Introducing: The Dennison ALD Dual Time Collection
When Dennison revealed its ALD series in late 2024, we were initially skeptical. The ’70s-inspired minimalist watches with quartz movements seemed to capitalize on a burgeoning trend for similarly styled vintage pieces. Yet, in person, the moderately-sized Dennison ALD watches convinced all of us on the team. Stone or wooden dials at an attractive price do make for an interesting proposal. Now, there’s a second model, and while it’s thematically similar, the watch displays two time zones. The ALD Dual Time is here, and it should be a winner.
Once I had the opportunity to try on the original Dennison ALD, all of my concerns were allayed. The watches fit beautifully, look expensive, yet are quite affordable. Plus, for a relatively boring traditionalist like me, they offer a nearly no-risk opportunity to try something a bit funky. For a watch like this, a quartz movement feels appropriate too. It keeps the cost down and, most importantly, the thickness in check. As we’ll see, the ALD Dual Time takes the approach that two movements are just as good as one. Best of all, all the traits we liked about the original model are intact.
The Dennison ALD Dual Time
The latest Dennison is a throwback to ’70s twin-display watches. A visit to my colleague Daan’s 2023 article highlights some of the best examples of these funky two-timers. While many of these watches utilized small hand-winding calibers, the new ALD Dual Time features Swiss Ronda quartz movements. Like the vintage originals, however, the modern pieces have a time-setting crown on either side of the case.
Each watch has a 37mm by 35.6mm case with a slim 6.1mm thickness. Denisson hasn’t listed the water resistance rating, but we’d expect a splash-proof 30m figure, like the single-time-only editions. Once again, a flat sapphire crystal and a solid snap-on case back are part of the package. Regarding the case materials, polished stainless steel and gold-tone PVD-coated stainless steel are available with each dial variant.
A wide variety of dial options
The ALD Dual Time is available with several dial materials. What’s interesting compared to the original 2024 release, though, is that there are two distinct layouts. Aventurine, tiger eye, malachite, and lapis lazuli are offered with a second color-matching circular sunburst display. Then, bloodstone and lapis lazuli or tiger’s eye and black marble are available, with each material comprising half of the dial. Naturally, the cases and mechanics are the same, but the two styles look unique. Perhaps in response to some complaints about the inexpensive feel of the original straps, Dennison has added an Epsom calfskin strap with a pin buckle to each model.
Looks great on the wrist
GMT watches with arrows and 24-hour indicators have become normal offerings from most brands. That makes the ALD Dual Time with its twin display somewhat distinct these days. However, I firmly believe that it looks great, and I’m happy with the different style. We look forward to trying these on soon and getting a feel for the size, but the pictures give us confidence in what should be a comfortable, thin fit.
Affordability remains
Thankfully, twice the number of movements doesn’t equal twice the price! The ALD Dual Time is priced at €780 across the collection. This is less than a €200 increase over the single-time models, which strikes me as a fair upcharge. Of the available options, I enjoy the models with sunburst sub-dials as they provide an extra level of detail. However, I’m sure that the twin-material dials will impress in person. Regardless, this is a great release, and I expect it to be popular. Let us know your thoughts on the latest Dennison watches, and be sure to visit the brand’s website to see all the variants.
