Sohaib Maghnam's eponymous brand debuted with the Makina in 2020 and has since built a reputation for bold, unconventional, and culturally inspired designs. Based in Doha, Maghnam also serves as Creative Director and CEO of Beda’a Watches, a more classical brand. His design approach stands out for its technical skill, cultural depth, and originality, avoiding traditional watchmaking archetypes. The new-generation Mohareb revives one of the brand’s most distinctive concepts. Named after the Arabic word for “fighter,” it is designed as a sculptural object inspired by armor. The latest iteration comes in two colourways—Argent Crimson and Deep Blue—continuing Maghnam’s signature blend of Arabic influence, technical construction, and contemporary design.
Martial inspiration
From the outset, the Mohareb was conceived as an object imbued with powerful metaphorical meaning. Sohaib Maghnam envisioned the watch not as a classic round timepiece with decorative variations, but as a structure whose case evokes helmets, armor, and blades. This martial inspiration, however, does not remain merely symbolic but permeates the entire architecture of the model. The central case houses the time display and is framed by sculptural extensions reminiscent of protective plates or blades. In its original configuration, the Mohareb features two polished steel elements framing a sandblasted central section. Engraved patterns on the top surface suggest battle scars or the notches of armor, lending the watch a narrative dimension. The contrast between glossy and matte surfaces translates the duality that Maghnam explicitly addresses. Its effect arises from proportion, relief, and surface texture.
Three silhouettes, one basic shape
Particularly noteworthy is its modular construction. Maghnam doesn't see the Mohareb as a self-contained, isolated object, but rather as a transformable platform. The new generation offers three distinct aesthetic configurations based on the same central section: Blades, Halo, and Wings. The Blades variant corresponds to the original, martial design. Here, the idea of sharpened, protective armor remains most clearly visible. Halo translates the same basic structure into a more classic, rounded silhouette, softening the object's harshness. Wings, finally, develops the form further in an oval, almost organic direction, emphasizing the fluid, sculptural aspect of the design. These modules can be exchanged in seconds using a locking system on the case back.
Bi-retrograde display as part of the architecture
Mechanically, the Mohareb also deviates from conventional paths. Inside beats the hand-wound caliber MCR01-B, equipped with a bi-retrograde display and offering a 42-hour power reserve. The hours sweep across a 120-degree arc on the front of the watch, instantly returning to their starting point at the end of their journey. The minutes, on the other hand, are displayed on a vertical linear counter at the top of the case. This upright minute display reinforces the helmet-like design. The precision mechanics are based on the proven Swiss Sellita SW210 hand-wound movement and are complemented by a proprietary retrograde system developed by Maghnam itself. 
Comfortable design
Despite its sculptural distinctiveness, the Mohareb is particularly surprising for its wearability. The central diameter is 39.5 millimeters, and the maximum height is just 8.6 millimeters. At the case edges, the construction tapers to a mere 3.5 millimeters. Adding to its lightweight design is a mere 43.5 grams. This is made possible, despite the robust metal construction, by a high-precision manufacturing process in which individual sections of the case are CNC-milled to wall thicknesses of less than 0.28 millimeters. The case is made of 904L stainless steel, prized for its high corrosion resistance and durability. Maghnam also introduces the new generation in two distinct color palettes: Argent Crimson and Deep Blue.
Between Arab culture and Swiss watchmaking
This truly unique wristwatch can only be understood by considering the philosophy of its creator. Sohaib Maghnam, a Palestinian-Jordanian designer and engineer, combines Arabic influences with the precision of Swiss watchmaking in his work. Even the names of his models—Makina, Madar, Mohareb, and Noor—make it clear that his designs don't originate from a neutral, luxury-oriented vocabulary. These timepieces aren't conceived as a classic dial and case, but rather as sculptural forms that behave in space like a vehicle, a helmet, or a technical artifact. For the equivalent of around €7,900, you can add a model to your collection that is sure to attract attention.
Images: Courtesy Brand
Images: Courtesy Brand
This story first appeared on watchtime.net
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