernity,
craftsmanship and natural beauty.
The timepiece is powered by Swiss-manufactured mechanical movement, reflecting Gerald Charles’ uncompromising approach to precision. The calibre 2.0, Ref. GCA2000, is a slim 3.7 mm movement composed of 189 components and featuring hour, minute, and second hands along with a date display at 6 o’clock. Decorated with colimaçon, Côtes de Genève, and perlage finishes, it balances everyday wearability with elegance.
Designed to suit both men and women, the Maestro 2.0 Tiger’s Eye is more than a timepiece; it is a symbol of an enduring partnership. Grounded in tradition but made for the future, it offers collectors a rare expression of artistry and innovation in perfect harmony.
