How did you feel about Dubai Watch Week in this new format?
First of all, I find it magnificent. I believe it must have represented a huge challenge for the Seddiqi family, and for Hind Seddiqi* in particular: a change of venue, a change of scale, and so on. It was not an easy task, but it is a complete success! The structure of the event is very well thought out, its aesthetic approach is highly refined, the visitors are both very high-quality and numerous, and the day-to-day organization is excellent. They have managed to raise the bar once again—it’s incredible!
And what about the atmosphere?
The atmosphere is wonderful. Clients are there, but so are partners, the media—essentially the entire watchmaking community. You feel at home, not like at a traditional trade show: the days are long but they go by quickly, there is no stress, you chat with friends, and you almost feel like you’re with family. Which was very much the case for us on the Bovet stand!
What do you think is the best aspect of working as a family?
You always feel supported. We are all very involved and work toward the same goal. To the point that even at home, during meals, we talk about the brand and the products—we are constantly brainstorming: the next source of inspiration, the next design, and so on. Everyone contributes ideas—my parents, my brother and my sister—so we end up creating truly transgenerational timepieces. Of course, our artisans are also part of the creative process, and together we make sure that our collections appeal to different types of clientele.
They clearly appeal to the GPHG jury as well, which awarded the Men’s Complication Prize to the Récital 30. How did that make you feel?
First of all, pride for my father, whom I call the “creative genius,” because everything comes from him—the complications, the designs—he is the driving force behind Bovet. Then, joy for our family and for the Maison’s artisans, because we know all the work they put in and what it represents for all of us. We are driven by passion, but it brings immense pleasure and pride to know that the GPHG recognizes all this work. It is a true distinction: it brings credibility and weight, a form of recognition that resonates internally as well as with our partners and clients. It is extremely powerful.
Are you also involved in the creative process?
Not as much as I would like, as I am based in Dubai, but he does take my views into account when he asks for my input on certain models. He embodies the brand, which is deeply rooted in traditional watchmaking expertise. Bovet is over 200 years old and originally made pocket watches—this is part of our DNA—but I try to suggest that we can respect this heritage while integrating more contemporary colors and materials. Sometimes you have to dare a little, to explore new, less classical paths, and over the years he has taken these remarks into consideration.
If you were to sum up this year?
Like many others, we started the year with a certain sense of apprehension, as the global climate is filled with uncertainty and doubt. We asked ourselves many questions. In the end, we had some wonderful surprises, such as the GPHG award, which shows that our Récital 30 has been very well received, and we are closing 2025 with a magnificent and highly stimulating Dubai Watch Week. Overall, it has been very positive for our teams—more positive than we had imagined earlier in the year—and above all, we continue to create and to do what we love.
* Head of the organization of Dubai Watch Week
