Latest news with #lazuli
Stuff.tv
22-05-2025
- General
- Stuff.tv
My favourite Zenith watch has just been upgraded with a stunning stone dial
Zenith's Chronomaster Original Triple Calendar was already a beauty. It's genuinely one of my favourite watches. Compact, clever, and effortlessly elegant, it brought back the full-calendar chronograph format in a wearable 38mm case – complete with a moonphase and El Primero's signature 1/10th-of-a-second timing. But now? It's had a celestial glow-up. Meet the new Chronomaster Original Triple Calendar Lapis Lazuli, which swaps the standard dial for a slab of deep blue stone speckled with natural pyrite. The result looks like a starlit sky – fitting, really, given Zenith's name was inspired by the night sky's highest point. Lapis lazuli isn't just pretty. It's unpredictable. Each piece has a slightly different constellation of gold-flecked inclusions, meaning no two dials – and no two watches – will ever be the same. That's a nice contrast to the symmetry of the triple calendar layout, which includes day, date, month, moonphase, and a full chronograph. The layout remains tidy and legible: day and month appear up top, the moonphase tucks inside the chronograph minute counter at six, and the date sits discreetly between four and five. Silver sub-dials and chapter ring pop against the inky blue background, making this feel more functional than fussy. The case is pure vintage Zenith – inspired by 1969's A386, with pump pushers, sharp lugs, and a box sapphire crystal. Under the hood is the El Primero 3610 calibre, ticking at 5Hz with a 60-hour power reserve and a stopwatch hand that whips around the dial every 10 seconds. The sapphire case back shows off a star-emblazoned rotor and a flash of blue on the column wheel, in case you weren't already sold on the colour theme. It ships on a blue leather strap, but there's also a matching steel bracelet in the box. At $22,700 (or £20,500), it's priced firmly in dream territory (for me, anyway), but if you're a fan of chronographs, calendars, or cosmic dials, this might be the best version yet of one of Zenith's most quietly brilliant watches. Liked this? The Omega Railmaster returns and I'm having trouble picking a favourite
Muscat Daily
21-05-2025
- Muscat Daily
Luqman al Hooti reveals his passion for geological gold
From mountain trails to gemstone tales, Omani explorer Luqman al Hooti unearths hidden treasures beneath Quriyat's peaks A deep love for hiking and the rugged mountains of Quriyat led Luqman Saeed al Hooti down a path few in Oman have walked – one that didn't just traverse winding trails, but delved into the rich, untapped world beneath them – the world of gemstones. 'While hiking, I used to wonder whether there were precious stones beneath our feet,' Luqman told Muscat Daily. 'And if they did exist, why hadn't anyone studied or spoken about them seriously?' That question marked the beginning of a journey that would transform Luqman's life. Fuelled by curiosity, he immersed himself in the science of gemology, poring over texts, learning how gemstones form, and how to identify them in nature. In 2015, he set off on his first exploratory expedition in the Wilayat of Quriyat – and struck geological gold. 'Thanks to my research and preparation, I was able to locate and document several types of gemstones and semi-precious stones,' he said. Among his early discoveries were varieties of agate, citrine, amethyst, tourmaline, aquamarine, opal, and turquoise. Luqman is quick to clarify the distinction, 'Precious stones are emeralds, sapphires, diamonds, and rubies. The rest, like amethyst, turquoise, malachite, lapis lazuli, opal, and tourmaline are classified as semi-precious, most of which are forms of quartz.' But for Luqman, the allure went far beyond classification. 'People are naturally drawn to gemstones for their colour and shine,' he said. 'But for me, it was the thrill of discovery – finding them with my own hands – that made me fall in love with this world.' One moment remains etched in his memory – the discovery of his first semi-precious stone. 'It was a hexagonal quartz crystal, clear, gleaming, perfect. That single find validated all my study and effort. It was my first real success.' Soon after, Luqman began sharing his finds on Instagram, posting photos and insights about each stone. To his surprise, the audience grew, and so did the demand. 'People started asking to buy the stones I posted. At first, I sold them as raw stones. Then I thought – why not turn them into something more?' That thought sparked the next phase of his journey – jewellery design. 'I began designing jewellery using silver and gold, incorporating the gemstones I found in Oman,' he said. 'The response was overwhelming. It was the first initiative of its kind in the country.' Luqman says, 'Before I begin crafting any gemstone, I sketch the design I have in mind with a pencil and imagine how it will look in its final form. Every piece starts with a simple line, but it carries a complete story.' What began as a passion project evolved into a full-fledged business. Luqman established his own workshop, taught himself digital design, and began crafting bespoke pieces that combine Omani gemstones with artistic flair. 'Through my experience, I've seen growing local interest in Omani gemstones. But awareness is still limited – largely due to a lack of gem hunters and minimal media coverage of these natural treasures,' he noted. Beyond Oman, he's received growing interest from buyers in the Gulf and wider Arab world. 'There's global potential, but again, awareness is key. Countries like India and Thailand promote their stones through exhibitions and scientific publications. We need similar initiatives to build a gemstone industry that contributes to our economy.' Luqman uses his Instagram account as an educational platform, posting videos that document his explorations, identify stone types, and explain their handling. His content has attracted followers from around the world and helped raise awareness of Oman's geological richness. 'So far, I haven't faced major challenges,' he said. 'I rely on myself -conducting my own research, doing lab tests, and recording everything in a book I hope will one day become a reference for Omani gemstones.' His advice for aspiring gem enthusiasts? 'Start by learning about gemology, geological conditions, and rock types. And most importantly, respect nature – don't tamper with or damage exploration sites.' Luqman dreams of discovering precious stones such as rubies, emeralds, and diamonds in Oman. He also hopes to launch a luxury jewellery brand that promotes Omani gemstones globally. 'My ambition is to show the world that Oman has its own treasures -not just oil and history, but stunning stones shaped by nature and brought to life through design,' he said.
