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Lot Essay
This superb Maestro 2.0 Ultra-Thin ‘Tiger’s Eye’ automatic wristwatch is being offered here for the benefit of the European Leukodystrophy Association (ELA).
The model was created by Swiss independent watchmaker Gerald Charles together with Dubai’s leading luxury jewellery and watch destination, Ahmed Seddiqi, as a special limited edition to celebrate milestone anniversaries for both companies, the 75th anniversary of Ahmed Seddiqi and Gerald Charles’ 25th anniversary. To realise this highly exclusive timepiece, Mohammed Abdulmagied Seddiqi, CEO of Ahmed Seddiqi, and Federico Ziviani, CEO of Gerald Charles, came together, 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.
The Maestro 2.0 Ultra-Thin ‘Tiger’s Eye’ achieves 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 the Maison’s 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, precise 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 also a work of natural art: unique, luminous, and alive with visual texture.
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.
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.
Ahmed Seddiqi
Ahmed Seddiqi, established in 1950, is the leading luxury watch and jewellery retailer in the UAE. With curating timeless luxury at its core, the company offers an unmatched luxury retail experience with a collection of over 100 brands across more than 50 locations. Ahmed Seddiqi's rich 75-year legacy is recognised as a trusted name in luxury, led by its commitment to service excellence, horological expertise, portfolio curation, and the creation of unique experiences. Discover ‘The Difference Time Makes’, honouring the company’s expertise in craftsmanship and timeless luxury.
Gerald Charles
Maison Gerald Charles is an independent, family-owned watch company based in Geneva, Switzerland. Founded in 2000 by Mr. Gérald Charles Genta, the Maison takes its name from his first two names, creating a unique bond between himself and his creations. In 2003, Mr. Genta decided to sell the company to the Ziviani family, trusted partners and longtime friends, while remaining as designer-in-chief until 2011. Giampaolo Ziviani led the business as General Manager alongside Mr. Genta.
Since the foundation of the company, Gerald Charles watches have been produced in limited quantities for a niche group of collectors. Mr. Genta left in the company’s care an important archive from the last 11 years of his career, comprising original drawings. Today, many designs remain unpublished, providing a long-lasting source of inspiration and a treasure trove for the Maison’s development.
In 2019, a new board of directors took over the company, with Federico Ziviani as CEO, and a new chapter began. Following a successful career, Mr. Franco Ziviani joined the family business as Chairman of Gerald Charles in late 2023. In spring 2024, Gerald Charles inaugurated its Atelier, a new home and cultural hub in Geneva, located at rue du Mont-Blanc 3, where both the Museum and the Core Collection are available.
Today, the Maison is opening up to a new generation of connoisseurs, carrying Mr. Genta’s legacy of ‘Artistic Creativity, Technical Mastery’ forward into the future. The Maison produces 1,500 timepieces per year, working closely with highly skilled professionals and artisans to continue the traditions established by the great designer. All Gerald Charles watches present unique technical and aesthetic features: high-end Swiss-made watches conceived and manufactured without compromise, complying with Qualité Fleurier standards to deliver superior precision and performance, as well as exceptional water and shock resistance. Each timepiece ensures high levels of ergonomics and versatility across all lifestyles and generations, the signature of the company’s founder and eternal inspiration, Mr. Genta.
The model was created by Swiss independent watchmaker Gerald Charles together with Dubai’s leading luxury jewellery and watch destination, Ahmed Seddiqi, as a special limited edition to celebrate milestone anniversaries for both companies, the 75th anniversary of Ahmed Seddiqi and Gerald Charles’ 25th anniversary. To realise this highly exclusive timepiece, Mohammed Abdulmagied Seddiqi, CEO of Ahmed Seddiqi, and Federico Ziviani, CEO of Gerald Charles, came together, 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.
The Maestro 2.0 Ultra-Thin ‘Tiger’s Eye’ achieves 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 the Maison’s 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, precise 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 also a work of natural art: unique, luminous, and alive with visual texture.
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.
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.
Ahmed Seddiqi
Ahmed Seddiqi, established in 1950, is the leading luxury watch and jewellery retailer in the UAE. With curating timeless luxury at its core, the company offers an unmatched luxury retail experience with a collection of over 100 brands across more than 50 locations. Ahmed Seddiqi's rich 75-year legacy is recognised as a trusted name in luxury, led by its commitment to service excellence, horological expertise, portfolio curation, and the creation of unique experiences. Discover ‘The Difference Time Makes’, honouring the company’s expertise in craftsmanship and timeless luxury.
Gerald Charles
Maison Gerald Charles is an independent, family-owned watch company based in Geneva, Switzerland. Founded in 2000 by Mr. Gérald Charles Genta, the Maison takes its name from his first two names, creating a unique bond between himself and his creations. In 2003, Mr. Genta decided to sell the company to the Ziviani family, trusted partners and longtime friends, while remaining as designer-in-chief until 2011. Giampaolo Ziviani led the business as General Manager alongside Mr. Genta.
Since the foundation of the company, Gerald Charles watches have been produced in limited quantities for a niche group of collectors. Mr. Genta left in the company’s care an important archive from the last 11 years of his career, comprising original drawings. Today, many designs remain unpublished, providing a long-lasting source of inspiration and a treasure trove for the Maison’s development.
In 2019, a new board of directors took over the company, with Federico Ziviani as CEO, and a new chapter began. Following a successful career, Mr. Franco Ziviani joined the family business as Chairman of Gerald Charles in late 2023. In spring 2024, Gerald Charles inaugurated its Atelier, a new home and cultural hub in Geneva, located at rue du Mont-Blanc 3, where both the Museum and the Core Collection are available.
Today, the Maison is opening up to a new generation of connoisseurs, carrying Mr. Genta’s legacy of ‘Artistic Creativity, Technical Mastery’ forward into the future. The Maison produces 1,500 timepieces per year, working closely with highly skilled professionals and artisans to continue the traditions established by the great designer. All Gerald Charles watches present unique technical and aesthetic features: high-end Swiss-made watches conceived and manufactured without compromise, complying with Qualité Fleurier standards to deliver superior precision and performance, as well as exceptional water and shock resistance. Each timepiece ensures high levels of ergonomics and versatility across all lifestyles and generations, the signature of the company’s founder and eternal inspiration, Mr. Genta.