In the landscape of independent watchmaking, new creations often arrive with the difficult task of carving out a unique identity. Beda’a, a house founded in 2016, has consistently navigated this challenge by blending its Arabian heritage with the precision of Swiss horological expertise. The brand's latest release, the Angles Mecaline “Italy” Edition, is a direct reflection of this philosophy, offering a mechanically powered timepiece that responds to collector demand while celebrating the architectural splendor of Venice. This limited-edition model not only marks a significant technical evolution for the brand's flagship Angles collection but also serves as a testament to the power of thoughtful, culturally infused design.
Beda’a was established by Qatari entrepreneur Hader Al Suwaidi, with a vision to create watches that tell a story rooted in cultural identity but executed with world-renowned Swiss craftsmanship. Under the direction of CEO and Chief Designer Sohaib Maghnam, whose background in engineering informs a meticulous approach to design, the brand has developed a distinct aesthetic. This blend of cosmopolitan vision and technical acumen has allowed Beda’a to quickly gain traction among enthusiasts who seek watches with both a compelling narrative and a strong visual presence. The brand's journey has been one of careful growth, building a reputation on unique case shapes and a commitment to quality.
Courtesy of Beda'a
At the heart of Beda’a’s rise has been the Angles collection. This line, characterized by its distinctive octagonal bezel and layered case construction, became the standard-bearer for the brand’s design language. Until now, the collection was exclusively powered by quartz movements, offering reliability and a slim profile that appealed to a broad audience. The design, envisioned by Maghnam, was a careful balance of powerful lines and graceful execution, with an interplay of finishes that gave the watch a dynamic character. Its success was undeniable, attracting everyone from first-time buyers to seasoned collectors and establishing a solid foundation for the brand's future endeavors.
Despite the collection's popularity, a dedicated segment of the watch community voiced a persistent request: a mechanical version of the Angles. Traditional watch enthusiasts, while appreciative of the design, longed for the tangible connection and horological depth that only a mechanical caliber can provide. The brand listened. Sohaib Maghnam and his team took on the challenge, recognizing that fulfilling this request was not merely about swapping a battery for a mainspring. It was about preserving the very soul of the Angles design—its carefully calibrated proportions and slender profile—while integrating a completely different type of engine.
The transition from a quartz to a mechanical movement presented a formidable engineering puzzle. The core appeal of the original Angles watch was its specific volume and proportions. Mechanical movements, with their gears, springs, and bridges, are inherently thicker than their quartz counterparts. Simply creating a thicker case was not an option, as it would compromise the design integrity that made the collection a success. The goal was to evolve the watch from within, making a fundamental change to its heart without betraying its external form. This commitment to the original design ethos set the stage for a meticulous and lengthy development process.
Courtesy of Beda'a
It took fifteen months of dedicated work to solve this horological riddle. The team embarked on a journey of infinitesimal adjustments, shaving fractions of a millimeter from various components to accommodate the new movement without adding noticeable bulk. The end result of this exhaustive effort is a mechanical watch that is a mere 0.7 millimeters thicker than its quartz predecessor. This is a remarkable achievement in watchmaking, a difference so slight that it is virtually imperceptible on the wrist. The Angles Mecaline stands as a testament to the brand's dedication to its design principles, proving that mechanical complexity does not have to come at the cost of refined proportions.
To achieve this impressively slim profile, several subtle but critical modifications were made. The bezel, dial, and sapphire crystal were all engineered to be slimmer, contributing to the overall reduction in height. A solid 316L stainless steel caseback was chosen over a sapphire exhibition back, a practical decision that saved crucial space and maintained structural integrity. Furthermore, the crown was completely redesigned. Since the Angles Mecaline is a hand-wound watch, the crown's functionality is paramount for daily interaction. The new crown ensures a comfortable and secure grip, allowing the owner to wind the movement with satisfying tactile feedback.
The case of the Angles Mecaline “Italy” Edition is a piece of micro-architecture in its own right. Measuring 37mm by 34mm, its dimensions are perfectly suited for a wide variety of wrists, transcending gender and appealing to anyone with an appreciation for balanced design. Crafted from 316L stainless steel, the case features an octagonal form directly inspired by the facade of the Palazzo Ducale, or Doge's Palace, in Venice. Its stepped layers and angled middle case create a play of light and shadow, enhanced by a sophisticated mix of brushed and polished finishes that highlight its geometric complexity.
Courtesy of Beda'a
The dial is where the Venetian inspiration is most vividly expressed. The beige, almost ivory-colored surface is adorned with a finely detailed geometric motif that reinterprets the signature lozenge patterns found on the Palazzo Ducale. This intricate texture gives the dial a remarkable depth, shifting its appearance as it interacts with light from different angles. It serves as a rich canvas for the watch's indications, creating a visual dialogue between horology and architecture. The dial is a celebration of Italian artistry, translated into the language of watchmaking.
