Top 5 Luxury Watches with Arabic Dials to Inspire Your Next Seiko Mod
The watch world is seeing something fascinating: a rise in luxury timepieces with Arabic dials, made especially for the Middle East. With more people in the region getting into high-end watch collecting, top brands are making limited editions with Arabic numerals. This trend, partly thanks to events like the Dubai Watch Week, shows how people are loving watches that blend tradition with modern style. These timepieces are becoming instant hits on social media and are sought after by collectors everywhere.
These wacthes not only cater to the tastes of enthusiasts from the Middle East but also inspire modders and collectors worldwide to create unique Seiko modifications. Let's explore the top five luxury watches that showcase the beauty of Arabic dials and could serve as inspiration for your next Seiko mod project!
Rolex Day-Date 40 Platinum Arabic Dial
Source: G&G Timepieces
As with most enduring watch design trends, Rolex pioneered the production of watches with Arabic numerals dating back to the 1950s starting only as custom orders until demand grew. The Day-Date 40 Arabic Dial is a testament to this legacy, featuring a premium platinum case and a striking sky blue dial adorned with intricate Arabic numerals. This iconic timepiece perfectly combines Rolex's heritage with a touch of Middle Eastern flair, making it an ideal inspiration for a luxurious Seiko mod. Imagine recreating the elegant Arabic calligraphy on a classic Seiko diver or dress watch, blending the best of both worlds and making for a versatile watch that’s easy to pair with any outfit.
Universal Genève Cloisonné Enamel Arabic
Source: Phillips
The Universal Genève Cloisonné Enamel Arabic is a rare 1952 timepiece showcasing exquisite Arabic calligraphy and cloisonné enamel artwork. Commissioned as a gift for King Saoud Ibn Abdul Aziz in the 50s, this timepiece exemplifies the fusion of craftsmanship and cultural symbolism with its minimalist yet captivating 18kt Pink Gold case emphasizing the beauty of its artistic dial. The outer dial rim features Arabic hour markers with "Saud bin Abdul Aziz" at 12 o'clock and "Jezira el Arabia" at 6 o'clock. The vibrant enamel center depicts Saudi Arabia and neighboring nations, highlighted by the Saudi emblem of crossed swords and palm tree.
Hublot Classic Fusion Ultra-Thin Vision III “Dubai” Limited Edition
Source: Watches.de
Hublot’s Classic Fusion collection is known for their slim builds and their refined, “traditional luxury watch” look. An entry in this collection is the Vision III Dubai Limited Edition, which as you may guess from the name, features Eastern Arabic numerals on its open dial that appear as beautiful accents to the manual winding movement. The case contour follows the bezel with ears a-la Nautilus, with sharp angled lugs that are matched by the calfskin strap’s end links. With only 100 pieces ever made, the watch is a rare beauty that makes for great watch modding inspiration.
Bulgari Octo Finissimo Middle East Edition
Source: Hairspring
We recently mentioned Bulgari’s Octo Finissimo in our Watches and Wonders recap for its record-breaking slimness, and we’ll mention it again, but now with a focus on the Middle East Edition that similarly boasts of a mind-boggling case thickness of just 5.2mm. With that size, it is still able to house a movement with an impressive 60-hour power reserve. The real start of the show though, is its tasteful Arabic dial featuring lacquered numerals over a matte dial, with a minimalism that complements the angular titanium case.
F.P. Journe Chronomètre Bleu Byblos
Source: Watchbox Studios
The Byblos is part of the Chronomètre Bleu collection, known for its precision and elegance. The Byblos edition is a limited series of 99 pieces, celebrating the opening of the 10th F.P. Journe Boutique in Beirut. Like the other watches in this list, the watch features an intricate movement housed in a luxe case, but the piece de resistance is its dial. The blue hour circle gets an exotic touch with Arabic numerals representing the sun over the Mediterranean. The "J" in the F.P. Journe logo engraved on the movement - is inscribed in the ancient Phoenician alphabet as a nod to the brand's dedication to handcrafted details - a treat for the discerning watch aficionado.
Adding Arabic Details to Your Seiko Mod
If you were inspired by these examples, you’ll be glad to know that adding a Middle Eastern look to your Seiko mod is easy with our mod parts with Arabic markers. The most popular choices are our Sunburst Arabic dials that are available in black, gold, and sky blue - perfect for dress watch builds and commonly paired with our Explorer and DateJust-inspired cases. Couple these with an Arabic day-date wheel set for your NH36 to emphasize the details.
If you’re modding a dive watch though, you can also opt for our bezel inserts with Arabic numerals, with even more color variations. Switch up the look of your watch and track a second time zone with exotic style.
Wrap Up
These five luxury watches showcase the beauty and versatility of Arabic dials, transcending cultural boundaries and inspiring watch enthusiasts worldwide. Whether you're a seasoned Seiko modder or a newcomer to the world of watch customization, these timepieces offer a wealth of design inspiration. Each watch provides a unique canvas for your next Seiko mod project, allowing you to create a truly one-of-a-kind timepiece that celebrates the rich heritage of Arabic calligraphy and luxury craftsmanship.
At namokiMODS, you’ll find mod parts that allow you to create unique watch mods that reflect different cultures around the world. We have Arabic dials and Japanese character chapter rings, we have handsets inspired by French design as well as Swiss heritage. We offer parts with variety and quality, so you can make your watch mod with freedom and confidence. Check out our catalog of hundreds of Seiko mod parts, and don’t hesitate to send us a message at support@namokimods.com if you have any questions about your next potential watch.
Happy modding!