Watch Circle

WE LISTEN TO COMMUNITY IDEAS

We don’t sell a watch and disappear; we keep the conversation going.

1 month ago | Admin | 4 min read

Hamad Al Marri | Founder | FURLAN MARRI

How important is it for you to showcase Arab creativity in the global watchmaking landscape?
For me, showcasing Arab creativity in the global watchmaking industry is a message before it is a commercial goal. As Arabs, we have a rich heritage of art and craftsmanship, yet it is often overlooked in this field. I see watchmaking as an opportunity to bring this spirit to an international audience and to prove that Arab creativity is not confined to the past but is capable of competing and innovating today.

What inspired your journey from being a young watch enthusiast in the Middle East to pursuing a path in watchmaking?

My journey began at the age of 14 when my father gifted me an Omega Seamaster. It was an unforgettable moment the watch wasn’t just a timepiece; it was a symbol of connection and love. Wearing it made me feel a special bond with my father. That moment planted in me a passion for watches as objects that carry stories and emotions, not just instruments for telling time.

After that, I began attending auctions, delving into the world of vintage timepieces, and reading about the history behind them. I dreamed of one day creating my own. This passion a blend of family inspiration and deep appreciation for craftsmanship was the real driving force that led me not only to admire watches but to contribute to their creation through Furlan Marri, adding an Arab imprint to the world of fine watchmaking.

In your view, are independent brands better equipped to build emotional connections with today’s collectors?

Absolutely. Independent brands are free from the bureaucratic constraints of larger corporations and can be closer to collectors. We speak to them directly, listen to their feedback, and develop based on their input. This direct relationship creates a genuine emotional connection.

Your Kickstarter launch was an extraordinary success. What do you believe contributed to that overwhelming response?

The key was a combination of an authentic story, thoughtful design, and fair pricing. We didn’t just offer a watch we offered an experience. We showed what goes on behind the scenes and how each detail is made. This transparency-built trust, and that trust turned into incredible support.

What has been the biggest challenge you faced while launching Furlan Marri and how did you overcome it?

The biggest challenge was balancing big ambitions with limited resources. We aimed for high quality from day one, which required extra effort and personal commitment. We had no actual business partners at the start our real partners were those who supported us during our Kickstarter campaign. Their trust and backing gave us the first push to keep going and overcome obstacles.

What’s the story behind the name “Furlan Marri”? Were there other names or ideas you considered before finalizing it?

The name reflects both our roots and our story: “Furlan” comes from Andrea’s family name, and “Marri” is from my tribe, one of the well- known tribes in the Arabian Peninsula. We wanted the name to embody this unique cultural blend that comes together in every watch we create.

Furlan Marri is widely seen as a community-driven brand. How do you engage with your collectors and foster that loyal following?

We don’t sell a watch and disappear; we keep the conversation going. We listen to our community’s ideas, share our development process, and thank them for their contributions. A clear example of this approach is our recent Community Design Lab project, which allowed our fans to participate in designing a new watch from concept to final details. This direct involvement makes them feel like true partners in our story.

What are your plans for expanding Furlan Marri’s presence globally?

We aim to expand by building a strong presence in global markets through partnerships with those who share our values, and by participating in major international events, all while preserving the brand’s identity and independent spirit.

Looking ahead, how do you envision Furlan Marri evolving over the next five years?

I aspire for Furlan Marri to become a renowned name in independent watchmaking, launching innovative collections while preserving traditional craftsmanship, and continuing to involve our community in the creative process.

Key to Remember

FURLAN MARRI

In just a few years, Furlan Marri has emerged as one of the most talked-about names in contemporary watchmaking, redefining how a young, independent brand can rise in a market dominated by century-old maisons. Founded in 2021 by Andrea Furlan, a Swiss designer, and Hamad Al Marri, a collector from Dubai, the brand immediately captured attention with its debut chronograph launched through Kickstarter. What began as a crowdfunding project quickly turned into a phenomenon: the campaign raised over a million Swiss francs, signaling both strong demand and the appeal of their design philosophy.

Furlan Marri’s success lies in its ability to blend heritage inspiration with modern accessibility. Their early releases channeled the charm of vintage chronographs from the 1940s and 1950s, incorporating intricate details like “Tasti Tondi” pushers, sector dials, and Breguet numerals, but offered them at an approachable price point. This unique positioning resonated with a new generation of enthusiasts who admired fine watch aesthetics but found most traditional brands financially out of reach.

The brand’s momentum accelerated when it won the prestigious Horological Revelation Prize at the 2021 Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève (GPHG) an unprecedented feat for such a young company. This recognition legitimized Furlan Marri not just as a stylish newcomer but as a serious player in modern horology.

Since then, the brand has expanded into mechanical timepieces, moving beyond meca-quartz movements while retaining its focus on thoughtful design and storytelling. Collaborations with independent watchmakers and limited production runs have further fueled desirability, often leading to immediate sell-outs upon release.

Furlan Marri’s meteoric rise underscores a shift in the watch industry: collectors are increasingly valuing creativity, authenticity, and community engagement over pure legacy. In less than five years, the brand has built a cult following, proving that passion and vision can challenge tradition and rewrite the rules of success.