Dennison Collaborates With Collectability And Introduces Four New ALD Pieces
Just six months after debuting with the ALD model in four dial options, Dennison has returned with a group of new releases. The big news is the brand’s first collaboration, a new piece with Collectability. Four other watches join the catalog, proving this retro design is highly versatile.
Last November, I reviewed the initial Dennison ALD watches. I was skeptical when I first read the press information and felt the pieces were seizing on the trend of modern ’60s watches with stone dials. However, after seeing the watches in person, I realized that designer Emmanuel Gueit created something attractive and affordable. Sure, the watches have quartz movements, but that helps keep the pricing and thickness down. Today, we check out a handful of new watches.
The Dennison × Collectability collaboration
The headliner for Dennison is its first collaboration. John Reardon, normally associated with Patek Philippe, has worked for Christie’s and created the sales and information site Collectability. He is viewed as one of the top authorities on vintage Patek and works with notable collectors. As someone who enjoys the original Patek Ellipse, the ALD appealed to John to the extent that he purchased one. Then, he bought examples for his children. Now we see that he has worked with Dennison to create a bespoke limited-edition model.
The positive is that this watch isn’t a dead ringer for the original Ellipse. In fact, it has a stepped, two-tone sunray dial with a blue center and blue-green outer portion. A ring between the two dial sections echoes the stainless steel or PVD gold case tones. Unlike regular ALD models, this piece lacks the Dennison name on the dial. Otherwise, everything is the same, including the 33.65mm by 37mm case dimensions and slim 6.05mm thickness. The movement is a quartz Ronda 1032-1 with 60 months of battery life.
Thankfully, there’s no overt branding on the watch. The snap-on case back is the only place to find a mention of the Dennison name and Collectability. Available in plain stainless steel or PVD gold, the watch comes with a 20mm blue leather alligator-pattern strap and case-matching pin buckle.
Limited, but with a generous order window
The new Dennison collaboration with Collectability is a limited edition, but buyers will have five days to place an order. The window opens on May 6th. Regarding pricing, either finish is available for US$690. I saw these watches in Geneva but couldn’t mention them under embargo. Honestly, I like them, and even if there is a nod to the classic Ellipse, the watches stand on their own. The pieces are clean, contain just enough dial detail, and have a fair price. Overall, it’s an example of a collaboration done correctly.
Four additional Dennison pieces!
If the original ALD releases were exciting, get ready for more! Dennison recently added four new models to the lineup, and, unsurprisingly, more are on the way! All of the watches are available to order on the Dennison site.
Red Agate
The first new addition contains a red agate dial. This watch is available in stainless steel. Red, black, or brown natural leather straps are available with a stainless pin buckle. The price is £530.
Rubellite
Next, Dennison is offering a rubellite tourmaline dial with a stainless steel or PVD gold case. A burgundy or black alligator-pattern leather strap is available with either case color. The pricing is consistent with the red agate reference at £530.
Natural wood
The final regular addition to the Dennison catalog is an ALD with a natural wood dial. This piece is also available with a stainless steel or PVD gold case. It also costs £530, and both versions are available with a black or brown alligator-pattern leather strap.
The first capsule collection — Dunes Dial
The final new addition is the brand’s first capsule collection. It has an embossed salmon dial reminiscent of dunes. Dennison will make 100 of these in stainless steel, and the retail price is £453. This watch is available with a gray, black, brown, or blue alligator-pattern leather strap.
Final thoughts
All of the new Dennison ALD releases look great and should prove successful. These watches wear beautifully and are approachable enough to tempt buyers who may be mulling over a ’60s retro piece. I like the Collectability release with its naked two-tone dial. What are your thoughts on these new additions, and which would you choose?
