< Previous40 CEO MIDDLE EAST MARCH 2024 he closer we move to a digital future, the more we see the commercial landscape dramatically change – but what’s driv- ing this transformation? The answer: Tech-enabled providers With online shopping having become embedded in our daily lives, and tech- nology reshaping the way businesses fulfil orders, a ripple effect extending far beyond just warehousing is being observed. To quote Jeff Bezos, “Tech- being able to maintain as much as 55 percent of customers, which in turn, helps merchants grow and build more sustainable businesses. However, the increase of tech-en- abled fulfilment providers is more than just optimising logistics; it also aims to satisfy the growing expectations of consumers for quicker, seamless, and more efficient shopping experiences. Ecommerce companies are accord- ingly rewriting the rules of supply chain management, bringing in an era of maximum convenience in a world where speedy results are now the ex- pected norm; let’s explore exactly how this is taking place: Supply chain innovation Tech-enabled fulfilment companies use advanced algorithms and data-driven insights to forecast demand fluctua- tions accurately in the field of predic- tive analytics. Due to this, businesses can optimise inventory management to ensure products are stocked by projected demand. Globally, 43 percent of businesses track inventory the old- fashioned way; 14 percent use pen and paper, 21 percent use spreadsheets like Excel, and 8 percent of small busi- nesses do not track their inventory at all. The introduction of technological innovation in the supply chain is not only creating a dynamic ecosystem that eliminates inefficiencies but also adjusts to on-the-spot changes in customer preferences by predicting the possibility of stockouts or overstocks. For instance, warehouses that integrate machine-learning algorithms into their operations cut costs by 15 percent and improve efficiency by 65 percent. Meanwhile, robotics and automa- tion order fulfilment processes are more efficient in warehousing and distribution through eco-friendly ad- vancements like circular supply chain models, and the use of alternative fuels in transportation. Integrating such Unpacking the impact of tech-enabled fulfilment providers in today’s increasingly digital landscape FULFILLING THE VISION Establishing a win-win-win relationship with suppliers, logistics providers, and customers leads to success in the supply chain industry, Mossaad says TECHNOLOGY BY MOHAMED MOSSAAD, CEO OF FLEXTOCK T enabled fulfilment providers are at the forefront of transforming the e-com- merce landscape. They not only shape the customer experience but redefine the very essence of how businesses operate in the digital age.” This, as we embrace the era of tech-enabled solutions, is seeing a more connected and responsive digital ecosystem come to fruition. In fact, the impact of tech enabled fulfilment on customer retention reinforces this notion - with e-commerce merchants TECHNOLOGY MARCH 2024 CEO MIDDLE EAST 41 innovations is a key objective for those who want to adapt, be responsive and sustainable, and the ones who are at the frontline of these advancements to build the infrastructure for a strong and flexible supply chain ecosystem. For merchants looking to scale up and enter new markets with ease and operate as locals, leveraging cutting- edge digital tools and platforms enables retailers to easily break through geo- graphical barriers and enter a variety of markets. With the utilisation of e- commerce solutions, data analytics, and localisation of technologies, merchants are able to better understand customer preferences, modify product offerings, and create customised marketing cam- paigns. All in all, by leveraging techno- logical innovation, retailers can effec- tively navigate the complexities of new markets, establish a strong presence, and build trust with local consumers; all of which contribute to long-term growth and business success. The triple S approach Speed, sustainability, and seamless deliv- ery are vital in today’s fast-paced world. With a market value of $142.21bn in 2023, last-mile delivery has experi- enced a ground-breaking leap forward and is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.60 percent to reach $297.57bn by 2032. Tech-enabled fulfilment companies are accordingly using data analytics to optimise delivery routes, cut down on transit times, and lessen environmental impact. As technology continues to progress, we may start seeing autono- mous vehicles and drones instead of human-driven delivery systems as the market for last-mile delivery vehicles is also expanding; it is projected to grow at a CAGR of 20.7 percent through 2031 to reach a total value of $120.3bn. Irrespective of technology’s increased efficiency, some challenges will continue to exist. For instance, concerns about job displacement due ties that allow fulfilment providers and logistics companies to continually push themselves to success, should effectively be implemented by overcoming com- mon obstacles like financial constraints or employee buy-in to promote en- gagement and increase their willingness to go the extra mile. Creating a plan to deal with these issues is essential as it guarantees that companies accept in- novation and establish an environment that supports it. A tech-enabled conclusion