The collaboration between a young, sustainability-focused Swiss brand and a historic Middle Eastern retailer represents a fascinating intersection of ideologies. With the release of the MorphoDune 75th,
ID Geneve has partnered with Seddiqi & Sons to mark the latter's seventy-fifth anniversary. This project is not merely a branding exercise but a distinct fusion of Swiss manufacturing capabilities and the cultural symbolism of the Arabian Peninsula. The watch itself serves as a vessel for a shared narrative, combining the circular economy principles that ID Geneve was founded upon with a visual tribute to the desert landscapes that define the region Seddiqi & Sons has served for three-quarters of a century. The release is strictly limited to twenty numbered pieces, making it a rare commemorative object that bridges two very different worlds through the universal language of mechanical engineering and design.
The aesthetic foundation of this timepiece is rooted in the topography of the desert, specifically the shifting shapes of sand dunes under the influence of the wind. This concept is executed not through traditional stamping or painting, but through advanced nanotechnology. ID Geneve worked with Morphotonix, a Swiss start-up, to create a dial that manipulates light rather than absorbing it. The technology allows for the impression of holographic structures directly into the metal of the dial. This process creates a surface that is devoid of pigments yet rich in color, mimicking the natural iridescence found in nature. The result is a visual effect that changes constantly depending on the angle of observation, much like the way sunlight plays across the sands of a dune throughout the day.
Courtesy of ID Geneve
Visually, the dial is the undisputed protagonist of this watch. The intricate pattern carved into the surface resembles a series of organic, undulating waves that flow across the face of the timepiece. These lines are not uniform; they break and reform, creating a chaotic yet harmonic texture that draws the eye inward. As light strikes the dial, it refracts to reveal a spectrum of metallic tones, ranging from deep indigos to flashes of gold and crimson. This is a "structural color" phenomenon, similar to what is seen on the wings of a morpho butterfly, achieved entirely through the physical modification of the surface at the microscopic level. It provides a dynamic viewing experience where the watch never looks exactly the same twice.
Overlaying this complex background are the hour markers, which are presented in Eastern Arabic numerals. These numerals are raised in relief, giving them a three-dimensional quality that stands out against the flat, holographic plane of the dial. The choice of Eastern Arabic script is a direct nod to the heritage of Seddiqi & Sons and the region they inhabit. The font used is fluid and calligraphic, matching the organic nature of the background pattern. These indices are not just decorative; they are functional components that have been treated with Superluminova. In low-light conditions, they glow, providing a stark contrast to the shifting colors of the dial and ensuring legibility.
The hands of the MorphoDune 75th are bi-faceted and finished with a diamond coating, ensuring they catch the light even in dim environments. The hour and minute hands are polished to a high sheen, while the second hand features a distinct arrow shape at its tip. This choice of handset is pragmatic but refined, allowing for precise time reading without obstructing the view of the nanostructured dial beneath. The interplay between the polished hands and the iridescent background creates a sense of depth, as the hands appear to float above the shifting "sands" of the dial. A subtle touch of blue is integrated into the design, a color chosen to symbolize peace and protection within Arabic culture, adding a layer of spiritual significance to the mechanical object.
Courtesy of ID Geneve
Housing this intricate display is a case measuring 37 millimeters in diameter. This sizing is a deliberate move away from the oversized trends of the past, favoring a more classic and versatile footprint that suits a wide variety of wrist sizes. The thickness is kept to a slender 8.8 millimeters, allowing the watch to slide easily under a cuff. The profile is sleek, with a focus on wearability and comfort. The material used for the case is 100 percent reprocessed 316L stainless steel, specifically grade 1.4441. This material choice is central to ID Geneve's philosophy, as the production of this recycled steel has a significantly lower carbon footprint compared to standard stainless steel. The metal is finished with a mix of satin and brushed surfaces, giving it a utilitarian yet sophisticated appearance.
The bezel features a sunburst finish that complements the radial nature of the dial. It is polished and brushed, creating a frame that directs attention toward the center of the watch. The transition from the case to the crystal is seamless, with a sapphire crystal front treated with an anti-reflective coating. This coating is crucial for a dial of this nature, as it minimizes glare and allows the holographic effects of the Morphotonix technology to be seen without distortion. The manufacturing of these case components takes place in Le Locle, ensuring that the watch maintains its Swiss provenance while adhering to strict environmental standards.
Attached to the case is an integrated bracelet, also crafted from reprocessed stainless steel. The design of the bracelet is unique, featuring semi-elliptical links that mimic the curvature of the dial's wave patterns. The links are a mix of brushed and polished finishes, which helps to break up the mass of steel and adds visual interest to the band. The integration of the bracelet into the case is smooth, creating a cohesive silhouette that wraps comfortably around the wrist. A triple-fold deployant clasp secures the watch, ensuring it stays in place during daily wear. The construction of the bracelet feels solid, with the reprocessed steel offering the same durability and weight as virgin material.
