Beda’a, a Doha-based horological entity, has been steadily carving a niche for itself by synthesizing Middle Eastern cultural sensibilities with the rigorous standards of Swiss manufacturing. Established originally in 2016 under the Albidaa group, the brand underwent a significant transformation in 2023 driven by Creative Director and CEO Sohaib Maghnam. This pivot moved the brand towards a more independent, design-forward identity that seeks to contribute a distinct voice to the broader conversation of mechanical watchmaking. The brand’s recent recognition at the Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève (GPHG), specifically the nomination within the Challenge Prize category, underscores this evolution. It signals an appreciation for their ability to deliver technical competence and creative casing at a price point that remains approachable for enthusiasts. This nomination validates their approach of blending regional heritage with modern industrial design, creating objects that feel both specific to their origin and universally appealing in their execution.
The latest manifestation of this philosophy arrives in the form of the Eclipse Qatar Edition, a timepiece designed to commemorate Qatar’s National Day on December 18th. This release is not merely a cosmetic update but a deliberate nod to the brand's home, utilizing color and typographic changes to honor the occasion. Limited to just 50 pieces, this iteration builds upon the architectural success of the standard Eclipse model while injecting it with a localized identity that resonates with collectors from the region and those who appreciate the specific aesthetic codes of the Middle East. The design language here is one of reduction and mystery, where the mechanical act of telling time is partially obscured to create a visual interplay between what is seen and what is hidden.
Courtesy of Beda'a
Visually, the most striking alteration in this limited edition is the adoption of a deep, rich Maroon hue, a direct reference to the flag of Qatar. This color replaces the blue accents found on earlier iterations, fundamentally shifting the watch's personality from cool and technical to warm and regal. The color is not applied haphazardly; it serves as a functional highlight across the watch’s various indicators. Looking at the face of the watch, the maroon tone emphasizes the sweeping hour aperture and the pointer for the minutes, creating a sharp contrast against the predominantly silver and white tones of the dial structure. This specific shade of red-purple commands attention without overwhelming the minimalist ethos of the underlying design.
The dial itself is a study in texture and depth, constructed with a multi-level architecture that draws the eye inward. The primary feature is what the brand refers to as a "celestial shield," a large, circular, brushed metal cover that dominates the center of the display. This shield floats beneath the sapphire crystal, effectively hiding the central mounting of the hands and the cannon pinion, leaving only the peripheral information visible. It creates a "halo" effect, or corona, reminiscent of the astronomical phenomenon the watch is named for. Surrounding this central shield is a textured ring, featuring a frosted or granular finish that catches the light differently than the smooth central disc. This granular surface provides a tactile, organic counterpoint to the sterile precision of the steel case, adding a layer of complexity that rewards close inspection.
Courtesy of Beda'a
Time is indicated through a series of apertures and floating elements rather than traditional central hands. The hour is displayed on a rotating disc visible through a window at the 12 o'clock position. In this Qatar Edition, the standard Roman or Western Arabic numerals have been replaced with Eastern-Arabic numerals, firmly rooting the watch in its cultural context. The font is crisp and white, set against a maroon background that matches the strap and other accents. The minutes are tracked by a floating triangular pointer that travels along the outer track of the dial, while a subtle running indicator operates as a 10-second counter, providing a kinetic sign of life that the movement is running, even if the minutes hand moves too slowly to track with a glance.
The branding on the dial has also been localized for this edition. Where the standard model might feature the Beda’a name in English, this limited run features the name in stylized Arabic calligraphy. This detail is integrated subtly into the upper left quadrant of the outer track, balancing the visual weight of the "ECLIPSE" text on the opposing side. It creates a symmetrical and harmonious layout that respects the negative space essential to the watch’s minimalist appeal. The use of Arabic script is not just a translation but a design element in itself, adding a curvature and flow that contrasts with the geometric rigidity of the case and the shield.
Courtesy of Beda'a
The case encasing this display creates a compact and highly wearable profile. Measuring 37mm in diameter, the watch bucks the trend of oversized luxury sports watches, opting instead for a classic mid-sized footprint that suits a wide variety of wrist sizes. The height is particularly notable; at just 8.1mm, the watch sits very low against the skin, allowing it to slide easily under a shirt cuff. This slenderness is achieved not just through movement selection but through clever case engineering. The lugs, for instance, are individually finished and attached to the main case body using invisible screws. This construction method allows for a sharp, concave transition between the case flank and the strap attachment, a detail that would be difficult to achieve with a traditional monobloc case stamping.
