A Hands-On Introduction To The Limited-Edition Oblique Collection By Dennison And Collectability

After last year’s limited-edition ALD watches, Dennison and Collectability are back with another collaboration. Designer Emmanuel Gueit and Patek Philippe specialist John Reardon unveil four watches featuring a new asymmetric design. The Oblique Enigma features a stepped dial, just like last year’s ALD editions. The Oblique Vector features a sunburst dial enhanced by subtle printing that accentuates the watch’s unusual shape. They are both available in natural stainless steel or gold PVD and ready to pre-order for one week only from May 27th until June 3rd.

Last year’s limited-edition ALD watches were special in that they featured a stepped dial design that had never appeared on any Dennison watch before. This year’s Oblique Enigma and Vector watches are even more distinct, featuring a completely new case and an asymmetric dial design. The stepped dial is back, but you can also opt for a more neutral sunburst. Let’s take a quick look.

The Dennison + Collectability Oblique Enigma

I’ll start with the Oblique Enigma, as that’s the more familiar of the two. As said, the Oblique features a new case design. However, it’s still very similar to the ALD’s cushion-shaped case. The most important difference is that the Oblique’s case has a 35mm (rather than 37mm) length. That means that with a similar 33.65mm width, the case is almost just as wide as it is long. And thanks to its 6.05mm profile, the Oblique is still very thin and will most definitely fit under any cuff.

Though the rounded cushion case is almost square, the asymmetric dial makes it appear much longer than it is wide. Carefully placed inside one slanted diamond is another diamond shape. The outer part of the dial features a green sunburst finish, while the center has a blue sunburst finish. The two parts are separated by a diamond-cut bevel. Depending on the version you choose, you get either a silver bevel and hands or a gold bevel and hands.

The Dennison + Collectability Oblique Vector

Alongside the more familiar Oblique Enigma, this year, Dennison and Collectability also present the Oblique Vector. This version has the same asymmetric dial shape, but instead of the two colors and a bevel, there’s only one color and no bevel. What you do get are 12 printed lines that mimic a classic sector dial. They accentuate the Oblique’s unique asymmetric dial design while keeping the overall look more monochromatic, as the sunburst dial matches the case.

Both the Oblique Enigma and Vector feature the same spade hour hand and leaf minute hand, which are powered by the Swiss-made Ronda quartz caliber 1062. The nice thing about this quartz movement is that you only have to change the battery once every six years. To keep the dials as clean as possible, all the branding is on the snap-on case back. Along with the sapphire crystal up front, it helps keep the Oblique water resistant to 30 meters. Both the Oblique Enigma and Vector come with an embossed leather strap and a matching cushion-shaped buckle.

The new Dennison + Collectability Oblique on the wrist

So, what is the new Dennison + Collectability Oblique like on the wrist? Well, it’s just as wearable and elegant as its older brother. I have to say, though, I much prefer the Oblique’s asymmetric dial design. In my eyes, it sets it apart from Dennison’s and other brands’ dress watches even more. The colorful Enigma and the more modest Vector each perfectly accentuate the asymmetrical nature of the Oblique differently. A preference for one or the other is very personal, or could even be guided by your mood. In that sense, it’s a good thing the Oblique’s price doesn’t directly break the bank.

The 33.65 × 35mm case fits great on my 17cm wrist. Admittedly, the strap does need some time to break in. I usually put a watch with a new strap on a wrist-shaped cushion for a few days, which makes it a lot more comfortable than when the strap is still straight and sturdy. Once you get that sorted out, the Oblique wears almost like a second skin. It’s so thin, and the rounded corners and modest size don’t ever get in the way. That, however, doesn’t mean that the Oblique goes completely unnoticed. On the contrary, the fully polished case and asymmetric dial design give the watch a lot of wrist presence.

What do you think?

If I had to choose one, it would be the Oblique Enigma in gold PVD, as it’s the boldest one of the bunch. I’d usually go for a more modest option, but at €675 / US$790 / CHF 620, it lets you try something a bit more daring than you’d usually wear, right? What about you? Which one would you get? Would you go for the more colorful Oblique Enigma or the more modest, subtler Vector? Let us know in the comments below.

Keep in mind, though, that if you’d actually like to get one, you can only order it from today, May 27th, until June 3rd through Dennison.