One of the surprises of Dubai Watch Week was the chance to go hands-on with the Strata, the latest watch from Vyntage Horology. Slim, lightweight, and water-resistant to 100 m, the Strata nods to the cushion-case designs of the 1970s without reviving any specific model, instead pairing a radiant burgundy dial with a silky grade 5 titanium case and bracelet for a look that feels contemporary rather than nostalgic.

Vyntage itself was conceived by Mohammed Abdulmagied Seddiqi, chief executive of Ahmed Seddiqi — the Gulf region’s largest retailer and a pillar of Dubai’s watch scene for 75 years. The brand was created to bring an Emirati sensibility to Swiss watchmaking, and its retailer backing gives it a degree of stability and visibility uncommon among small, typically internet-native marques.   

Initial thoughts

The Strata is a ‘go anywhere, do anything’ watch par excellence, managing to be both slim and lightweight, while water resistant to 100 m. Despite its name, Vyntage is not in the business of remakes. The Strata nods to 1970-era cushion-case sport watches with integrated bracelets, but it is not a revival of any specific model. Instead, the combination of a rich burgundy dial and a silky titanium case and bracelet gives the watch a contemporary presence that sets it apart from conventional retro-themed offerings.

Ahmed Seddiqi, the Gulf region’s largest watch retailer and a fixture in Dubai for 75 years, has long catered to a collector base oriented toward Swiss watchmaking. Vyntage Horology was born from a desire to offer clients something with roots closer to home. Conceived by Mohammed Abdulmagied Seddiqi, the company’s chief executive, the brand aims to create Swiss-made watches that carry a distinctly Emirati character.

Being owned by a major retailer like Seddiqi lends Vyntage a measure of stability, signalling that it has the support and runway to endure — something not always guaranteed with smaller, internet-native micro brands. Perhaps more importantly, this connection ensures visibility among influential collectors.

At AED69,000 including taxes, the Strata costs about US$18,700, which is on the lower side for integrated bracelet watches powered by the same Vaucher micro-rotor movement, such as the PS Horology Tsuba or Parmigiani Tonda PF. The value proposition is enhanced by the use of grade 5 titanium for the case and bracelet, which offers substantially lighter weight than stainless steel while being just as scratch resistant.

A watch for all wrists

The Strata really comes alive on the wrist thanks to both its slim case and silky titanium bracelet. The latter far exceeds the ‘micro-brand’ norm for quality of execution, with thin links and brushed edges. The prototype I wore will be refined even further for final production; the quick-release tabs in the underside of the bracelet will be redesigned to not hinder the drape of the end links.

The pitch of the links is rather long, but wearing comfort is assured thanks to a simple extension built into the clasp, something that has thankfully become the norm. That said, the light weight and low center of gravity of the Strata mean it’s unlikely to move around too much even if worn slightly loose.

The burgundy dial features an engraved motif dubbed ‘diamond tessellation’ and features a date window frame (around a colour-matched date disc) that echoes the case shape. The Strata skips the seconds hand, opting for a configuration that calls to mind watches like the original Nautilus ref. 3700 and Audemars Piguet Royal Oak ref. 15202. It’s a good look that lets the metallic red dial shine, and the simplified hand stack looks good, with lozenge-style hands and hour markers that are faceted and brushed to catch the light, even before considering the application of Super-LumiNova.

If there’s one thing I’d change about the Strata it’s the applied wordmark on the dial; the calligraphic wordmark used for the Purity collection feels more distinctive and appealing. Applied logos have become something of a trend in recent years, but they’re difficult to pull off.

Bulletproof micro-rotor

At the heart of the Strata is a Vaucher VHM-3.01 micro-rotor automatic, a movement that has endeared itself to independent watchmakers and collectors alike for its slim dimensions and high-quality construction. Vaucher makes the movement to order, and it can be found in watches from numerous brands big and small, from tiny dial-focused independents like Bradley Taylor and Laine, to big luxury brands like Hermes and Richard Mille.

On paper, the 3 Hz rate and 48-hour power reserve are fairly ordinary, but the movement is slim (just 3 mm thick) without being fragile. Because it’s widely used, there’s ample support infrastructure in place for servicing, which should give buyers confidence. In other words, the Vaucher calibre proves Vyntage is serious about the future, and supports the overall value proposition of the Strata.

For the Strata, the movement has been delivered with a bespoke bridge layout and relief-engraving on the tungsten micro-rotor that depicts the Vyntage logo. While some brands spec this movement with a gold rotor, heavyweight tungsten is a practical choice that should help maximise winding efficiency of the rotor, which is sunk into the same plane as the gear train.

Key facts and price

Vyntage Horology Strata

Diameter: 40 mm
Height: 8.92 mm
Material: Titanium
Crystal: Sapphire
Water resistance: 100 m

Movement: VHM-3.01 by Vaucher
Functions: Hours, minutes and date
Frequency: 21,600 beats per hour (3 Hz)
Winding: Automatic
Power reserve: 48 hours

Strap: Titanium bracelet or rubber strap

Limited edition: No
Availability: At Vyntage Horology’s online boutique or Seddiqi stores
Price: AED69,000 including tax (equivalent to approximately US$18,700)

For more, visit vyntage.com.