The Gérald Charles Maestro 2.0 Ultra-Thin Tiger’s Eye for Ahmed Seddiqi

As part of the celebrations for its 75th anniversary, which will be the highlight of the upcoming Dubai Watch Week 2025, Ahmed Seddiqi has teamed up with Gérald Charles to present a special edition of the Maestro 2.0 Ultra-Thin. With only 20 pieces produced, this limited model takes the instantly recognisable Maestro case, designed by Gérald Genta, and pairs it with an unusual Tiger’s Eye dial, bringing together natural artistry and Swiss mechanical precision.

The Maestro case remains one of the most distinctive designs born from Gérald Genta’s late career. Its irregular geometry, a rounded octagon with a tiered double bezel and the famous “smile” at six o’clock, is as eccentric as it is architectural. For this Seddiqi edition, the stainless steel case receives a proprietary Brown Colormix finish, adding depth and warmth to the metal. Measuring 39mm by 41mm and 9mm in height, it is remarkably slim for such a complex construction, comprising 35 components. The screw-down crown, featuring a Clous de Paris grip and reinforced gaskets, contributes to the 100m water-resistance. Flat sapphire crystals on both sides ensure durability without adding bulk.

The Tiger’s Eye stone dial is another distinguishing part. This fibrous quartz, popular in the 1970s, exhibits an optical effect known as chatoyancy, characterised by shifting golden bands that move with the light. Gérald Charles takes a minimalist approach, leaving the stone uninterrupted by markers or a minute track. Slim baton hands with Super-LumiNova provide the only reference points, keeping the focus firmly on the dial’s natural beauty.

The watch is powered by the ultra-thin automatic calibre GCA2000, produced by Vaucher Manufacture. At 3.7mm thick, the movement offers a 50-hour power reserve with hours, minutes and central seconds. Twin barrels ensure stable torque delivery, while decoration includes Côtes de Genève, perlage, and colimaçon finishing, visible through the sapphire caseback. 

The watch is worn on a sand-coloured vulcanised rubber strap, detailed with a Clous de Paris motif on the surface and a GC tapisserie pattern on the underside. It is closed with a Colormix stainless steel pin buckle and features an easy-change spring bar system. The price is AED 94,000, and the watch is available exclusively through Ahmed Seddiqi boutiques. For more, visit seddiqi.com and geraldcharles.com.