Collector’s Sequence – Malek’s Schwarz Etienne Roma Synergy by Kari Voutilainen

Malek bin Easa is an everyday contributor to MONOCHROME. Malek is the driving power and founding father of the Emirates Watch Membership and in that place a widely known determine within the Arab watch scene. This time we requested the Dubai-based collector about one in every of his most cherished timepieces, his Schwarz Etienne Roma Synergy by Kari Voutilainen. A mannequin that has his private contact! As a result of certainly, it’s not only a traditional Roma Synergy by Kari Voutilainen (if ever there was something traditional about this watch anyway…) but it surely’s the particular version made particularly for the members of the Emirates Watch Membership. Let’s uncover every little thing that makes this watch a real gem. 

Frank Geelen, MONOCHROME – When was the primary time you laid eyes on Schwarz Etienne as a model?

Malek bin Easa, founding father of the Emirates Watch Membership – I can’t keep in mind precisely, but it surely was by shopping on-line a number of years in the past, possibly in 2016. The model appealed to me as a result of the corporate, which is over 100 years outdated, produces nice actions for its personal watches together with the hairsprings, and in addition produces them for others.

And why did this Roma Synergy version designed by Kari Voutilainen stand out to you?

I had been on this mannequin since they introduced the collaboration with Kari in 2020. For me, this meant a collaboration between the 2 greatest watchmakers on this planet. When it got here out, I used to be fascinated by its seems and the mechanical facet of it; the micro-rotor, the 84-hours energy reserve, it’s an ideal motion. After which that stunning dial with an ideal 3-pattern guilloche handmade by probably the greatest watchmakers in historical past, Kari Voutilainen. He additionally embellished the motion in such a phenomenal manner.
The 39mm diameter of the case makes it a correct costume watch, too. Nevertheless, I didn’t purchase what they launched. In collaboration with Schwarz Etienne, I used to be in a position to have the watch made with a distinct dial color and numerals, as a particular restricted version for our Emirates Watch Membership.

What position does the Membership play in your life?

I based Emirates Watch Membership (@ewc.ae) to be surrounded by collectors as a lot as attainable. It’s an ideal feeling to share a lot pleasure and a lot enjoyable. We be taught from one another, we assist one another and information one another. This pastime is 10 instances extra enjoyable if you’re surrounded by individuals who share the identical ardour as you.

Did you go to the Schwarz Etienne workshops your self to observe the manufacturing course of? 

Sadly, as a result of pandemic state of affairs, I couldn’t however I used to be in contact with them on calls and WhatsApp. I met CEO Mauro and his crew once they spent Dubai watch week right here, so we had a full week collectively and I can inform you we’re greater than a household. We bought alongside and we had an ideal bonding collectively. I’m trying ahead to assembly them in Switzerland quickly.

Does your Schwarz Etienne get a whole lot of wrist time?

Nicely, sure and no. I really like carrying it, and to this point, since I bought it, it’s one of many watches I put on most. However no, as a result of I simply bought it 2 months in the past and I’ve many watches I like, so I maintain the rotation up.

Do you get many reactions to your watch?

Sure, I do huge time! It’s a watch everybody talks about. I couldn’t imagine what occurred after we launched the version. It was throughout Dubai Watch Week, and everybody contacted me able to even pay a premium for it, though they knew it was not out there for anybody however membership members who had already positioned the order with the model. Even the model itself was thrilled about what occurred once they participated in DWW. They noticed the visitors we made for them there. This mannequin has potential, I used to be proper about that each one alongside.

When you had been to promote it, what can be the present market worth?

I actually by no means considered this in any respect, we introduced the value of the version, CHF 38,000 excluding VAT. However I don’t care in regards to the worth now. I’ll by no means promote this watch. By no means ever. It’s the watch I put my private contact on and it’s the watch I cherished at first sight!

How would you describe your watch assortment to this point?

It’s rising very effectively and I imagine I’m a man who likes to have a watch from every model. That mentioned, it ought to win my coronary heart in fact!

Are you able to give examples of fashions which have gained your coronary heart to this point and why? 

All watches in my assortment have, however in my final go to to Geneva for the Geneva watch week, I noticed two watches and I made the order the identical day. The Urwerk UR-220 and the Gerald Genta Mickey Mouse.

Are there extra watches in your wishlist? 

There are various watches on the way in which and I hope to get fortunate, as these days, particularly with impartial manufacturers, it’s by no means in regards to the cash. The allocation shouldn’t be for everybody. I’ve bought the cash so let’s hope I can get what I would like after which I’ll inform you! Within the meantime, I imagine Urwerk is doing a tremendous job with Rexhep Rexhepi, MB&F, De Bethune, Parmigiani, Cyrus and Mauron Musy, too.

For now, the following watch I will likely be getting would be the 2021 Gérald Genta Mickey Mouse watch. I’ll obtain the primary one to return to the Center East, due to my buddies at Bulgari, Fabrizio Buonamassa and Vincent Reynes.

Is it essential to be in contact with the makers personally, and is it possible for everybody?

For me, it’s crucial, as a result of the entire expertise issues. I really like to purchase the watch and get to know everybody by this buy and that’s really easy with the independents, that’s why I’m keener in the direction of indies. You purchase a watch, then you definitely develop into a member of the family to them. And to be trustworthy, I discovered that with among the group manufacturers too, like Bulgari and Girard-Perregaux ‘primarily based by myself expertise’.

Lastly, do you’ve ideas for different collectors?

Simply purchase what you want after trying it up. Learn as a lot as you possibly can. The sources out there now are higher than ever. Then construct your individual opinion and make your individual choices primarily based on your self. Begin small. The journey to buying the watch isn’t simple for many watches. However the more durable it’s to get it, the extra lovely it should look when you’ve it.