Dubai is preparing to construct the tallest residential clock tower globally as a tribute to London’s Big Ben. The impressive structure is set to reach a remarkable height of 450 meters (1,476ft), nearly five times taller than its British counterpart, which stands at 96 meters.
Aeternitas Tower, also called “London Gate,” is a joint venture between Franck Muller, a Swiss luxury watchmaker, and London Gate, a real estate developer based in Dubai. The tower will boast an exquisite all-marble interior, offering luxurious living spaces and unparalleled elegance.
Featuring a stunning all-glass facade, the tower will house a massive clock at its pinnacle. This clock, measuring 40 meters in height and 30 meters in width, will be manufactured in Germany and designed in the distinctive art-deco style of Franck Muller, with unique squashed and stretched numbers. The clock’s design theme will be reflected throughout the residential units within the tower.
Tom Hill, the media relations coordinator at London Gate, expressed, “We believe the clock will be seen from six kilometers away because of the sheer height of the building. We wanted to do something different that hasn’t been done before in Dubai.”
Situated in the heart of Dubai Marina, the tower will offer 649 units, including one- to three-bedroom apartments, villas, and mansion duplexes. Residents will enjoy hotel-like services and amenities while relishing the privacy and comfort of their own homes.
The residential clock tower will feature a range of lavish facilities, including a glamorous swimming pool, a relaxing spa, and a mix of marble and wood finishes throughout the building. A swimming pool, jacuzzi, padel court, fitness center, yoga studio, and health club are all part of the shared amenities. Other cultural venues include a movie theater, music room, and library.
London Gate anticipates that residents will be able to move into their new homes by 2027. The sales for one-bedroom flats have already commenced, starting at AED 1.6 million (£343,032).
The name “Aeternitas” signifies “eternity” in Latin and draws inspiration from Franck Muller’s Aeternitas watch series, renowned for its “eternal calendar” feature. The tower’s design will incorporate luxury elements like brushed and polished metals juxtaposed against marble surfaces, textured textiles, and vibrant colors.
The Aeternitas Tower exemplifies a growing trend in Dubai, where branded residences—joint ventures between designer brands and property developers—are gaining popularity. With 51 completed projects as of October 2023, this trend is expected to quadruple by 2030, with renowned names like Karl Lagerfeld, Mercedes-Benz, and 25Hours unveiling residential projects in the city.