Celebrating a long time partnership with Ahmed Seddiqi & Sons, the Middle East’s leading retailer of luxury Swiss watches, RJ-Romain Jerome is proud to introduce a limited edition of 7 timepieces, the DIFC-DNA, paying tribute to the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC).

Established in 2004, the Dubai International Financial Centre is a leading global financial hub for the Middle East, Africa and South Asia region. The truly integrated modern urban district allows people to advance their business, engage with the Centre’s community and enjoy the plentiful lifestyle offerings in an attractive, open, inter-connected and collaborative way. At the same time, it operates as the gateway to the world’s fastest growing region, challenging free zone convention. Nothing encapsulates this more than the Gate Building, DIFC’s own headquarters, the first building developed on the site.

Several original screws from this iconic structure were shared with RJ-Romain Jerome, a brand known for its fusion of extreme materials, to create DIFC-DNA – an exclusive collection of seven timepieces commissioned by Sir Mohammed Abdulmagied Seddiqi. The synergy between DIFC and RJ-Romain Jerome was inevitable, with the two entities both being established in 2004 and driven by shared values. The Skylab model offered the perfect opportunity for collaboration. The 44mm steel case, with satin-finished skeletonised lugs and polished paws, is enhanced with an imposing and inimitable rusted steel bezel which follows the same process applied to the Titanic collection but instead incorporating the donated screws from the DIFC Gate Building.

Melted with watchmaking steel, the alloy has been rusted, oxidised then stabilised to obtain such a single effect. With its unique architectural structure with straight lines and angled bridges, the Skylab truly embodies both brands’ vision of the future. The manual winding movement with a 3 layered skeleton structure designed in-house is NAC finished and allows maximum transparency, in the same manner the DIFC demonstrates its core values of transparency, efficiency and integrity.

The combination of the brand’s most identifiable aesthetic features – the skeleton movement and the rusted steel bezel – grants this new collection the status of an iconic timepiece. Launched during Dubai Watch Week, hosted by Ahmed Seddiqi & Sons and supported by Dubai Culture & Arts Authority, the timepiece reveals touches of purple, the official color and symbol of the fair. The small seconds counter indicators as well as the RJ logo are lacquered in purple and purple stitches have been sewn on the integrated alligator strap.

Honouring one of Dubai’s most symbolic buildings, this ultra-exclusive collection is limited to seven pieces and available only at Ahmed Seddiqi & Sons. Part of RJ’s historical icons, it celebrates not only the past, the present but also the future. A new icon is born.