Zeitwerks & Shawarma w/ Dubai Watch Club’s Adel Al Rahmani
In the second of three catch-ups we’re conducting with watch collectors’ clubs all around the globe, unekual chats with Adel Al Rahmani (of Dubai Watch Club) about the group he founded in 2014 and where you’ll find his city’s best sandwiches.
In the past you’ve credited both of your parents with igniting your passion for watches - did they pass anything down which remains firmly in your collection today?
My parents definitely played a role in my passion during the early years. They weren’t ‘collectors’ (in the strict sense of that word) but they definitely liked watches.
The only watch my father ever wore was his 1970s Day-Date. A few years ago, he gifted it to me, but in return, asked for a piece that I treasured. I opened my watchbox and said “take your pick”. Funnily, he didn’t like any of the watches he saw and instead asked to see what I was wearing - a modern Rolex Submariner, which he absolutely loved.
Those who know me personally are aware that a modern steel Sub is among my absolute favourite mechanical watches. Honestly: it would have ended up being less painful if my Dad had picked one of the more complicated watches in my collection instead. Still, it worked out to be an even trade: I gained something that he genuinely loved and cherished, and vice-versa.
As for my mother, she was a big Rolex fan with an affinity for Day-Dates as well. Being that I like Submariners so much, I guess I’m the odd one out [laughs]. Of the 3 she owned, two were passed down to my wife: a gesture I hope to replicate for the next generation (with a few additions of my own).
Beyond the obvious social aspect, what are some of the value-adds of membership in the Dubai Watch Club?
Man, I always hate answering this question [laughs]. Fundamentally, we’re not trying to ‘sell’ anything.
I could tell you that you might meet an influential collector; subsequently hit it off, and that you won’t have to wait several decades to purchase your Daytona - but that’s not a given. On occasion though, it does happen.
I could tell you that becoming a member grants you access to all of our limited edition collaborations - but whether you end up liking them is a personal journey.
We do organise manufacture visits every now and then as well; but then again, not everybody has the luxury to take time off work and take advantage of this benefit. I could go on.
What I’m trying to say is that members shouldn’t have any expectations when they join our group. We can promise you only one thing: that if you like watches, and wish to join a community of like-minded individuals, we’ll be there to support you and nurture your passion; and help you gain further knowledge. Everything else is a bonus.