Girard-Perregaux has a long and proud history of operating within the Middle East. Indeed, this relationship dates back to the early 19th century when Jean-François Bautte, the watchmaker who started the business known today as ‘Girard-Perregaux,’ ventured abroad, seeking new markets for his timepieces. Bautte, a consummate salesman, travelled to Egypt, Iran, Turkey, and other countries within the Middle East, keen to engage with a new, discerning clientele that would appreciate his work. Over 200 years later, the independent Manufacture continues to enjoy strong links with the region.
This close bond manifests itself through the Manufacture’s relationship with Ahmed Seddiqi & Sons, its retail partner based in the United Arab Emirates. The prestigious retailer, founded in 1950, represents over 60 luxury watch and jewellery brands, which it distributes via 51 points of sale. The company has an enviable track record within the region, underpinned with a reputation for delivering high levels of customer service.
It is this knowledge of the local market and the retailer’s desire to engage with the watch collecting community that led to it hosting the inaugural watchmaking showcase, Dubai Watch Week back in 2015. This event has since become a must-attend show for brands, collectors, and retailers alike, with visitors flying in from all around the globe to witness the latest creations the watch industry has to offer. In fact, when the last biennial event was held in 2021, it attracted over 16,000 visitors.
This year, Girard-Perregaux is proud to be participating once again at the Dubai Watch Week, with its own standalone booth for the very first time, offering visitors an immersive insight into the brand’s universe. With a special focus on the two pillar collections: the Laureato and Bridges, attendees will travel through time and discover over 230 years of uninterrupted invention, creativity, and savoir-faire.
Additionally, the Swiss Manufacture will unveil its latest and fifth co-brand timepiece, born from its partnership with Aston Martin. The new sporty model is destined to set pulses racing, as it celebrates performance, beauty, and mechanics. In fact, ever since Girard-Perregaux was announced as the Official Watch Partner of the British car manufacturer in 2021, the two brands were quick to join forces and create a series of exceptional timepieces, each one bearing the name of both marques. At the Dubai Watch Week, visitors will have the opportunity to purchase a newly revealed timepiece before its commercial worldwide availability in December.
The biennial exhibition holds a significant value as both an educational and experiential platform, paving way for brands, collectors, and enthusiasts to learn, discover new pieces, and connect with others who share similar interests.
Patrick Pruniaux, CEO of Girard-Perregaux, comments “We are delighted to be returning to Dubai Watch Week. The team at Ahmed Seddiqi & Sons has worked hard over the years and built something special… a fabulous event, playing host to numerous watch brands. It’s an event that brings together individuals from around the globe with a shared passion for watchmaking, however, the success of the exhibition comes as no surprise.”
“We’ve been a long-term partner of Ahmed Seddiqi & Sons and are very familiar with its professionalism and the company’s extraordinary eye for detail. We recognise the importance of Dubai Watch Week on the world stage; hence we chose this year’s event to reveal our latest model created in collaboration with Aston Martin,” he added.
Dubai Watch Week 2023 will take place from the 16th of November until the 20th of November.
