A limited edition of Samsung Gulf Electronics’ most recent wristwatch has been released in honor of the Middle East’s significant historical contributions to astronomy, science, and timekeeping.
The 47mm Galaxy Watch6 Astro Edition was unveiled in Dubai by T.M. Roh, president and head of Samsung’s mobile experience division.
It boasts a rotating bezel with an astronomy-inspired pattern and a dial that shows the phases of the moon and sun.
It will be made available by the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Morocco, Oman, Qatar, and Turkey.
Al Battani, who was recognized as the best astronomer during the Islamic era, and Muhammad Ibn Ibrahim Al Fazari, an astronomer and mathematician who is credited with developing the first astrolabe in the Muslim world, were among those honored by the Astro Edition.
The Galaxy Z Fold5 and Flip5 as well as the Watch6 series, which includes the basic model and Classic, were unveiled by Samsung during the company’s first-ever Unpacked event last month in Seoul.
The firm did not disclose the quantity of Astro Edition watches in stock, but Fadi Abu Shamat, head of Samsung Gulf’s mobile experience division, told The National ahead of the debut that the company is “confident that it will sell out in the first week of its launch”.
He claimed: “Samsung has a special spot in its soul for the Middle East as an area of dynamic innovation & tech-savvy enthusiasts.”
The launch of the Astro Edition here demonstrates our commitment to providing unique solutions that respect the area’s rich history and cater to the interests and requirements of the Gulf markets.
It is also the first in a series of Middle Eastern-specific limited-edition collections, though neither the release date nor the names of the “innovators and pioneers” Samsung Gulf plans to recognize for the following collection were provided.
According to Mr. Abu Shamat, Samsung is dedicated to offering locally relevant goods that enhance user experience. Samsung is committed to encouraging today’s innovators while recognizing Middle Eastern pioneers.
As smartwatches evolved into smartphone accessories and tools for users to track particular health metrics—the most advanced of which includes heart rate, blood oxygenation, and EKG—their popularity grew.
However, the market continued to shrink in the first quarter of 2023, posting a “slight” drop on an annual basis, based on the most recent data from Counterpoint Research.
In the first three months of this year, Samsung had a 9% market share, maintaining its position as the second-best smartwatch brand internationally. The Hong Kong-based research company did point out that it is currently almost tied with Fire Boltt from India.
Apple continues to have a commanding lead with over a third of the market thanks to its popular Watch series.
According to Samsung, enhanced health tracking features in the Galaxy Watch6 series, complemented by the Astro Edition, are anticipated to improve consumer interest and drive sales in the future.
Mr. Abu Shamat stated, “We believe its unique characteristics will not only bring in prospective consumers but also entice current consumers to explore our wider selection of smartwatches in addition to the wider Galaxy ecosystem.”
In addition, Samsung Gulf revealed a unique “Whimsical Midsummer Collection” bundle for the Galaxy Z Flip5 that features works of art by Lebanese artist Nourie Flayhan, who resides and creates her art in the United Arab Emirates.
The clamshell-style Flip5’s cover screen has almost doubled to 3.4 inches, which is a significant increase.