The TEFNUT incorporates the classic virtues associated with the Moritz Grossmann manufactory: a simple design that embodies pure understatement coupled with high-quality materials that are finished by hand. Moreover, every single detail, no matter how small, is absolutely perfect. The manufactory is now releasing the TEFNUT in a new version as both a tribute to its partnership with Ahmed Seddiqi and to mark the retailer’s 75th anniversary: the TEFNUT Seddiqi 75 Anniversary Edition. The design of this limited-edition watch is inspired by the wild beauty of the desert that Dubai emerges from – and the home of the traditional family-run company Seddiqi.

Nature is a never-ending source of inspiration. Even the nature to be found in the desert, which might seem merely parched and arid at first glance, and where by day the sun beats down from the sky directly onto the wild untamed beauty of the sand dunes shaped by the wind.

Far away from this world in the Ore Mountains of Saxony, Moritz Grossmann took inspiration from the beauty of the desert. And its reason for doing so was the anniversary of the retailer Ahmed Seddiqi, who has a long-standing partnership with Moritz Grossmann. The TEFNUT Seddiqi 75 Anniversary Edition was created as a homage to the 75-year existence of the family-run business, with its nuances of colour inspired by the unique nature around Dubai, the rays of the sun, hot winds and endless sandy expanses.

Traditional craftsmanship on the dial: silver-plating by friction

The surface of the dial has a velvety, matte structure that has been created using a 19th century technique handed down through the generations, namely silver-plating by friction, which is carried out by hand in the Moritz Grossmann ateliers. A special paste comprising a mixture of silver powder and other ingredients is rubbed on using a small brush and worked in until the structure exhibits a fine grain.

A vintage look dial

For the TEFNUT Seddiqi 75 Anniversary Edition, the surface has been patinated and shimmers in varying shades of silver and brown. This vintage look is underpinned by the brown-violet lacquer used for the scales and lettering: the minute scale, the historic “M.Grossmann” logo and the Hindi-Arabic numerals have all been applied and fired in this shade. The steel hands, made in the Moritz Grossmann manufactory itself and annealed to a brown-violet hue, form the perfect complement to this. They are made by hand in a series of elaborate steps and, with their gently rounded profile and delicate tip, they catch the eye of any beholder.

The case – a perfect frame

Thanks to its flat design, the TEFNUT case sits comfortably on the wrist and exudes classic elegance. The surface of the stainless steel case has been carefully brushed, giving it a matt sheen, beautifully complementing the varying shades of colour on the dial. Characteristic details include the cross grooves on the crown and the slimline strap lugs. The hand-sewn strap in matching vintage brown is made from soft kudu leather.

The hand-wound calibre 102.1: a mechanism of perfect aesthetics

The inside of the TEFNUT Seddiqi 75 Anniversary Edition houses the proven calibre 102.1. This hand-wound movement comprises a classic pillar movement formed of a main plate and 3/5 plate. At a height of just four millimetres and with a diameter of 26 millimetres, it is the perfect movement for ensuring the case is as elegant as can be.

The thoughtfully considered architecture of the movement is combined with all the typical special features of a Grossmann calibre – a stepped balance cock with Grossmann micrometer screw and raised chatons. The finish on the movement has been adapted to suit the character of the watch: the surfaces have been sandblasted. The train bridge has been engraved with the number “75”, which comes from the 7 and S in the Seddiqi logo – a tribute to Ahmed Seddiqi’s anniversary.