Beacon of horological excellence

At the heart of Dubai’s DIFC, where time is always of the essence and in short supply, a unique sanctuary of horology has emerged, one where time stands still at the crossroad of tradition and modernity. Perpétuel Gallery, founded by Emirati visionary Hamdan Al Hudaidi, is not just redefining the art of watch appreciation in the United Arab Emirates; it's also crafting a new narrative for luxury and community in this bustling global metropolis. Through a frank conversation with Hamdan, an avid watch collector who previously worked in the government sector for almost two decades, we delved into how Perpétuel embodies the UAE's spirit of inclusivity and innovation.

Hamdan Al Hudaidi, a passionate collector and strategic visionary, has created more than just a showcase for luxury timepieces. Perpétuel Gallery stands as a testament to his dream of fostering a community around the art of watchmaking. "I am very proud as an Emirati to have been able to found something that never existed in the region, and at the same time, a gallery that reflects a very big part of myself that I wanted to share with the world," shares Al Hudaidi, his words gleaming with the same passion that drives his curatorial choices. The gallery's mission goes beyond mere retail; it aims to educate and encourage collectors to step out of their comfort zones and explore the exceptional craftsmanship of independent watchmakers from around the world. Al Hudaidi's approach is meticulous and focused: "It takes a lot of time, effort and energy to find and choose the watchmakers that I want to expose through Perpétuel in the region and globally. However, it surely is an enjoyable journey that's definitely worth it."

The essence of Perpétuel's uniqueness lies in its curation process. Hamdan’s approach to curation is deeply personal and considerate of the multicultural environment of the UAE. "Our collectors are from all over the world. We try our best to meet their objectives by offering exceptional timepieces and encouraging them to tap into niche exclusive brands," he explains. His relationships with fine independent horologists drove him to start off the gallery with names such as Roger W. Smith, Fiona Krüger and Charles Simon. Recent additions to the portfolio include Guebly Watches - known for their exceptional work that reflects both traditional and contemporary watchmaking; ultra-fine indie brand Renaud Texier -led by “Master” Dominique Renaud and talented watchmaker Julien Texier,; and Chinese independent watchmaker Qian GuoBiao who crafts almost everything by hand. “I’ll surprise you with the rest at the right time,” teases Al Hudaidi.

This diversity in selection caters to a wide range of tastes while reflects the cosmopolitan nature of Dubai itself. Each timepiece in Perpétuel's collection tells a story of innovation, of tradition, of the relentless pursuit of perfection that defines the world of haute horlogerie.

What sets Perpétuel apart is its commitment to building a community of watch enthusiasts. The gallery is designed to be a haven where both seasoned collectors and newcomers can connect, learn and immerse themselves in the world of horology. "We never push a customer to buy; we always insist they take their time in reading about what we offer. We spend time with them sharing knowledge, thoughts and ideas, and receive the same from them," Al Hudaidi emphasizes. This approach has fostered a diverse community of watch enthusiasts in the UAE. Hamdan sees his role as both educational and evolutionary: "It's a very interesting role and a learning process, where I get the opportunity to learn about collecting behaviors, evolve, direct and educate them. The amazing thing about UAE collectors is that they are already knowledgeable and aware, but willing to learn more and explore new ideas from different independent watchmakers." By creating a space where knowledge is shared freely and passion is celebrated, Perpétuel is nurturing the next generation of watch enthusiasts and collectors.

In fact, Perpétuel Gallery contributes significantly to educating visitors about the art and history of watchmaking. Located in one of the city’s most iconic destinations, it serves as an attraction for locals, expats and tourists alike. Its founder sees this as an opportunity to "expose Emirati ideas that reflect the Emirati spirit and capability through [his] passion for fine horology and rare collectibles."

Perpétuel embodies the UAE's spirit of inclusivity and innovation in several ways. Al Hudaidi clarifies: "Perpétuel doesn't only represent brands I love and have, but also supports many brands that we don't and might not represent, which is a very common and natural Emirati habit. We were raised that way; our leaders supported us in every possible way to do the right thing and advised us to always help and support." This approach aligns seamlessly with Dubai's vision of being a global hub for luxury and culture. By showcasing both established and emerging independent watchmakers, the gallery contributes to the city's reputation as a center for horological excellence and innovation.

As Dubai continues to establish itself as a luxury destination, Perpétuel is evolving to meet the changing needs of watch enthusiasts. Al Hudaidi is keenly attuned to the shifting landscape: "The demand has drastically increased, which is an indicator of the development in knowledge and understanding. That has encouraged us to explore expanding locally and internationally, which we will in the very near future." Yet, his vision extends beyond expansion. The determined Emirati, whose ambition mirror the UAE’s entrepreneurial spirit and its growing influence in the world of luxury and craftsmanship, would like to see "a fine independent watch brand starting from the UAE,” which he’s very sure will happen very soon. It's a dream that, if realized, would place Dubai firmly on the map of haute horlogerie, alongside traditional centers like Geneva and Glashütte.

When asked about his all-time favorite timepieces, Al Hudaidi's passion shines through. For independent watchmaking, he favors the Krayon "Anywhere" for "the quality of craftsmanship, the complication and the proportion of the timepiece." In vintage watches, his heart belongs to the Patek Philippe reference 2499, which he describes as a bridge between good vintage and good independent watchmaking brands.

As to his gift suggestions for the festive season, he unflinchingly recommends: Singer Watches or Fiona Krüger for men, and definitely Beauregard for women.

His advice for potential buyers is simple yet profound: "Do not buy it if you don't like it." This philosophy encapsulates Perpétuel's approach -encouraging genuine appreciation and connection with timepieces rather than mere acquisition; in the world of watches, personal resonance and emotional connection are as important as technical specifications or brand prestige.

Under Hamdan Al Hudaidi's visionary leadership, Perpétuel Gallery bears witness to the UAE's growing influence in the world of haute horlogerie. As Dubai continues to cement its position as a global luxury hub, the gallery will undoubtedly play a crucial role in shaping the future of watch collecting and appreciation in the region and beyond. In a world where time is often seen as a commodity, Perpétuel reminds us that it can also be an art form, one that brings people together, transcending cultures and celebrating human ingenuity. It's not just about telling time and selling watches; it's crafting a legacy, one tick at a time.