Hublot’s Regional Director of Latin America, Middle East & Africa, David Tedeschi uncovers the vision, artistry, and disruptive elegance behind the limited- edition timepieces made in collaboration with Ahmed Seddiqi & Sons and calligraphy artist, Wissam Shawkat.
“Our watches are meant to be truly unique, offering som”ething distinct from other brands.
CAN YOU TELL US ABOUT THE COLLABORATION BETWEEN HUBLOT, AHMED SEDDIQI, AND THE AWARD- WINNING CALLIGRAPHY ARTIST WISSAM SHAWKAT FOR THE CREATION OF THESE SPECIAL EDITION TIMEPIECES?
The connection between Wissam and Seddiqi dates back quite a while, and we’ve been collaborating with Wissam for regional visual merchandising, especially during Ramadan. We wanted to deepen our partnership with him by working together on a watch. The idea originated from Mohammed Abdul Magied Seddiqi, who envisioned a fusion between Hublot and the local culture through calligraphy on the dial. The result is a striking all-black watch with multicolored shiny calligraphy in the center, creating a disruptive yet focused aesthetic. We’ve launched two limited editions, one for men and one for women, with differences in size – 42 millimeters for men and 38 millimeters for women. The women’s edition also features a black diamond bezel, adding a touch of elegance.
COULD YOU ELABORATE ON THE CHOICE OF THE CALLIGRAPHY ARTIST WISSAM SHAWKAT AND HOW HIS EXPERTISE ALIGNS WITH HUBLOT’S COMMITMENT TO INNOVATION AND ARTISTIC EXPRESSION?
Wissam is an award-winning artist, and we believe in his exceptional talent. Art has always been crucial to Hublot, and we’ve collaborated with many international artists. However, this time, we wanted a local touch from the Middle East, which is why we chose to work with him.
WHAT DO YOU HOPE WEARERS OF THESE TIMEPIECES WILL EXPERIENCE OR FEEL WHEN THEY WEAR THESE UNIQUE PIECES?
Our watches are meant to be truly unique, offering something distinct from other brands. Hublot has always been about being different and unique. Through this partnership with Wissam, we aimed for something completely different and disruptive. We believe our local clientele will truly appreciate these distinctive additions.
DURING JEWELLERY ARABIA, HOW DOES HUBLOT CAPTIVATE THE AUDIENCE THERE?
We launch our newest collection twice a year and take advantage of events like Jewellery Arabia to showcase our novelties. This year, we presented almost all the novelties launched at Watches and Wonders. It was a great success, with a significant turnout and positive reception. The exhibition’s first day was successful and subsequent days were even better.
IS THERE ANYTHING ELSE YOU WOULD LIKE TO ADD OR SHARE WITH OUR READERS?
The Middle East is a vital market for us. About a year and a half ago, we reopened a new boutique with our updated concept in Moda Mall in Bahrain. We aim to maintain our strong presence in the Bahrain market, which, despite being mature, still offers opportunities for development.
