German watchmakers Grieb & Benzinger have been sufficiently inspired by the “majesty, mystery and magic of the Middle East” to create a bespoke, never to be repeated watch to commemorate the third anniversary of luxury magazine Simply Abu Dhabi.
The magazine might be called Simply Abu Dhabi, but construction of the watch is anything but. The Black Tulip Sabudha Imperial was made, as are many of Grieb and Benzinger’s unique pieces, using 19th century tools.
The watch’s skeletonised dial is based upon Arabic design motifs and the artistry of Abu Dhabi’s famed Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. The skeletonisation process takes immense care and skill as one wrong move can ruin the entire piece. The watch is also decorated with black spinel gemstones.
Simply Abu Dhabi is the only English-language magazine in Abu Dhabi and one of the few magazines distributed in the offices and homes of Emirati royalty. Grieb & Benzinger have been significant contributors to the magazine since its inception. Magazine editor Arnie Hira collaborated with the watchmaker’s chief executive, Georg Bartkowiak to design the timepiece.
Speaking of Emirati royalty, they will be one of the few to be able to afford the one off watch as it is expected to sell well into the six figure sum range.
