Arab Watch Club reveals new Czapek watch for charity

One of the most important elements of the working within a tight-knit community is the opportunity to give back.

For the Arab Watch Guide, that opportunity takes the form of a unique piece created in collaboration with refined Swiss watchmaker Czapek, which is to be auctioned off this month with the proceeds going to the Emirates Foundation.

With members spread across the Arab GCC, the watch club has become one of the most prominent timepiece collectors collectives in the region. While it started via the shared passions of trading pieces and stories among each watch enthusiasts, the goal has ultimately been to help grow the understanding of the craft of watchmaking in the region.

“We have always been conscious of our social responsibilities as a club, and wanted to contribute through our passion of horology to a greater cause,” says Hassan Al Akhras, founder of the Arab Watch Guide. “This project with Czapek & Cie and Emirates Foundation is a realisation of that vision.”

The ‘project’ is the creation of ‘Al Kanz’ a unique piece created by Czapek with input from the Arab Watch Club. Based on the watchmaker’s most exclusive Place Vendome collection—which includes a GMT Tourbillon movement—the piece pays tribute to the Arab region via some clear design links.

The name translates to ‘the treasure’ and is made from Zoisite, a green semi-precious stone that has irregular dark grey speckling—a world first in watchmaking. The small centre dial is engraved with an Arabic pattern reinterpreted by Czapek’s head designer Adrian Buchmann, an inspired by the beautiful motives of the Arabic mosques.

The unique piece will be auctioned as part of Christie’s Luxury Week at this month’s Watches Online: Geneva Edit sale, with the proceeds being donated to the Emirates Foundation’s SANID program, which trains emergency response volunteers within the UAE.

The Place Vendôme ‘Al Kanz’ piece will be auctioned online on November 5 to 19. christies.com

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