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Louis Erard x Vianney Halter II: A Collaboration of Genius and Craft

Louis Erard and Vianney Halter unveil their second collaboration. Both independent companies share philosophies that complement each other, which is what makes this watch so special. Louis Erard showcases its expertise in regulator designs, and without a doubt, they are the most famous company in this kind of high-precision watch. We have already shared the detailed history of regulator watches in this previous article.

The genius watchmaker Vianney Halter infuses his iconic design elements into the watch, drawing inspiration from science fiction and space. By merging these influences with his exceptional craftsmanship, he creates a truly distinctive timepiece. The Louis Erard Régulateur’s design seamlessly complements Halter’s signature split-time subdials and the uniquely crafted bezel, adding a futuristic touch to the watch.

First Look Raketa Unveils "Big Zero Arabic": A Special Edition for Middle East

Eastern Arabic Numerals and a Design Collaboration with Kuwaiti Calligrapher Mohammad Sharaf

After the global success Raketa has achieved in recent years, particularly in the Arab region, and the growing popularity of its watches among collectors in the Arabian Gulf, the Russian company now presents a special edition of its iconic "Big Zero" model, tailored specifically for the Arab region. Named the " Big Zero Arabic" this edition features Eastern Arabic numerals on the dial, marking the first time these numerals have been combined with this exceptional design. In this article we talked about the history of this iconic watch.

For this special edition, Raketa collaborated with renowned Kuwaiti artist and calligrapher Mohammad Sharaf, who designed the Raketa logo in Arabic, using the brand's signature red color.

The company describes the “Big Zero” Arabic as a fusion of East and West, merging the rich history of Russian watchmaking with the Middle East’s deep passion for fine timepieces”. In this article, we discussed the company’s history, from its beginnings in the 18th century to its achievements today.

The watch maintains its distinctive cushion case design. Viewed from the side, the case features a subtle upward curve at the center. Crafted from stainless steel, the case measures 40 mm in diameter, with a lug-to-lug distance of 43 mm and a thickness of 14.05 mm. 

The dial is protected by sapphire crystal, while the case back is topped with mineral glass, details further explained in this article. Adding a touch of luxury, the crown is adorned with a ruby stone, revealed through its precise cutting.

The dial retains Raketa’s signature '0' at the 12 o’clock position, while the rest of the numerals are in Eastern Arabic, inspired by the original Soviet-style design. The black-and-white dial is further enhanced by Raketa’s Arabic logo, again designed by Mohammad Sharaf in the brand’s striking red color.

Powering the watch is Raketa’s in-house automatic movement, the Caliber 2615, which also drives other models in the Big Zero collection. This movement operates at 18,000 vph (2.5 Hz) and offers a 40-hour power reserve. The rotor, in Raketa’s signature red, features laser-engraved Neva waves.

Completing the look is a black genuine leather strap with a red interior. This limited production of 100 pieces per year is priced at AED 7,050.

 

Waqt is the official exclusive retailer of Raketa in UAE, visit our website to order

Technical specifications: Raketa Big Zero Arabic
  1. Case: stainless steel case, cushion shape, sapphire crystal, mineral glass caseback
  2. Diameter: 40 mm
  3. Thickness: 14.05 mm
  4. Lug to lug: 43 mm
  5. Water resistance: 100 m
  6. Dial: white, Large eastern arabic numerals, Raketa written in arabic, triangle indexes  
  7. Movement: caliber Raketa 2615, automatic, in-house, Laser engraving, Neva waves, Red rotor, 24 jewels
  8. Power reserve: 40 hours 
  9. Frequency: 18,000 vph (2.5 Hz)
  10. Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds 
  11. Bracelet / Strap: black leather strap 
  12. Availability: Limited production to 100 per year
  13. Price: 7,050 AED 

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