Bringing together Mechanical Watchmaking, Timeless Design and Pioneering Technology
Following its global launch at Dubai Watch Week in November last year, Swiss watchmaker Aramedes shines a spotlight on its Hero product, the Mecca Collection – a line of innovative timepieces that incorporate functions that support Muslims in observing the key practices of the religion.
In order to practice the Islamic faith, one must know the direction to Mecca (Qibla), the daily prayer times (Salah), and the fasting times during Ramadan (Sawm).
“The Aramedes Mecca Collection is a first; having been in the watch industry for over
25 years, it struck me that no premium timepiece with Islamic indicators exist. Following close consultation with many practising Muslims and immense research into the tech that would make these functions possible in a mechanical watch with classic design, the Mecca Collection was brought to life. I am pleased to say it has been met with immense enthusiasm since its recent launch,” said Tom Morf, Co-Founder & CEO of Aramedes.
“The launch of Aramedes at Dubai Watch Week was a milestone for the event and highlighted the significance of this platform within the watch industry. The timepieces are innovative; and include unique mechanisms that are bound to resonate with collectors in the region. We are honoured to welcome the brand to the Ahmed Seddiqi & Sons portfolio and look forward to a fruitful partnership moving forward.” added Mohammed Abdulmagied Seddiqi, Chief Commercial Officer at Ahmed Seddiqi & Sons.
Due to the complex calculations required and the real-time adjustments of the Islamic indications, it is impossible to create these functions in a traditional mechanical movement. To solve this problem, the Aramedes team designed and developed the AraTec 1 Module, a patented high-tech electronic component that can be integrated into the watch case along with the mechanical movement.
The wearer’s position is calculated using radio triangulation, and the watch displays the result on a subdial. Each subdial has its own step motor on the module that controls the hands of the analogue displays.
The owner uses the Aramedes Mastertimer App to initialise and calibrate the watch, connecting it via Bluetooth by using the pusher at 2 o’clock on the watch case. Once calibrated, the watch and its module work independently of the app and phone. When the owner changes location significantly relative to Mecca, a notification appears on their phone asking the user if they’d like to update the location on the watch. Synchronization is as simple as opening the app.
The Mecca Collection comprises four models, all in stainless steel cases; some models are also offered in bronze and platinum. With subtle echoes of 1960s and ’70s style, the designs are restrained and timeless, featuring convex box-shaped sapphire crystals, and watch cases with curved lugs and a mix of brushed and polished finishes. Classical fine watchmaking details include sunray-brushed dials and applied hour markers.
Mastertimer Qibla
Indicates the direction of Mecca (Qibla). The pusher at 2 o’clock activates this function in the subdial at 6 o’clock, which complements the mechanical display of hours, minutes and central seconds. The watch is offered in a choice of two dial colours, silver or fumé.
Mastertimer Salah
Displays the next prayer time (Salah) in a sub-dial at 9 o’clock as well as the direction of Mecca in a sub-dial at 3 o’clock, and incorporates an alarm that vibrates silently at the appropriate time. The alarm can be activated and deactivated by the pusher at 4 o’clock on the watch case. Fifteen minutes after the current prayer time, the Salah indicator automatically moves to the next prayer time. The Islamic indications are complemented by a traditional, mechanical display of hours, minutes and central seconds. The Mastertimer Salah is offered in a choice of five dial colours, including a UAE Limited Edition in green with copper subdials.
Mastertimer Sawm
Shows fasting times during Ramadan (Sawm) with a sunrise/sunset indicator at 6 o’clock, supplementing the Qibla and Salah functions. These indications are complemented by a traditional, mechanical display of hours, minutes and central seconds. Mastertimer Sawm is offered in a choice of three dial colours.
Mastertimer Salah Tourbillon Automatic
Offers all of the features of the Mastertimer Salah, with the addition of a flying tourbillon in a titanium cage. The automatic movement features twin barrels and a 22-carat gold rotor, and the watch is offered in a choice of three dial colours. Cases are available in stainless steel, bronze and platinum.
Based in Zürich, Aramedes was created to bring the subtle magic of classic timepieces into the digital age. The founders have taken all of the things they love about Swiss watchmaking and advanced technology and combined them in an entirely new way – mechanical movements, high tech, and classic design, all intelligently integrated.
For more information, please contact Ali Bin Ali Luxury at Mall of Qatar 4444 0266 and Villaggio Mall 444 5755.
www.alibinali.com
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