Courtesy of ID Geneve
Inside the watch beats the heart of a refurbished automatic movement. ID Geneve has sourced unsold stock of the ETA 2892 caliber, a robust and reliable Swiss movement known for its serviceability. By using refurbished movements rather than commissioning new ones, the brand further reduces the environmental impact of the watch. The movement operates at a frequency of 4Hz, or 28,800 vibrations per hour, ensuring a smooth sweep of the seconds hand. It offers a power reserve of approximately 42 hours, which is sufficient for daily use. This approach to mechanics underscores the brand's commitment to a circular economy, proving that luxury does not always require the extraction of new raw materials.
The decision to use the ETA 2892 also ensures that the watch can be easily serviced by watchmakers worldwide. Unlike proprietary in-house movements that often require specialized tools or return to the manufacturer, the ETA architecture is ubiquitous in the industry. This is a practical benefit for the collector, ensuring the longevity of the timepiece. The movement drives the central hour, minute, and second functions, keeping the display simple and focused. There is no date window to disrupt the flow of the dial pattern, a design choice that purists will likely appreciate.
The luminescence of the watch is another key feature. The Superluminova used on the hands and indices is described as SLN/BL, offering a bright and long-lasting glow. This feature transforms the watch at night, where the "dunes" of the dial fade into darkness and the glowing numerals emerge like stars above a desert landscape. This dual personality—shimmering iridescence by day and functional legibility by night—adds to the versatility of the piece. It is a watch designed to be worn and enjoyed in all conditions, not just kept in a safe.
Water resistance is rated at 50 meters. While this is not a dive watch, this rating provides ample protection against rain, splashes, and accidental submersion. It allows the owner to wear the watch with confidence in most daily situations. The crown is designed for easy manipulation, allowing for quick setting of the time. The overall construction feels robust, defying the delicate appearance of the holographic dial. It is a tool watch in its specifications, but an art piece in its execution.
Courtesy of ID Geneve
The partnership with Seddiqi & Sons is significant because it highlights a shift in the luxury market. Retailers are no longer just points of sale; they are becoming active participants in the creative process. By commissioning a watch that specifically speaks to their region and history, Seddiqi is asserting its identity on a global stage. For ID Geneve, this collaboration validates their approach to sustainable luxury. It demonstrates that recycled materials and refurbished movements can exist in the high-end segment without compromising on quality or desirability.
The MorphoDune 75th is a watch that rewards close inspection. From a distance, it may appear as a simple steel sports watch with a blue dial. However, up close, the complexity of the nano-engraving reveals itself. The way the light catches the ridges of the pattern creates a sense of motion, as if the dial is alive. The integration of the Arabic numerals is done with respect and subtlety, ensuring they are a natural part of the design rather than an afterthought. The balance between the chaotic background and the orderly markers is struck perfectly.
The ethos of "Circular Swiss Made" is printed at the bottom of the dial, a constant reminder of the watch's origins. ID Geneve is the first Swiss watch brand to be built entirely on these principles, and the MorphoDune is a testament to what can be achieved when sustainability is prioritized from the design phase. The use of 1.4441 steel, which is commonly used in medical implants, also speaks to the purity and quality of the material. It is hypoallergenic and highly resistant to corrosion, making it an ideal choice for a watch case.
Courtesy of ID Geneve
As a limited edition of only 20 pieces, the MorphoDune 75th is an exceedingly rare item. It is targeted at collectors who appreciate both the technical innovation of the Morphotonix dial and the sustainability narrative of the brand. The watch represents a new chapter in what defines luxury. It is not about the abundance of gold or diamonds, but about the intelligence of the design and the responsibility of the production. It challenges the notion that new is always better, showing that reprocessed and refurbished components can be transformed into something exceptional.
The pricing for this exclusive release is set at CHF 4,820, excluding taxes. Given the extremely limited production run and the advanced technology involved in the dial creation, this price point positions it within the competitive segment of independent watchmaking. Availability is restricted, naturally, with the pieces likely to be allocated to key clients of Seddiqi & Sons and followers of ID Geneve who have been tracking the brand's rise. For those lucky enough to secure one, it offers a distinct alternative to the mass-produced models that dominate the market, providing a story of desert winds, Swiss science, and a future where luxury and responsibility go hand in hand.
Case: 37 mm diameter, 8.8 mm thickness, crafted in reprocessed 316L shade 1.4441 stainless steel, satin/brushed finish, sapphire crystal front with anti-reflective coating, 50 m water resistance.
Movement: Refurbished automatic Swiss-made ETA 2892, 42 hours power reserve, 4Hz frequency (28,800 vph), hour, minute and second in the center.
Dial: Bio-inspired Morphotonix nanostructured holographic effect, blue and white SLN/BL special Seddiqi design printings, Eastern Arabic numerals, luminescent indexes and hands.
Strap: Integrated 316L 1.4441 shade stainless steel bracelet, brushed and polished semi-elliptical links, triple-fold deployant clasp in reprocessed stainless steel.
Price: CHF 4,820 (excl. tax)
Reference Number: 200.001.75X
Notes: Limited edition of 20 pieces celebrating Seddiqi & Sons 75th Anniversary. Features ink-free structural color via nanotechnology.