Giuseppe Marasco As you know one of my favourite thing (probably the most) about my job is to keep in contact and discover brands and stories from all over the world and having the possibility to understand different cultures and ideas from different countries and meeting new people strictly connected with the watch world.
This time I want to present you a Microbrand called Castelle and Gazelle,based on Islamic geometric art and architecture.
The name Castle & Gazelle (founded by Osmaan Minhas) comes from one of the machines in the Book of Secrets and Results of Ideas by Khalaf of Muradi of 11th century Spain.
Osmaan is a physician by training, but before going to medical school he had a background in graphic design and he was also had an interest in Islamic geometric art and architecture.
During the pandemic Osmaan began to get into watches as a distracting and fun hobby and he got hooked on the subject and the more he got into watches I realized that Islamic geometric art could be very suitable for watch dial design.
From here the idea of creating Castel and Gazelle came to life
Each of their watches tells a unique story.
The Zellij Blue dial is derived from tilework on the Moroccan Hassan II Mosque.
The Azeri-style Azure Green comes from the Jameh Mosque in Yazd Iran.
The Alhambra Red is from stonework of the fabled Alhambra palace/fortress in Granada Spain and the Shamsah gold features a classic Islamic calligraphy pattern featured on Islamic illuminated manuscripts.
3D Printing tecnique used for dials
The unique dials are combined with a very simple hour markers, case and hands – with the idea to let the dial speak for itself and to combine both a modern feel the classical patterns.
These dials have a depth to them which is apparent in person – they are 3D printed – in an attempt to replicate that mosaic type effect.
In a world of microbrands where many designs are somewhat derivative this brand is offering something different and a little unique.
Technical specifications
| Movement | Miyota 2035 Quartz Movement. |
| Case | 40mm size, 7.8mm thickness, Stainless Steel |
| Strap | Genuine Leather |
| Lug to lug | 46.5mm |
| Strap width | 20mm |
| Price | 95$ |
| Notes | 5 atm water resistance |