Establishing a win-win-win relation- ship with suppliers, logistics providers, and customers leads to success in the supply chain industry. This is proven by major players in the ecommerce space and even up-and-coming entities who are quickly establishing them- selves as a force to be reckoned with. Finding solutions and exchanging information can and will optimise the ecosystem, leading to increased ef- ficiency through the usage of data and technology to better understand the needs of consumers to tailor products and services, provide fast delivery choices, and create a seamless experi- ence. Accepting these trends is essential for companies to stay competitive and satisfy market demand. There is no denying that digitalisa- tion, transparency, and sustainability exist together as the future infrastruc- ture of supply chain management. Seeing how technology is transform- ing the industry, it is more likely to give both businesses and consumers a more simplified and smooth experi- ence – and if implemented correctly, it holds the promise of being extremely efficient, adaptable to challenges, capable of lowering costs, expediting delivery and supporting sustainability initiatives; This is the impact of tech- enabled fulfilment providers in today’s increasingly digital landscape, and it requires action today to realise tomor- row’s fruits of labour. to automation and AI integration will persist as we progress into a more dig- ital-centric society. With that said, it’s essential to recognise the emergence of new career opportunities in tech- related roles such as expertise in data analytics, robotics maintenance, and AI development to create a workforce that reflects advancements in technology. Balancing innovation and competition Navigating the landscape of tech- enabled fulfilment providers can be extremely difficult while juggling com- petition and innovation. The Fulfilment Innovation Wheel, a set of 12 capabili- “LEVERAGING CUTTING-EDGE TOOLS ENABLES RETAILERS TO EASILY BREAK THROUGH GEOGRAPHICAL BARRIERS” Tech-enabled fulfilment companies use advanced algorithms and data-driven insights to forecast demand fluctuations accurately42 CEO MIDDLE EAST MARCH 2024 overnments across the Mid- dle East are taking giant digi- tal leaps forward. In the last decade alone, they have upped their investments in technology infrastruc- ture, developed new roadmaps and policies, and supported the research and development of new technologies to propel the region towards a new era of innovation and growth. For instance, digital transformation of the Saudi government is an integral part of the country’s Vision 2030, which aims to enable and accelerate trans- formation across many e-government programmes and projects. Similarly, the UAE Digital Government Strategy 2025 plans to embed digital aspects into overall government strategies. Beyond economic promise, auto- mating the delivery of public services has enormous potential to improve the quality of life for millions of people in the region and enable public services to become more efficient, cost-effective, and accessible. But for this transforma- tion to propel in a meaningful way, there are a few pertinent challenges – namely, legacy infrastructures and cybersecurity concerns that govern- ments are taking note of. Moving public services online saves citizens’ time while freeing up government resources for other priori- ties. Critical services and infrastructure can also remain operational remotely, especially during crises like the pan- demic. Furthermore, technologies such as real-time data analytics can enable governments to make better-informed decisions and improve service delivery for their people. With the Middle East private sec- tor setting high standards for virtual experiences, people’s expectations of public services have risen. Increas- ingly, citizens want to access public services through one easy process. Yet, the reality is that governments serve hundreds of entities, making it difficult to streamline siloed systems. Beyond economic promise, automating the delivery of public services has enormous potential to improve the quality of life for millions of people WHY RELIABLE CONNECTIVITY IS KEY TO UNLOCKING PUBLIC DIGITISATION IN THE REGION There’s a clear imperative to improve governance of data and strengthen public trust in the delivery of digital public services, says Hall TECHNOLOGY BY PETE HALL, REGIONAL MANAGING DIRECTOR, CIENA MIDDLE EAST AND AFRICA GTECHNOLOGY MARCH 2024 CEO MIDDLE EAST 43 Compounding this issue is legacy infrastructure that impedes the delivery of high-quality virtual experiences to the masses. Like the private sector, outdated hardware and software is still being used within the public sector, leaving room for inefficiencies and security vulnerabilities. Having said this, Middle East governments are already taking steps to upgrade their networks with cloud- ready, efficient, scalable solutions. For instance, the implementation of 5G technology is enabling remote work in the region. Not only does it provide greater bandwidth for video confer- encing and collaboration, but it will also enable improved public services like intelligent transportation and en- hanced public safety in the future. In Saudi Arabia, digital government platforms have facilitated data-sharing to offer safe, reliable, and user-centric services. The government