Dubai is in the process of constructing the tallest residential clock tower globally. Unveiled at a recent launch event, the Aeternitas Tower stands at an impressive 450 meters (1,476 feet), surpassing London’s Big Ben by over four times in height and falling just 22 meters (72 feet) short of the world’s tallest residential building, the Central Park Tower in New York City.
Developed through a collaboration between Dubai-based real estate developer London Gate and Swiss luxury watch manufacturer Franck Muller, the Aeternitas Tower is poised to become the world’s second-tallest clock tower, following the Makkah Clock Royal Tower in Mecca, Saudi Arabia. The project took shape after London Gate acquired a plot of land in Dubai Marina, featuring the beginnings of an unfinished 106-story structure. Tom Hill, the media relations coordinator for the developer, emphasized the need for a distinctive facade to complement the tower’s monumental size. 
“We believe the clock will be seen from six kilometers away because of the sheer height of the building,” noted Hill, highlighting that the clock face will be an impressive 40 meters (131 feet) tall and 30 meters (98 feet) wide. The tower’s name, Aeternitas, meaning “eternity” in Latin, draws inspiration from Franck Muller’s Aeternitas watch collection, known for its intricate “eternal calendar.”
The Aeternitas Tower, set to be completed in 2027, comprises 649 units, featuring one- to three-bedroom apartments, as well as villa and mansion duplexes. Residents will enjoy hotel-like services and facilities, including housekeeping, a concierge service, and a 24-hour valet and porter. Shared amenities range from health facilities, such as a gym, padel court, spa, yoga studio, and swimming pool, to arts and culture spaces, including a cinema, music room, and library.
Franck Muller’s influence on the design extends beyond the clock face, incorporating luxury materials like brushed and polished metals, contrasting with marble surfaces, textured fabrics, and bold colors. The lobby and reception showcase the brand’s signature oblong face, creating a refined ambiance with meticulous joinery and carefully arranged lighting and furniture.
The Aeternitas Tower aligns with the growing trend of luxury property development in Dubai, with branded residences gaining popularity. As of October 2023, the city boasted 51 completed projects, a number expected to double by 2030, featuring collaborations with renowned brands like Karl Lagerfeld, Mercedes-Benz, and 25Hours.
London Gate initiated phase one of sales with strong interest, particularly attributed to the tower’s prime location in Dubai Marina. Hill anticipates that the Aeternitas Tower’s iconic status will further enhance the appeal of the district, which has experienced a scarcity of development sites in recent years.
While this marks London Gate’s first branded residence project, the company plans to continue this trend, with an announcement of its next branded partnership expected by the end of Q1 this year. In a market where properties are often sold off-plan, the association with a globally recognized brand like Franck Muller provides buyers with an additional layer of assurance, particularly for overseas investors.