Diamond Jubilee: Ressence Releases a Limited-Edition Type 9 to Celebrate Ahmed Seddiqi’s Anniversary

The influence of Ahmed Seddiqi on the world of watches cannot be understated.

Since 1950, Ahmed Seddiqi has been the United Arab Emirates' premier destination for luxury watches and fine jewelry. Through a network of multi- and mono-brand stores located between Dubai and Abu Dhabi, the family-owned enterprise has enriched the region’s curiosity and appetite for haute horology. Thanks to its sponsorship of Dubai Watch Week, Ahmed Seddiqi’s passion has power far beyond the Gulf States.

Ahmed Seddiqi’s biggest draw is its ability to build connections between brands and collectors. And while it was the first to carry big brands like Rolex and Patek Philippe in the Middle East, the retailer has also championed many smaller independent brands, such as Ressence.

This brings us to the new limited-edition Ressence Type 9 S75 for Ahmed Seddiqi’s 75th Anniversary.

In keeping with Ressence’s ethos, the Type 9 S75 turns the dial into a living canvas, one that embodies both artistry and innovation. Moreover, it is a watch that reflects Ahmed Seddiqi’s legacy and forward-thinking vision by capturing both nature and modernity.
 

Limited to just 20 pieces, the Type 9 S75 features Ressence’s distinctive single-surface time display but is filled with real sand. There’s a lot of symbolism in this gesture, as these microscopic minerals have been sourced in equal proportions from the dunes of all seven Emirates. And because it’s a fully functional mechanical, its clean design and unique yet easy-to-read display also convey the texture of the desert without compromising the purity and clarity of the dial.
 

According to the retailer, this special edition also captures the spirit of the UAE thanks to a strap crafted from genuine camel leather. “The watch is a unique tribute to the nation’s landscape, heritage, and innovative thinking,” explained Mohammed Abdulmagied Seddiqi, CEO of Ahmed Seddiqi, in a press release. “This limited edition not only reflects our deep cultural roots but also symbolizes the partnership between Ahmed Seddiqi and Ressence.”

The project was a treat for Ressence as well. “Central to this project is the idea of measuring time through the motion of sand grains,” added the Swiss brand’s founder, Benoît Mintiens, in the same release. “This watch stands at the crossroads between the ancient hourglass, the organic dome of the dial echoing the texture of dunes, and the regional origin of the piece, symbolized by a blend of sand gathered from all seven Emirates. All are expressed through a contemporary watch design for the 21st century. That’s a lot for a 39mm watch.”
 

Weighing in at just 40 grams, this special TYPE 9 S75’s winding and setting are achieved by turning the caseback. It’s a system unique to Ressence that changes the way one interacts with the watch.

Making each of these limited editions even more personal is the fact that Seddiqi and Mintiens ventured out into the desert together to collect the sand for the dials themselves.

This TYPE 9 S75 is a visual delight. Displaying only hours and minutes, the elemental timekeeper allowed Ressence to emphasize the incorporation of traditional horological finishes, such as titanium-circled details and fluid lugs that integrate smoothly with the 20/18mm strap. The bezel also does double duty as the minutes indicator.

Every design choice on the TYPE 9 S75 serves a function. Produced entirely in Switzerland, the Type 9 S75 is designed for those who value aesthetic refinement and quality. In keeping with Ahmed Seddiqi’s reputation for carefully curating its collections, this piece also provided Ressence with the opportunity to lean into both its “Less is More” design culture and its penchant for forward-thinking innovation.
 

While the 20-piece limited edition Type 9 S75 (CHF 19,900) is a tribute to the relationship between Ahmed Seddiqi and Ressence, its compact size and minimalist look mean that this limited edition is ultimately designed for the wearer.

For more information, check out the Ahmed Seddiqi or Ressence websites.