has built platforms that increase transparency and boost trust, including the Absher platform, which enables digital IDs, authentication and other services. While governments can potentially supercharge public services through especially when talking about public infrastructure like utilities and defence. Amid the rise of cyberattacks globally, there’s a clear imperative to improve governance of data and strengthen public trust in the delivery of digital public services. Fortunately, technol- ogy is helping network providers protect sensitive customer and opera- tional data, as well as their network infrastructure, with the right security measures. Ciena ensures improved scalability, security, capacity and low latency across the network to support the growing high-bandwidth require- ments of its customers. The delivery of high-quality, trustworthy digital public services can improve the lives of citizens. Govern- ments across the region are already making it a priority to put in place strong, consolidated, and adaptive networks and infrastructure that will lay the foundation for the region’s transformation. With a strong infra- structure, access to public services for citizens of all ages, abilities, and eco- nomic backgrounds will be strength- ened – helping everyone to participate in a digital future. digitisation, it’s only effective if it can reach all citizens. At the heart of it all, investing in high-quality, resilient connectivity infrastructure is the key to powering such initiatives. Crucially, enacting scalable networks at the edge, closer to where content is being gener- ated and consumed, is critical to achiev- ing wider coverage to deliver quality experiences to end-users and meet the needs of new compute-intensive, latency-sensitive cloud-native applica- tions that come with digitalisation. Digitalisation doesn’t just mean easier access to services. It also raises concerns over cybersecurity, data privacy, and even national security – “TECHNOLOGIES SUCH AS REAL-TIME DATA ANALYTICS CAN ENABLE GOVERNMENTS TO MAKE BETTER- INFORMED DECISIONS” Ciena ensures improved scalability, security, capacity and low latency across the network to support the growing high-bandwidth requirements of customers44 CEO MIDDLE EAST MARCH 2024 loud migration projects can be fraught with risk and complexity, which calls for precision, attention to detail, close management – and most of all, patience. The stakes are also high. Any downtime or loss of data can have significant financial, legal and reputational impacts. To reap the benefits of cloud technology - without encountering disruption or compromising data - organisations must have a clear plan that considers potential setbacks and ensures uninterrupted operations. Database migration as a strategic lever A well-executed database migration is more than just a checkbox exercise. For organisations, it can lead to the successful expansion of their digital footprint and service offering. By optimising databases and applications across scalable infrastructure, organsia- tions can quickly adapt to evolving business dynamics, enhance perfor- mance and uphold data integrity. McKinsey research emphasises the increasing potential of cloud migra- tion services, with the Middle East poised to see growth across various sectors. Projections suggest more than 700 potential use cases will be enabled by public cloud services, spanning approximately 600 private and public sector organisations, with an anticipated market of $183bn by 2030. This fore- cast equates to around 6 percent of the region’s current GDP. Organisations that are proficient in database migration are primed to see the most benefits, at a faster rate. Continuous optimisation efforts, such as configurations and fine-tuning queries, are instrumental to ensure the peak performance of migrated databases. These efforts focus on eliminating per- formance bottlenecks, to streamline data processing and retrieval. A well-main- tained, efficient database will enhance Continuous optimisation efforts, such as configurations and fine-tuning queries, are instrumental to ensure the peak performance of migrated databases STRATEGIES FOR SUCCESSFUL DATABASE MIGRATION AND PERFORMANCE OPTIMISATION Fahmy says organisations must deploy robust network and application performance management solutions that are capable of real-time monitoring TECHNOLOGY BY EMAD FAHMY, SYSTEMS ENGINEERING MANAGER, MIDDLE EAST, NETSCOUT CTECHNOLOGY MARCH 2024 CEO MIDDLE EAST 45 operations and improve user experiences. Vigorous, end-to-end monitoring initia- tives, often led by CIOs and IT teams, are required for upholding data integrity in new or complex IT environments. Continuous evaluation and adjustment, as well as measures to validate the accu- racy of information, are important when trying to forecast performance-related challenges. Closing the cloud visibility gap For modern applications and services – particularly those dealing with large data volumes or complicated user interactions - mission-criticality and personalisation are important. Ac- commodating these demands calls for efficient data storage and management. However, with expanding data storage comes the risk of performance issues. Virtualised environments, third-party cloud providers, the migration process and other variables can introduce po- tential pitfalls. These lead to visibility