by J.M.LEBOY – Inspired By Life / Built For Living
Story
The Brand
Inspired by life and built for living; J.M.LEBOY is committed to creating timepieces with character. Watches that reflect real experiences of adventure, resilience, and independence. Designed by an actual watch enthusiast, every detail is carefully considered to enhance both practicality and aesthetic. This is more than a brand, it’s a reflection of a life well lived and journey still unfolding.
The Design
Inspired by the nomadic Bedouin tribes of the Middle East, the Bedouin is for those always on the move. Its unique wave dial, reminiscent of a windswept desert landscape, represents the vastness of the desert, the romance of travel, and the constant road ahead.
Features and Details
Designed with the modern nomad in mind, this watch features a quick-set local hour function for the utmost ease when traveling to different time zones. Its versatility makes it the quintessential companion for your travels—whether charting a course through the dunes of the Sahara, swimming in the warm waters of a foreign shore, or visiting a local café. The Bedouin is the perfect travel companion.
Specifications
- 316L Stainless Steel Case
- Miyota 9075 true GMT movement
- 200 meters water resistance
- Screw down crown and caseback
- Double domed sapphire crystal with 5 layers of AR coating on the underside of the crystal
- Sapphire bi-directional bezel with 96 clicks
- Superluminova BGW9 A-grade
- Stainless steel bracelet with on-the-fly adjustable clasp and screw links
- Optional handmade leather watch strap
- Viton® high-performance gaskets
Dimensions
- Case Width: 39mm
- Case Thickness: 13.3mm
- Lug-to-Lug: 47mm
- Lug Width: 20mm, tapering to 16mm with 18mm clasp
- Bracelet Fit: Up to 8-inch wrists
Concept Inspiration
During my time as a military contractor in the Middle East, I had the rare opportunity to work alongside the Bedouins. Of all the cultures I’ve encountered, theirs left the deepest impression. Their way of life embodies a rare kind of freedom—unbound by borders, unattached to any one place, and carrying only what’s essential.
I saw myself in that mindset: always ready to move when the moment called, with “home” being wherever I happened to land. The vast, shifting desert became a symbol of the endless road ahead—open, untamed, and full of possibility.
This watch is my tribute to that spirit. A reminder of resilience, adaptability, and the quiet strength of those who find freedom wherever life takes them.
Swiss Design
The Bedouin GMT was first conceived in 2022, sketched by hand in a notebook under the desert sun. That initial concept was brought to life in Switzerland, where it was developed into precise technical drawings in collaboration with a third-generation Swiss watch designer. All technical design work was carried out in Biel, the heart of Swiss watchmaking.
Over the course of five years and multiple trips to Switzerland and around the world, we met with every key supplier in person. From the dial maker to the case manufacturer, to the craftsmen that stitch each watch strap by hand.
Where most small watch brands rely on a white label manufacturer to handle everything, we do things differently. Every component is sourced independently, from trusted specialists, then assembled and regulated by expert hands in Switzerland. This gives us full control over the quality and performance of the final product.
Swiss Assembly
Final assembly takes place near the town of Sierre, in southwestern Switzerland. Here, each Bedouin GMT is meticulously assembled by our team of skilled watchmakers.
During assembly, every watch undergoes rigorous quality control and is individually regulated in five positions to achieve an accuracy of ±8 seconds per day. Once complete, your timepiece is carefully packaged and shipped directly from our workshop to you.
Japanese Movement
While the original plan was to use a Swiss GMT movement, the arrival of the Miyota 9075 changed the equation. With true GMT functionality, a quick-set local hour hand, and a thinner, more modern architecture, it offered something Swiss movements in its class simply couldn’t match. Where most Swiss options at this price point are limited to caller GMTs, the 9075 brings superior usability, reliability, and travel-ready functionality.
So while the Bedouin GMT is Swiss by design and assembly, at its core beats a strong Japanese heart.
Unique Features
Water Resistance
From the shifting sands of the Rub’al Khali to the depths of the Red Sea, the Bedouin GMT is built to handle both land and water with ease. Each watch is pressure-tested to 200 meters and fitted with high-quality Viton gaskets to ensure a watertight seal.
Evil Eye Crown
The crown of the Bedouin GMT is designed as a protective talisman, echoing the form of the evil eye (عين الحسود). This ancient symbol is believed to guard against malevolent glances of envy and misfortune. For centuries, travelers across the Middle East, North Africa, and the Mediterranean have carried such amulets for protection.
The grooves can be painted with nail polish or model paint, adding both color and an extra layer of protection on your journeys.
96 Click Bi-Directional Bezel
The bi-directional bezel is constructed with ball bearings on springs for a premium feel and satisfying click. Designed with 96 clicks, it allows precise tracking of odd time zones in 15-minute increments (such as those found in parts of Australia or Nepal). Unlike traditional GMT bezels with 24 or 48 clicks, the 96-click system also offers added versatility for everyday timing needs, such as cooking a meal or monitoring a parking meter.
Bracelet and Clasp
Our sculpted link bracelet is a modern evolution of the classic beads of rice.
With three rows of polished center links and brushed, scalloped sides, it plays with light from every angle while maintaining a refined, understated look.
Each link is secured with screws for easy adjustments using the included screwdriver. Paired with an on-the-fly micro-adjustable clasp, it ensures a perfect fit anytime, anywhere.
Add-Ons
Handmade Leather Strap
The optional handmade leather strap is created from premium Pueblo leather from the renowned Badalssi Carlo Tannery in Italy. This leather is celebrated for its natural, matte finish and rich texture, which develops a distinctive patina over time, telling a story unique to each wearer.
The strap is lined with Zermatt, a double-tanned calfskin from Haas Tannery in France. Zermatt is hypoallergenic, sweat-resistant, and incredibly soft, making it exceptionally comfortable on the wrist.
Each strap is meticulously hand-stitched using premium linen thread by skilled artisans, ensuring durability, unmatched comfort, and a touch of refined craftsmanship.
Custom Caseback Engraving
A name. A date. A quiet reminder of something that matters.
Our polished caseback is a blank canvas for what’s worth remembering. By selecting the engraving add-on when you make your pledge, you can personalize your Bedouin GMT with a custom message—making your timepiece truly one of a kind.
