Summary Vyntage Crowned Best Emerging Brand of 2024 by Waqt Editors

Small companies and rising names in the watchmaking world have always been the boldest and most creative. These brands focus on mastering the craftsmanship, art, and traditions of watchmaking to the fullest extent, enabling them to deliver high-quality timepieces. Their independence and freedom allow them to bring forth numerous innovations, whether in movement mechanisms or overall design. While major brands continue to offer the quality they are renowned for, smaller brands have captured attention in recent years thanks to their flexibility and closeness to watch enthusiasts, something that is often difficult for larger companies to achieve.

As is our tradition at Waqt, and with the end of 2024 approaching, where we highlight the year’s milestones, our editors have selected the best emerging brand of the year. This year’s choice is Vyntage Horology, the Emirati company that has made significant strides thanks to its distinctive designs and innovative approach.

Vyntage Horology made its debut at Dubai Watch Week 2023, announcing a new vision in the world of luxury watches. The brand was founded by the renowned Seddiqi family, led by the ambitions of its third generation. By combining decades of experience in the watch industry with bold creative vision, Vyntage Horology stands as a testament to the growing and esteemed position of the UAE in the luxury watchmaking world.

As an independent rising brand, Vyntage Horology has made its mark in the watch industry, a feat largely attributed to the Seddiqi family’s deep experience with independent watchmakers. The Seddiqi family, through Ahmed Seddiqi & Sons, was among the first to adopt and promote independent brands, sharing their philosophy of staying close to watch enthusiasts. This relationship was crowned with the creation of Dubai Watch Week, which is open to watch lovers. Earlier this year, Ahmed Seddiqi & Sons also launched Mavericks of Time, a new exhibition concept celebrating independent watchmaking creatives.

Vyntage Horology began its journey with two collections: Monograph, featuring a chronograph mechanism, and Purity, a classic line that elegantly displays only the time. The brand has introduced numerous distinctive editions and additions. For its watches, Vyntage selected the two most sought-after metals in the Arab region: steel and titanium. Titanium, known for its high price due to its challenging manufacturing process, was discussed in detail in our previous article. Additionally, the brand recently launched a special edition crafted from tantalum, one of the rarest metals, currently used by only a few select brands like Greuble Forsey and F.P. Journe. The use of such premium materials underscores Vyntage Horology’s ambition to compete in the upper echelon of the industry.

Founded on the idea of merging the traditions of the Arab region with Swiss craftsmanship and precision, Vyntage Horology ensured that its watches reflect the identity of the region. This is evident in the high-quality camel leather straps and designs inspired by the beauty and colors of the Arab world.

The dials showcase the brand’s exceptional craftsmanship, offering a wide variety of highly artisanal finishes, such as grand feu enamel, a challenging material to work with due to its fragility, hand-hammered textures, and other intricate techniques featured in their exclusive releases. Even the hands and indices reflect this diversity, highlighting the brand’s attention to detail. Vyntage Horology incorporated Arabic numerals, including Eastern Arabic designs and Breguet-style indices. This variety of dial finishes and the costly techniques employed serve as a testament to the brand’s boldness as a rising company, further indicating strong demand and high interest in a brand that has achieved so much in such a short time.

2024 was a landmark year for Vyntage Horology, with the brand’s exceptional releases earning it global recognition for establishing a unique identity. The company presented classic timepieces with an Arab spirit, and while its standout design is a key strength, it also reflects the quality and precision of the Swiss movements within. Vyntage Horology uses calibers from leading manufacturers such as La Joux-Perret.

One of the main factors behind Vyntage Horology’s success is its founder, Mr. Mohammed Abdulmagied Seddiqi, whose close involvement and meticulous supervision of every detail give the brand its distinct character. As we know, Mr. Seddiqi not only leads Vyntage Horology but also serves as the Commercial Director of the Seddiqi Group, bearing significant responsibilities. Nevertheless, he remains the driving force behind Vyntage Horology, giving the brand a unique personal touch.

Mr. Mohammed Abdulmagied’s passion for watches was evident in one of the most enjoyable and engaging interviews on Waqt’s platform, where he described Vyntage Horology as a “passion project.” He said: “This project is driven by our family’s dedication to achieving excellence in watchmaking.” With a legacy spanning over 70 years in luxury watch retail, the Seddiqi family’s move into producing their own watches marks a historic step.

You can watch the full interview here or listen to it via this link.