The best Eastern Arabic numeral watches for those looking for some Middle Eastern flavour

Jamie Weiss

In the West, we take it for granted that watches typically use either Roman or Western Arabic numerals to tell the time – but these aren’t the only two numeral systems in the world, far from it. Eastern Arabic numerals (also called Indo-Arabic numerals) are the preferred way to tell time in the Arabian Peninsula as well as parts of Asia, and while some numerals in this system are similar to Western Arabic numerals, it’s a totally different set of numbers. Just as stick indices or Roman numerals impart a particular aesthetic, Eastern Arabic numerals – with their shapely, brush-like forms – have their own appeal. Here are some of the best.

Seiko 5

One of the most famous and affordable Eastern Arabic-enumerated watches is the Seiko 5, specifically the references SNKP21J1 (which is 42mm) and SNK063J5 (which is 34mm and features an integrated bracelet). Collectively known as “Arabic Seikos” or the “Seik-W.O.E.” (a reference to its popularity in the Watches of Espionage community), the Seiko 5’s everyman appeal and military connotations make it an obvious candidate. Price: US$200

Studio Underd0g x Perpétuel Series 02 Field

In truth, one could pick from any number of Perpétuel limited editions: the Dubai-based watch gallery’s signature design cue with its collaborative models is the use of Eastern Arabic numerals. I’ve decided to highlight their most recent collab with British indie Studi0 Underd0g, which takes the colourful but minimal Series 02 Field collection and adds these old-world numerals in place of the sans-serifed Western Arabics it normally sports. All four variants of the Series 02 Field were available with Eastern Arabics as part of this collab, but the Pink Lem0nade variant remains the highlight. While most of these sold out upon release, there might still be a few pieces of the Midnight version available at retail. Price: US$1,634

Cartier Santos

Over the years, Cartier has produced numerous versions of their iconic Santos with Eastern Arabic numerals for the Middle Eastern market, including both Santos-Dumont and Santos de Cartier models. Of course, through the maison’s “New Special Order” (NSO) program, you can order any Cartier you like with Eastern Arabics – but Santoses (Santosi? Or is it like “sheep” and you just say Santos?) are by far and large the most common Cartiers you’ll see with Eastern Arabics. Price: US$13,340 (ref. WSSA0055)

Franck Muller x Grail Watch Double Sided Rattrapante Chronograph “Arabian Panda”

Franck Muller has long enjoyed a passionate following in the Middle East, but few models have emerged from the brand with Eastern Arabic numerals. This complex chronograph, however, might just be the watch with the most Eastern Arabics. A 20-piece limited edition celebrating Revolution’s Arabian regional edition, this chrono features three different scales – telemeter, tachymeter and pulsometer – across its twin sides, with the reverse side additionally featuring full lume dial elements, nodding to how the cosmopolitan capitals of the Middle East come alive after dark. Price: US$25,500  

Rolex Day-Date

Famously, you can have a Rolex Day-Date with a day wheel in one of 26 languages – and one of the most common day wheels you’ll see other than an English one is an Arabic one. Rolex has long produced Day-Dates with Eastern Arabic numerals: the model that most collectors associate with Eastern Arabics is the platinum Day-Date 40 ref. 228206, which Rolex launched in 2016. The usage of platinum is symbolic, too, as Islam prohibits men from wearing gold. The Day-Date is already a watch associated with wealth and excess, and Eastern Arabic numerals – with their connotation of the wealth of the Middle East – dial that up to 11, pardon the pun. Perhaps that’s why celebrities like Mark Wahlberg and Tom Brady have been spotted wearing Eastern Arabic Day-Dates. Price: US$82,000 (ref. 228206)