Legibility is maintained through a clear and purposeful layout. Bold Roman numerals are placed at the 12, 3, and 9 o’clock positions, providing strong reference points. In place of the 6 o'clock marker is a recessed small seconds sub-dial. This feature is a key differentiator from the quartz models, serving as a constant and visible confirmation of the mechanical movement ticking away within. The smooth, untextured surface of the sub-dial provides a subtle contrast to the patterned main dial, adding another layer of visual interest. Sweeping across this textured landscape are sharp, faceted Dauphine-style hands that complete the watch's assertive yet sophisticated character.
Powering the Angles Mecaline is the ETA 7001 caliber, a legendary movement in the Swiss watch industry. Also known by its original name, Peseux 7001, this hand-wound caliber is renowned for its reliability, serviceability, and exceptionally thin profile, which was instrumental in achieving the watch's 6mm thickness. Operating at a frequency of 21,600 vibrations per hour (3Hz), the movement provides a power reserve of approximately 42 hours when fully wound. The choice of the ETA 7001 signals Beda’a’s commitment to providing a watch that is not only beautifully designed but also robust and easy to own and maintain over the long term.
Courtesy of Beda'a
The inclusion of the small seconds display at 6 o’clock does more than just fill a space on the dial; it is a deliberate choice that affirms the watch's horological identity. For many collectors, the continuous, smooth sweep of a small seconds hand is a reassuring sign of life, a visual heartbeat that connects them to the intricate mechanics within. It transforms the watch from a simple time-telling device into a small, living machine, reinforcing the tactile experience of winding the crown each day. This feature is a nod to traditional watchmaking that enthusiasts will surely appreciate.
The tactile experience extends to the strap, which has been carefully selected to complement the case and dial. The watch is fitted with a 19mm crocodile leather strap in a textured tannish-beige hue. The strap features contrasting black stitching that adds a subtle visual detail, echoing the black of the numerals and hands. Secured with a simple and effective pin buckle, the strap provides a comfortable and secure fit on the wrist. This pairing enhances the watch's overall aesthetic, adding a touch of understated sophistication that makes it incredibly versatile for various occasions.
On the wrist, the Angles Mecaline “Italy” Edition makes a distinct impression. Its 6mm thickness allows it to slide easily under a cuff, while its unique octagonal shape ensures it doesn’t go unnoticed. The 37mm x 34mm dimensions provide significant presence without feeling oversized, making it a comfortable daily wearer. The watch strikes a perfect balance between being a conversation piece and a practical, everyday timepiece. Its design is strong enough to stand on its own yet refined enough to pair with both casual and formal attire.
This particular model is a celebration of a specific cultural connection. The “Italy” Edition is a direct tribute to Italian artistry and its profound influence on modern aesthetics. By drawing inspiration from one of Venice's most iconic landmarks, Beda’a has created a watch that is not just an object of timekeeping but a wearable piece of art. It embodies a fusion of cultures—the architectural heritage of Italy, the watchmaking expertise of Switzerland, and the creative vision of its Qatari founder—resulting in a product that feels both worldly and deeply personal.
Courtesy of Beda'a
As a special release, the Angles Mecaline “Italy” Edition is limited to just 50 pieces worldwide. This exclusivity adds another layer of appeal for collectors, ensuring that owners will be part of a very small circle. The limited nature of the run underscores the watch's status as a special project, one born from the brand's desire to answer the call of its most dedicated followers while pushing its own technical and design boundaries. It represents a pivotal moment for the Angles collection and for Beda’a as a whole.
The Beda’a Angles Mecaline “Italy” Edition was officially unveiled at the After Time event in Milano, a fitting location for a watch celebrating Italian design. The watch is priced at 5700 QAR, which translates to approximately $1,566 USD or CHF 1,250 (excluding tax). This price point makes it a compelling value proposition, considering the custom design, Swiss mechanical movement, and limited-edition status.
Case: 316L stainless steel, 37mm x 34mm octagonal case, 6mm thickness, sapphire crystal, 19mm lug width, 3 ATM (30 meters) water resistance.
Movement: Hand-wound ETA 7001, 21,600 vph (3Hz) frequency, approximately 42-hour power reserve, 17 jewels.
Dial: Beige ivory dial with a geometric lozenge motif, Roman numerals at 12, 3, and 9 o'clock, Dauphine-style hands, small seconds sub-dial at 6 o’clock.
Strap: 19mm crocodile leather strap with black stitching and a stainless steel pin buckle.
Price: 5700 QAR ($1566 USD).
Reference Number: BQAM0525-37.
Notes: A 50-piece limited edition. The design is inspired by the Palazzo Ducale in Venice. The case is only 0.7mm thicker than the previous quartz models.