Jamie Weiss
In the West, we take it for granted that clocks use Roman or Western Arabic numerals to show the time. But these are not the only number systems in the world. Not at all. Eastern Arabic numerals (also known as Indo-Arabic numerals) are a way of showing time that is favored in the Arabian Peninsula and parts of Asia. Some of the numerals in this system look similar to Western Arabic numerals, but they are completely different. Just as stick-like indexes and Roman numerals give a unique aesthetic feel, Eastern Arabic numerals have a shapely, brush-like shape that gives them a charm of their own. Here are some of the best of them.
Seiko 5
One of the most well-known and affordable Eastern Arabic numerals watches is the Seiko 5, specifically the SNKP21J1 (42mm) and SNK063J5 (34mm, integrated bracelet). Collectively known as “Arabian Seiko” or “Seiko-WOE” (due to its popularity in the espionage watch community), the Seiko 5 is a natural contender due to its civilian appeal and military connotations. Price: $200 USD
Studio Underd0g x Perpétuel Series 02 Field
In fact, there are any number of Perpetual limited editions to choose from. A distinctive design feature of the Dubai-based watch gallery’s collaboration models is the use of Oriental Arabic numerals. I decided to feature their latest collaboration with British indie brand Studi0 Underd0g, in which the colorful yet minimalist Series 02 Field collection is supplemented with these old-fashioned numerals instead of the typically used sans-serif Western Arabic numerals. The collaboration offered all four variants of the Series 02 Field with Oriental Arabic numerals, but the pink Lem0nade variant remains the highlight. Most of these sold out at launch, but there may still be a few of the Midnight version in stores. Price: USD 1,634
Cartier Santos
Over the years, Cartier has produced a number of Oriental-Arabic numerals versions of the iconic Santos for the Middle Eastern market, including both the Santos-Dumont and Santos de Cartier models. Of course, you can order a Cartier with Oriental-Arabic numerals through the Maison’s “New Special Order” (NSO) program, but the Santos (Santoshi? Or is it Santos, with a name like “sheep”?) is by far the most commonly seen Cartier with Oriental-Arabic numerals. Price: USD 13,340 (ref. WSSA0055)
Franck Muller x Grail Watch Double Side Rattrapante Chronograph “Arabian Panda”
Franck Muller has long garnered a cult following in the Middle East, but the brand has released few models featuring Eastern Arabic numerals. But this intricate chronograph may be the one to feature them the most. Limited to 20 pieces to celebrate the Arabian edition of the Revolution, the chrono features three different scales on both sides – telemeter, tachymeter and pulsometer – and an additional fully luminous dial element on the reverse, evocative of how cosmopolitan capitals in the Middle East come to life at night. Price: USD 25,500
Rolex Day-Date
Famously, some Rolex Day-Dates have day-of-the-week indicators in 26 languages. The most commonly seen non-English indicator is Arabic. Rolex has been producing Day-Dates with Oriental Arabic numerals for many years. The model that most collectors associate with Oriental Arabic numerals is the platinum Day-Date 40 ref. 228206, which Rolex released in 2016. The use of platinum is also symbolic, since Islam prohibits men from wearing gold. The Day-Date is already a watch associated with wealth and excess, but Oriental Arabic numerals allude to Middle Eastern wealth, turning the dial to 11, if you will. This may be why celebrities such as Mark Wahlberg and Tom Brady have been spotted wearing Day-Dates with Oriental Arabic numerals. Price: USD 82,000 (ref. 228206)
