As a child growing up in Muscat, Adnan Gabol Al Balushi was not the studious kind. When the teacher was teaching, he was weaving narratives around flying saucers in his mind. An artistic kid, he was never one to lend his full focus to the inner-goings-on of the classroom. So, he was sent to military school in the US. Upon graduating in 1999, he returned to Muscat and enrolled in Modern College of Business & Science to study Management Information System (MIS). He then pursued IATA, cooking courses and photography courses to quench his desire for learning across various fields.
He has a host of passions – astrology, meteors, physics, photography, cooking –and loves watches and cars. And it is his keen effort to learn and self-teach that has earned him the name ‘Google’, a name his friends call him in jest, for they turn to him if they want to learn or know something new. A creative soul, Adnan chose an off-beat path very early on, which led to opening his own restaurant, Charcoal Oman, a steakhouse; and launching Gabol Watches – a line of unique, premium maritime watches. Multi-talented, and one who wears many hats, Adnan Gabol Al Balushi – the first to design his own maritime watch in the Middle East – is a great example of what the youth of Oman are capable of. We sat down with him to chat about all the things that inspire him and helped him make Gabol Watches happen…
What inspired you to design watches?
Since I was a kid, I used to love collecting watches. My father was into watches too. He had all these Rolex and Patek Phillipe watches, so I think the interest came from there. Back then, I was this tiny kid wearing huge G-Shocks and stealing my father’s watches and showing off in front of my friends. People have this notion that watches are only worn to see the time. But actually, watches are jewellery. Something you connect with. Something you pass on to the next generation. It’s not just a watch. It’s a piece of history that you’re wearing on your wrist.
Why did you choose to specifically make maritime watches?
Because, I love the sea. Since we were kids, we’ve been going fishing and swimming. I’m into free diving too. Also, I think it’s interesting how brass is connected with time, era and the sea. So, I thought of making a brass watch and doing a 200m pressure test on it. It was all part of the process, what I felt I wanted to do.
Tell us about Gabol Watches
It took me around two and half years to study and design the watch. The machinery is from Japan. It’s the Seiko movement with 48-hour power reserve. It’s called NH35 – an automatic movement that doesn’t require a battery. So when you shake your hand, there are springs inside which turn, which kick-start the mechanism, the mechanism turns, something like a turbine; and this starts the movement. The movement doesn’t stop till it’s been off your wrist for a while. The machinery is from Japan, straps are from Italy, brass is from Europe and the manufacturer is in Hong Kong. We made 300 pieces… Maybe soon I’ll design a new collection.
Can you tell us about the materials used in the making of Gabol Watches?
To this day all nautical instruments are being made with brass because it is a very strong material. Plus, when it reacts with salt water it develops that patina kind of film which ends up looking very cool. This is the reason I chose brass, because every other watch is stainless steel. It’s not unique. When you look at my watches, they are conversation starters. For the straps I have two varieties – nylon straps which I give free, which are for diving and swimming. And then the Italian Napa Leather straps, which come in colours that match the watch.
Tell us about your other interests and business ventures.
I have a restaurant in Jebel Sifah, as well as the newly opened Charcoal Oman. I’m into everything. I do street photography, astro-photography and meteor collection. I have a huge collection of films and I’ve also made a documentary about old age. Whatever amazes me, I do it.
I have a habit. If you say something, may be a word I don’t know the meaning of, I’ll go home, research it and learn it. Everyday I go home and give myself some me-time. I watch documentaries to refresh my brain. If I don’t know anything, I have to know it. I love to learn. I wouldn’t say I’m a businessman. I think more from the heart. I think I’m an artist.
Any advice for our readers?
Never stop exploring, never stop learning. The world is very big and the universe, even bigger. Learn new things every day. Explore and educate yourself. Time is not money, but time is very important. You live once, so live it to the fullest.
Check out @gabolwatch on Instagram to learn more about Gabol Watches which are priced from OMR 120 onwards. Also, check out @charcoaloman on Instagram for more information about Charcoal Oman.