gaps or blind spots, which can disrupt service performance. Visibility gaps can be caused by many factors, including the migration of applications and data between on-prem- ises or colocation data centres and public clouds, or transitions between different cloud platforms or providers (cloud- to-cloud migration). They can also be caused by interdependences among applications or databases, where one pro- gram relies on another or where multiple databases are connected. This complexity increases with the adoption of virtualisa- tion technologies for enhanced flexibility and resource management. Cloud environments without robust visibility monitoring are a concern, particularly when transitioning from legacy infrastructures or when rebuild- ing or decommissioning workloads during domain migrations. Virtualised environments can complicate the iden- tification and monitoring of interactions across different components. Disrupted database access can lead to many issues for businesses, ranging from downtime Fine-tuning performance and security after cloud migration Digital transformation initiatives, including database migration, are often driven by competitive pres- sures and advances in technology, which ultimately shape the return on investment (ROI). The success of a migrated database in its new envi- ronment relies on the monitoring of application performance to ensure uninterrupted availability. To achieve this, organisations must deploy robust network and application performance manage- ment solutions that are capable of real-time monitoring. Establishing baseline performance metrics allows for ongoing comparison and early detection of any disruptions. By ad- dressing issues such as slow response times through thorough performance analyses, organisations can optimise their operations to meet evolving business demands. There are many factors to con- sider when seeking a smooth database migration. Staying informed and embracing best practice will help organisations maximise the benefits of their digital transformation without worrying about operational continuity or performance. and data loss to sluggish response times and service degradation. In each case, the user experience is impacted. As such, it is important for enterprises to recognise the potential for visibility gaps during cloud migration and proactively implement comprehensive cloud monitoring solu- tions to address them. Organisations equipped with such visibility and performance monitoring capabilities can successfully troubleshoot issues, optimise resource allocation, and deliver smooth user experiences. Proac- tivity is key to overcome the challenges posed by visibility gaps, migration com- plexities, virtualised systems, and third- party cloud providers. This approach lets enterprises reap the benefits of cloud computing while minimising risk. “VIGOROUS, END-TO- END MONITORING INITIATIVES ARE REQUIRED FOR UPHOLDING DATA INTEGRITY IN COMPLEX I.T. ENVIRONMENTS” Staying informed and embracing best practice will help organisations maximise the benefits of their digital transformation without worrying about operational continuity or performance46 CEO MIDDLE EAST MARCH 2024 t takes just seven seconds for someone to form an opinion about you. That’s all it takes for someone to decide whether they like, admire and respect you. And, while it might be tempting to hope that the calibre of your conversation holds some sway, there just isn’t time. That first impression is based on your appearance, your demeanour and, of course, your dress code. Clothes say a lot about who you are and how you want to be seen. Those first impressions are lasting a prospective employer about your preferences for an Oxford shoe over brogues, or cotton over twill. Your outfit speaks volumes about your professionalism, attention to detail and overall suitability for a role. In the realms of job hiring, where competi- tion is fierce and opportunities are limited, first impressions can make or break the next step in your career. According to Forbes (2015), 95 percent of employers factor in an applicant’s appearance when making hiring decisions. What’s more, a stag- gering 71 percent of companies have admitted to rejecting an applicant if they aren’t dressed appropriately. So, while casual dress codes may be gain- ing ground in the workplace, there’s just no excuse for sloppiness. Beyond adhering to a dress code, dressing well shows that you understand the com- pany culture and industry norms. Sales Meetings: Closing the deal While you might think a compre- hensive pitch deck and a bulletproof business case are enough to win over prospective clients, the evidence sug- gests otherwise. Recent studies have shown that customers are significantly more likely (25 percent) to trust a well-dressed salesperson. Well-dressed individuals are perceived to be more competent and authoritative, which in turn builds greater trust and credibility during these business transactions. A few years ago, the University of Illinois and UC San Francisco con- ducted an interesting experiment to test this theory too. They invited 180 participants to play the role of “seller” and “buyer” in a hypothetical setting, in which they had to negotiate a price in six minutes. The catch? Participants were randomly assigned either a formal or casual outfit to wear. The results revealed that those dressed in