News Qatari Brand “Beda'a” Excels Once Again in Geneva, Nominated for the (GPHG)

In a remarkable achievement, the “Eclipse” watch from the Qatari brand “Beda’a” has been shortlisted for the Geneva Grand Prix d'Horlogerie de Genève (GPHG) in the “Petite Aiguille” category. This nomination is particularly significant as Beda’a is the only Arab company to reach the nominated list in this year’s competition. What makes this accomplishment even more noteworthy is that it comes just three months after the brand’s official launch, underscoring its rapid rise and the exceptional craftsmanship that garnered the attention of the GPHG committee, responsible for the most prestigious award in the watchmaking world. The “Petite Aiguille” category includes watches with a retail price between 3,000 and 10,000 Swiss francs.

The Petite Aiguille category is one of the prestigious classifications within the Grand Prix d'Horlogerie de Genève (GPHG). Watches nominated in the Petite Aiguille category are celebrated for their high-quality craftsmanship, innovative design, and exceptional value within this price range. This category provides a platform for brands to showcase their technical prowess and aesthetic creativity without the constraints of higher price points.

The Petite Aiguille category highlights the industry’s ability to produce remarkable watches that are accessible to a wider audience, ensuring that fine watchmaking can be appreciated beyond the realm of ultra-luxury pieces. It often includes a diverse array of styles and complications, reflecting the broad spectrum of horological innovation available in this segment.

The GPHG comprises 15 categories, with the jury, led by historian, author, and journalist Nick Foulkes from the United Kingdom, to rest of the jury to be revealed at the end of August.

Amidst the anticipation leading up to Watches and Wonders, Beda’a has introduced their masterpiece: Eclipse. This is the Qatari company's third and final release before the event, following the successful launches of the classic Fortress and the sporty Attrayant timepieces.

The Eclipse watch is a manifestation of artistry and innovation. Inspired by the celestial phenomenon it's named after, the Eclipse reinterprets timekeeping with a bold design concept called "blocking," which shrouds most of the dial while selectively revealing essential information to the wearer. The result is a mesmerizing timepiece that commands attention and offers unparalleled comfort for everyday wear.

Creating the Eclipse posed challenges from the design phase to its assembly, especially with the 8.1 mm profile of the case. Made from 904 steel, the case features a distinct lug design where the four lugs are crafted and finished separately before being attached to the concave sides of the case via invisible screws, resulting in sharp, clean lines. This design ensures the watch wears comfortably on almost any wrist, presenting a sleek and robust look. The sapphire crystal case back reveals the intricate inner workings, showcasing the Swiss movement within. With a water resistance of 30 meters. 

The celestial shield is the defining feature of the Eclipse, covering most of the dial and leaving only an opening for the hour reading. Around the celestial shield runs the floating minute hand, reminiscent of sunrays shining behind the black cover of an eclipse. The unique architecture of the shield and 3D dial work together to create a depth effect that produces a luminous shot unlike any other.

The watch is powered by the Sellita SW300 Swiss automatic movement, beating at 28,800 bph, elegantly displayed through the sapphire case back. The movement boasts a 56-hour power reserve. The Eclipse comes equipped with an ostrich leather strap, with pricing Starting from 2,058 Swiss francs, equivalent to 8,500 AED.

The nominated timepieces are showcased in an international traveling exhibition before the awards ceremony. An exhibition is also held post-ceremony to present the winning timepieces. The nominated watches will be available for these exhibitions between September 12, 2024, and November 22, 2024 (until December 9, 2024, for award-winners).

You can view all the watches that won last year at the Geneva Grand Prix Horlogerie 2023 (GPHG). from here.

The article about the Eclipse watch, from here.