Material choice plays a significant role in the watch's presence. Beda’a has opted for 904L stainless steel rather than the industry-standard 316L. 904L is known for its higher resistance to corrosion and its ability to take a higher polish, often associated with some of the most famous names in Swiss watchmaking. The finish on the Eclipse creates a lustrous, almost liquid look on the polished surfaces, which contrasts with the matte and brushed elements of the dial. The durability of 904L ensures that the watch can withstand the humidity and heat of the Gulf region—or anywhere else—without tarnishing or pitting over decades of wear.
Turning the watch over reveals the engine powering this display: the Sellita SW300. This is a Swiss-made automatic winding movement known for its reliability and its slim profile, which is a key factor in enabling the watch’s 8.1mm total thickness. The movement beats at a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour and offers a healthy power reserve of up to 56 hours. This means the watch can be taken off on a Friday evening and picked up on Sunday morning without needing to be wound and reset. The choice of a Sellita caliber ensures that the watch is easily serviceable by any competent watchmaker worldwide, a practical consideration that collectors appreciate.
Courtesy of Beda'a
The view through the sapphire caseback is dominated by a custom rotor, specific to this Qatar Edition. The oscillating weight has been finished in the same deep maroon as the dial accents and strap. It features a repeating geometric pattern relief that adds depth and visual interest to the mechanism. The vivid color of the rotor contrasts sharply with the industrial silver tones of the movement bridges and the balance wheel, making the mechanical heart of the watch pop visually. The text "ONE OF FIFTY" is engraved on the caseback ring, alongside the serial number and the material designation "904 STEEL," confirming the exclusivity of the piece.
Completing the package is a strap made from genuine alligator leather, dyed in a matching maroon shade. The strap features white contrast stitching that ties in with the white markers and numerals on the dial, creating a cohesive aesthetic loop. The texture of the alligator scales adds another layer of organic detail to the watch, softening the metallic harshness of the steel case. It is secured with a pin buckle, keeping the bulk low on the underside of the wrist. The integration of the strap into the unique lug structure ensures there is no unsightly gap, maintaining the streamlined silhouette that defines the Eclipse line.
Courtesy of Beda'a
The Beda'a Eclipse Qatar Edition serves as a testament to the brand's ability to iterate on a successful design without diluting its core identity. By leveraging color and typography, they have transformed a modernist, almost sci-fi design into something deeply rooted in national pride and traditional culture. It is a balancing act of respecting the "less is more" approach of the original Eclipse while adding just enough decorative flair to make this edition feel special. The use of premium materials like 904L steel and a Swiss automatic movement, combined with the distinct design language of the "celestial shield," creates a value proposition that is hard to ignore, especially given the GPHG recognition.
For collectors interested in acquiring this piece of Qatari horological history, the window of opportunity is narrow. The watch is priced at 2,700 CHF. With a strictly limited production run of 50 pieces, availability is expected to be scarce. Beda'a has scheduled the official presentation for December 15th, with online sales opening the following day, December 16th, at 1 pm GMT. Shipping for confirmed orders is slated to occur between December 17th and 27th, ensuring that these pieces reach their new owners in time to celebrate the close of the year. The purchase is backed by a 2-year warranty covering manufacturing defects, managed through the brand's new digital guarantee platform, offering peace of mind to match the mechanical integrity of the watch.
Case: 37mm diameter x 8.1mm height, 904L stainless steel construction, sapphire crystal and sapphire display caseback, 3 ATM (30 meters) water resistance, refined lug construction with invisible screws
Movement: Sellita SW300 automatic winding caliber, 28,800 vph frequency, 56-hour power reserve, custom maroon rotor with geometric relief
Dial: Multi-level structure with "celestial shield," sweeping hour disc with Eastern-Arabic numerals, floating minutes indicator, 10-second counter, frosted finish with maroon accents and Arabic calligraphy branding
Strap: Maroon alligator leather, pin buckle
Price: 2,700 CHF
Notes: Limited Edition of 50 pieces commemorating Qatar National Day. Features "One of Fifty" and "904 STEEL" engraving on the caseback.