Can’t Stop, Must Buy: Four Days In Dubai (Part 1)

Watch collecting is a passion that consumes men and women from all over the world, and at Haute Time, we’re very lucky to be able to travel and meet those who share our passion. Nowhere is this clearer today than in Dubai. The small Emirate, known for its ultramodern skyline and exciting nightlife, has become one of the premier destinations for anything luxury, and has a terrific devotion to watch collecting.

Many enthusiasts who fly into Dubai to add to their collection stay at the Palace Downtown Dubai. A five-star hotel, it is the centerpiece of the old town, located a stone’s throw from the Dubai Mall, the world’s largest shopping, and the home of several mono-branded watch boutiques, as well as the hugely influential the Ahmed Seddiqi & Sons.

Enter at your own peril though. The Dubai Mall is the horological equivalent of the Willy Wonka factory, where grown men are reduced to feeling like kids in front of a mesmerizing collection of watches that risk burning a deep hole in their pockets.

Hublot, Richard Mille, Patek Philippe, Rolex and many more Swiss brands each have a dedicated space filled with their latest novelties and, on occasion, special limited edition pieces made for the region. Meanwhile, Ahmed Seddiqi & Sons has one of the world’s most exclusive collections of independent brands from MB&F, Urwerk, and Cabestan to Greubel Forsey.

With the Palace Downtown Dubai located only a few feet away from the Dubai Mall, serious collectors may be able to lounge by the pool one minute, and discover Dubai’s finest timepieces the next.

Seddiqi & Sons made a very strong case for its city, with an incredible collection including the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak and the MB&F HM5 CarbonMacrolon, which we enjoyed over breakfast while taking in some truly breathtaking views. The world’s largest fountain, at the foot of the world’s tallest building, the Burj Khalifa, sure make for a pretty backdrop for a series of unique wristshots.

If you ever have the opportunity to head to Dubai, we highly recommend it! There’s plenty to enjoy about its tranquil atmosphere and lots of watches to see. The horological community is brimming with interest, and curious to share their love of watches. Doing so with a drink around the pool really is as good as it gets.

Photo Credit: Haute Time. For more information, please visit the official Palace Downtown Dubai website. Follow Haute Time on Instagram to catch all of the new releases as they happen.