formal clothing obtained significantly higher profits, and those in casual dress made far more concessions. First impressions last a lifetime – so make the most of them THE STATS BEHIND DRESSING FOR SUCCESS The most distinguished businessmen demonstrate that dressing for success isn’t about following trends, but curating a personal style that commands respect and inspires confidence, Sweeny says LIFESTYLE BY GARY SWEENY, BRAND DIRECTOR, ASCOTS & CHAPELS I ones, so you need to make sure those first interactions are positive. Dressing for success isn’t just a matter of style, but a strategy. Clothing choices not only inform how people perceive you, but they influence how you behave too. Let’s dig into the science and stats behind this theory. “You cannot climb the ladder of success dressed in the costume of fail- ure,” Zig Ziglar Getting the job: Make or break The clothes you wear don’t just tell LIFESTYLE MARCH 2024 CEO MIDDLE EAST 47 Taking the reins: The dynamics of leadership So, if clothing has the power to com- municate who you are, what you value and how you fit into an organisation’s culture, what does this mean for leaders? According to a survey conducted by Gallup, employees are 15 percent more likely to respect a well-dressed leader. This makes sense. After all, you’re more likely to pay attention to someone who is well put together and exudes confi- dence and charisma in the process. Studies show that dressing well doesn’t just affect the way people per- ceive you, it impacts the way you act too. A recent study revealed that people who dress better feel more confident, powerful and focused on details. Mark Zuckerberg, the world’s biggest ambassador for plain grey t-shirts, famously donned a tie every day for a year as “a symbol of how serious and important a year this was”. So, dress- ing like a boss could, in fact, help you become a better a boss. Getting ahead: Promotions and career advancement It pays to think carefully about what you wear – literally. According to the Washington Post, 93 percent of execu- tives said that an employee’s style of clothes influences their chances of get- ting promoted. Other studies tend to agree; more than three-quarters (78.6 percent) of well-groomed profession- als have better career growth and over four-fifths (83.4 percent) believe a per- son’s appearance is linked to success. But remember, a suit doesn’t auto- matically mean success. With the rise of Silicon Valley and a global pan- demic that normalised remote working (and sloppier dress choices), it’s harder to define what ‘well-dressed’ actually means. Context is key. Turning up to an office with a casual dress code in formal business attire or wearing sneakers to a suit-only organisation will only show you haven’t read the culture and you don’t fit in. vative mindset and mission to push the boundaries, by combining day-to-day casual and stylish ensembles with tailored suits that add refinement and authority to his appearance. Howard Schultz, the former CEO of Starbucks, took this approach to personal branding in another direction with sharp and approachable attire. His uniform of well-tailored suits and understated accessories highlighted his own blend of corporate professionalism and personable leadership. Even global leaders like US President Barack Obama and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau put seri- ous consideration into what they wear, ensuring they always look sophisticated and well-groomed. Their dress code doesn’t just tell the world that they’re stylish, it upholds the country’s culture and values, ensuring they command respect wherever they go. In short, the most distinguished busi- nessmen demonstrate that dressing for success isn’t about following trends, but curating a personal style that commands respect and inspires confidence. Ready to dress for success (and pos- sibly a pay rise)? Pop into your favourite store to say hello. Examples from the business world Understanding industry and office norms is crucial to choosing clothing that enhances, rather than hampers your presence. But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t stand out. Think about some of the world’s most successful businessmen. They all have a ‘uniform’, but they still stand out – for the right reasons. Steve Jobs applied his “think dif- ferent” approach in tech to his own wardrobe, by distinguishing himself with turtleneck sweaters and sneakers. Elon Musk’s clothing choices reflect his inno- “THINK ABOUT SOME OF THE WORLD’S MOST SUCCESSFUL BUSINESSMEN. THEY ALL HAVE A ‘UNIFORM’, BUT THEY STILL STAND OUT FOR THE RIGHT REASONS ” Clothing choices not only inform how people perceive you, but they influence how you behave too48 CEO MIDDLE EAST MARCH 2024 n 2020, the Le Brassus Maison began its partnership with Tamara Ralph, pairing several of its watches with her spring/summer Prêt- à-Porter collection. Pursuing their enduring relationship, the watchmaker and the Australian designer have collaborated this year on the design of a Royal Oak Concept Flying Tourbillon limited edition inspired by their couture universe. The Royal Oak Concept Flying Tourbillon “Tamara Ralph” Limited Edition showcases an 18-carat pink gold Powered by hand-wound Calibre 2964, the Royal Oak Concept Flying Tourbillon “Tamara Ralph” Limited Edition combines tradition with modernity I Audemars Piguet creates a masterpiece