Dennison is introducing the first complication into their ALD collection this week in the form of a throwback dual time configuration that combines the dial materials we’ve seen from the brand to date. The new portion of the collection is launching with 12 distinct references that split the dial into two sections, some more literally than others, and using two sets of hour and minute hands to track the two time zones. It’s an old school approach that was once used by brands like Piaget and Vacheron Constantin in more formal settings, and Dennison offers a refreshingly approachable take on the layout with this ALD.
The base Dennison case design, which comes from the mind of Emmanuel Gueit, has proven quite adaptable to a variety of conceptual designs that have been thrown at it, each of which seems to work better than the last. It’s a 37mm shape that evokes a strong emotional connection to watches of the past, all while remaining modern and original. This is a watch that walks a fine line, and because it manages this balance so well, it has become adaptable to all manner of palette and material. With the ALD Dual Time, that ability is pushed to its limits.
Two dials in this series take the approach of combining stone materials, with a contrast line running directly down the center of the dial separating them. Tiger eye is combined with marble, and bloodstone with lapis. These two in particular offer a striking and unexpected visual dynamic that works way better than it has any right to, and each are offered in both steel and gold (plated) cases. The other dials use the same dual sets of hands, with the set on the right hand side set into a countersink finished in a sunray texture.
These watches are powered by individual Swiss Ronda quartz movements sitting side by side, with one rotated 180 degrees. This places a crown on either side of the case allowing you to adjust the twin displays separately. There are no hour markers or minute indexes in sight,, instead retaining a clean, formal design that emphasises the materials and the layout above any kind of practical considerations, and I’d say it works well here.
I’ve been continually impressed and surprised by the creativity being exhibited by Dennison, and while much of it starts with that great base design, I also attribute it to their willingness to take risks. I do expect the brand to make a move upmarket at some point, though up to now these watches remain priced at under $1,000, and broadly available as non-limited editions. No games, no gimmicks. It’s honestly such a refreshing approach to see these days.
Each of the new ALD Dual Time watches are priced at $890, and they are all available now directly from Dennison.