DUBAI — Unique Watches, a UAE-based distributor and retailer of fine timepieces from all over the world, has introduced UAE to SevenFriday, a Zurich-based watch brand that is gaining popularity among horological aficionados and watch collectors worldwide.
Ahmed Al Mansoori, Managing Director of Unique Watches, said SevenFriday – a new entrant in the UAE’s luxury goods market – offers watches that exude innovation, fine craftsmanship and impeccable industrial-inspired design, giving consumers a fresh alternative amid a plethora of wristwatch brands available today.
“SevenFriday watches salute the history of mechanical clockmaking. Since launching in 2013, they have appeared on the radar screens of horologists and watch aficionados across the globe,” said Al Mansoori. “Their presence in the UAE is also very timely as the country is one of the fastest growing luxury retail markets in the Middle East.”
According to Bain & Company, Dubai alone commands around 30 per cent of the Middle East luxury market and around 60 per cent of the UAE’s luxury market. The World Bank estimates UAE’s per capita gross domestic product at around USD58,042 in 2012, making it one of the countries with the highest disposable income in the world.
“UAE has an insatiable appetite for luxury goods, but there are other factors that make it a crucial market for Unique Watches and SevenFriday. Among these include the consumers’ discerning taste, fashion acumen, quality consciousness and eagerness to try innovative products,” added Al Mansoori.
Developed by Swiss entrepreneur Daniel Niederer in 2012, SevenFriday’s initial collection of watches (P1, P2 and P3) has already made headlines in more than 60 countries worldwide – an impressive feat for a young company venturing in a highly competitive global watch industry.
SevenFriday takes pride in its distinctive mechanical yet futuristic design comprising circular dials that, at first, may seem intimidating, but is actually very simple and straightforward. The large gear-looking hand on top of the dial is the minutes hand, while the short bronze hand underneath is the hours hand. Meanwhile, the disk at 9 o’clock represents a 24-hour indicator and the other disk at 5 o’clock tracks running seconds.
“What differentiates SevenFriday watches from the competition is their relative simplicity and elegance. Their design has a somewhat rustic tone – a reminder of the industrial age, but is impressive enough to catch anyone’s attention,” said Al Mansoori.
The Unique Watches executive is also confident that the SevenFriday brand will fit right in with the Middle East’s luxury retail sector, which is estimated to be worth USD7.7 billion as of 2012, according to a report published by Bain & Company. In 2013, Bain & Company further highlighted the expansive growth of regional luxury consumers as spending reached around EUR1,400 (USD1,910) per year, the highest in the world.
The UAE was also cited by the Federation of the Swiss Watch Industry in 2013 as the largest importer of Swiss watches in the Middle East. The total value of Swiss watches shipped to the country was estimated at over USD1 billion in 2013, up by a whopping 36% from 2011 and 9% from 2012.
Unique Watches is the official distributor of SevenFriday watches in the UAE.