with Tamara Ralph The timepiece highlights the two brands’ forward-thinking approach to craftsmanship TIMEPIECES case adorned with frosted gold, giving a sparkle eff ect similar to that of precious stones. Its visual power is accentuated by the polished bevel outlining the octagonal bezel, while the case’s satin-brushed fl anks provide added contrast. The hexagonal crown, whose shape recalls the stainless steel screws punctuating the bezel, also plays with light thanks to its satin-brushed and polished fi nishing. Its translucent cabochon- cut sapphire adds yet another touch of feminine elegance to the case design. The multi-layered dial draws smanshipMARCH 2024 CEO MIDDLE EAST 49 TIMEPIECES inspiration from the bold femininity and textured detailing of Tamara Ralph’s Couture creations. It is composed of four overlapping circular pink gold plates, creating a ripple eff ect as they emanate from the fl ying tourbillon cage at 6 o’clock. Each layer presents a diff erent colour, evolving from brown in the centre to bronze in the middle, to reach golden tones towards the dial’s extremity. While the brown and golden colours have been achieved through galvanic treatment, the bronze layer is covered with bronze lacquer. The dial is adorned with a continuous sunburst satin- fi nishing radiating from the hands outwards, in seamless alignment from one plate to the other. Pushing details to the limit, each plate features a thin diamond-polished gold thread that adds depth to the dial. Powered by hand-wound Calibre 2964, this limited edition combines tradition with modernity. Its fl ying tourbillon, visible at 6 o’clock, gives a glimpse of the mechanism pulsating within. Matching the circular, multi- layered architecture of the dial, the fl ying tourbillon merges technical mastery with sophisticated aesthetics. The cage’s upper frame incorporates three rings radiating from an off set disc paved with 19 brilliant- cut diamonds. Its pink-gold-toned hue echoes the hour and minute hands, made from the same precious alloy, both fi lled with luminescent coating for optimum legibility in the dark. At 12 o’clock, the applied pink gold AP monogram adds the fi nal touch. Hour-markers have been left out to accentuate the purity and harmony of the dial design. The timepiece comes with a bronze- toned hand-stitched “large square scale” alligator strap. It is also supplied with an additional brown alligator strap recalling the centre of the dial for a refi ned look. own straight-grained fi nish; the gears of the perpetual calendar feature a circular satin fi nish and blued screws in the best traditions of fi ne Geneva watchmaking. The transparent caseback reveals the openwork oscillating weight characteristic of the Maison’s Manufacture movements, endowed with an up to 38-hour power reserve. In a rare move for Frederique Constant, the rotor has also been coloured blue, echoing the blued screws. The words “Limited Edition 135 pieces” are engraved on each timepiece; each comes on a grey nylon strap with matching overstitching. The design of a perpetual calendar dial is critical given how many indications need to be displayed. It must be both readable and functional, and Frederique Constant’s Manufacture Perpetual Calendar achieves just that. The day and date – the two most important items of information required on a daily basis – are displayed along the horizontal axis of the dial in that order, so as to be read off in a simple and intuitive manner, from left to right. Additional information is displayed along the vertical axis: the month at 12 o’clock and the moonphase at 6 o’clock. The Slimline Perpetual Calendar Manufacture designed by Peter Speake features an airy, contemporary look THE GENEVA-BASED brand’s emblematic Manufacture collection, renowned for its refi ned design, has been enhanced by a timepiece created in collaboration with English watchmaker Peter Speake. This unique creation issued in a 135-piece limited edition features a perpetual calendar complication adopting an original approach. The Slimline Perpetual Calendar Manufacture designed by Peter Speake features an airy, contemporary look. Solid surfaces have been cut away to reveal the innermost workings of the movement. All of the displays have been skeletonised, as have the hands (to which a luminous coating has been applied), revealing the mechanical ballet of the FC-775 calibre in all its glory; the seconds hand has been done away with altogether to preserve the assertively functional ethos. The timepiece adopts the same minimalist approach when it comes to colours: just two have been used, white and matt anthracite grey – a combination off ering perfect contrast – plus a dash of red at the end of three of the fi ve hands to add a fi nal touch of clarity to the related reading. A restrained, contemporary approach chosen by Peter Speake, an independent watchmaker known for his discreet, personal designs. The movement, meanwhile, bears all the hallmarks of the Frederique Constant Manufacture. Each component boasts its $11,995 The price of the Frederique Constant Slimline Perpetual Calendar Manufacture designed by Peter Speake FREDERIQUE CONSTANT COLLABORATES WITH PETER SPEAKE Information courtesy of the Federation of the Swiss Watch Industry (FH) $203,800 The price of the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak ‘Tamara Ralph’ ConceptNext >