Dennison + Collectability 2025 Edition

A notable new entry in the watch market emerges from a collaboration between Dennison Watch Company and Collectability, with the launch of the Dennison + Collectability 2025 Edition watches. This partnership brings together a historic casemaker and a respected authority in vintage Patek Philippe timepieces, resulting in a product that aims to blend heritage design with modern sensibilities. The watches, offered in either a stainless steel or a gold-hued case, are positioned at a retail price of $690 and became available for pre-order on May 6th.

The foundation of this new collection lies in the revival of Dennison's classic cushion case, a design element that harks back to the 1960s. This particular case shape, known for its soft, squared-off silhouette, has been a hallmark of Dennison's design language. The new iteration measures 37mm by 33.5mm, a size that balances wrist presence with comfort, particularly given its ultra-slim profile of just 6mm. This thinness contributes significantly to the watch's wearability, allowing it to sit unobtrusively under a cuff while still making a distinct visual statement.



Visually, the Dennison + Collectability watch presents a striking two-tone Sunray dial. This dial treatment, characterized by fine lines radiating from the center, creates a dynamic play of light and shadow, lending depth and visual interest. The two-tone aspect further enhances this effect, dividing the dial into distinct sectors that catch the light differently. The hands are simple, slender batons, maintaining the clean and uncluttered aesthetic. The dial is devoid of numerals and features no text emphasizing the design's purity.

The inspiration for this modern two-tone Sunray dial is drawn from rare and historically significant pieces within Collectability's extensive archive. This approach ensures that while the watch is a new creation, it carries echoes of past horological designs, specifically aiming to capture a 1960s and 1970s aesthetic. However, the design also maintains a connection to Dennison's own ALD Collection, a line developed by the renowned watch designer Emmanuel Gueit, ensuring a degree of brand continuity. The crystal protecting this carefully crafted dial is sapphire, a material prized in watchmaking for its exceptional scratch resistance, ensuring long-term clarity and durability.

The Dennison + Collectability 2025 Edition is offered with a choice of two case materials: stainless steel or an 18K yellow gold-plated (PVD) version. The stainless steel option provides a contemporary, robust look, while the gold-hued alternative offers a warmer, more classic appeal. The finishing on the cases is predominantly polished, particularly on the bezel and lugs, which would accentuate the cushion shape and its gentle curves.

Completing the watch is a bespoke leather strap with a 20mm lug width. A key detail is the pin buckle, which has been thoughtfully designed to mirror the curvature and material finish of the watch case. This means a stainless steel buckle for the steel watch and a gold-toned buckle for the gold-hued version, with a shape that echoes the cushion form. The strap tapers to a 16mm buckle, a standard taper that enhances comfort.



Internally, the Dennison + Collectability watch is powered by a Swiss Ronda Quartz 1062 movement. The choice of a quartz movement contributes to the watch's slim profile and helps achieve its accessible price point. Ronda is a well-established Swiss manufacturer of reliable and accurate quartz movements, ensuring that the watch will be a practical and low-maintenance timekeeper. The watch also offers a water resistance of 30 meters, which is suitable for everyday wear and can withstand splashes or brief immersion in water, but it is not intended for swimming or diving.

The genesis of this collaboration is an interesting story in itself. It began in Geneva during Auctions Week, a period when the watch world converges for significant sales and industry events. John Reardon, the founder of Collectability and a globally recognized expert on Patek Philippe, and Stéphane Cheikh, Director of Dennison, found common ground in their shared appreciation for distinctive case designs and vibrant dials. Reardon's enthusiasm for Dennison's work was already established; he had been impressed enough by the quality and price of Dennison's inaugural A.L.D. Collection to purchase pieces for himself and his children. This firsthand positive experience laid the groundwork for a deeper partnership.

This project marks a significant milestone for both entities. For Collectability, it represents its first foray into creating a new watch, a departure from its primary focus on vintage and pre-owned Patek Philippe timepieces. For Dennison, which only re-emerged on the watchmaking scene approximately six months prior to this announcement, this is its first-ever brand collaboration. Dennison's A.L.D. watches, with their cushion-shaped cases, 1970s-inspired flair, and use of striking natural stone dials, had already begun to attract attention in the industry for their unique blend of style, authenticity, and accessible pricing (under 700 CHF).

John Reardon's decision to lend his name and expertise to this watch project was not taken lightly. Having never previously been involved in the creation of a new watch, his choice of Dennison as a partner speaks to his belief in the brand's potential and the alignment of their values. He found in Dennison "the ideal balance of elegant simplicity, heritage, and quiet style – a watch with character and wearability, designed for the everyday." The dial of this special edition is directly inspired by one of Reardon's favorite models from his personal collection, adding a layer of personal significance to the design.



Dennison Watch Company has a rich and storied past, founded in 1874 by Aaron Lufkin Dennison. It holds a significant place in Anglo-American watchmaking history, having produced cases for nearly a century for some of the most prestigious Swiss brands, including Rolex, Omega, and Jaeger-LeCoultre. The company was a creative powerhouse, not just building cases to specifications but leading with innovative designs, unique shapes, and patents for water and air-tight cases. For over 50 years, Dennison also manufactured watch cases and instruments for the British Military, earning a reputation for excellence. Notably, Dennison "Aquatite" cases were used in thirteen Smith watches that accompanied Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay on the first ascent of Everest, and a Dennison-cased watch was on the wrist of Lt. Commander Lithgow when he broke the world air speed record.

The modern Dennison brand is dedicated to reconnecting with this legacy. The leadership team undertook extensive research into the company's back catalogue and historical artifacts to find inspiration. They then entrusted the design of their first new collection to Emmanuel Gueit, the celebrated Swiss designer known for his work on iconic models such as the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore and the Rolex 1908. Gueit's involvement has been pivotal in shaping Dennison's contemporary identity, creating collections that pick up where Dennison left off in the 1960s. Gueit himself emphasizes the importance of the case shape for Dennison, stating, "The shape. The difference between Dennison and the other brands is the shape. It is bringing the old shape back alive, back upfront again. Something different."

Collectability, founded by John Reardon and co-founded by Tania Edwards, aims to provide watch collectors and enthusiasts with the knowledge needed for informed decisions when buying and selling vintage and pre-owned Patek Philippe watches. The platform emphasizes passion, scholarship, transparency, and trust. John Reardon's journey in horology began as a teenager and led him through prominent roles at Sotheby's, Patek Philippe USA (Henri Stern Watch Agency), and as International Head of Watches at Christie's. His extensive experience and deep knowledge of Patek Philippe culminated in the creation of Collectability. He is also a published author and a respected voice in the watch community.



Tania Edwards brings over 30 years of experience in the watch industry, much of it with Patek Philippe. Her career includes a significant period as Marketing Director and later Vice President at Patek Philippe USA, where she was instrumental in developing the iconic "You never actually own a Patek, you merely look after it for the next generation" campaign and the Patek Philippe Magazine. Her marketing expertise also extended to Christie's Luxury division and the British watch company Bremont. Both Reardon and Edwards are deeply involved in the broader horological community, serving as trustees of the Horological Society of New York (HSNY) and members of the Worshipful Company of Clockmakers.

The Dennison + Collectability 2025 Edition watch is thus a product of this confluence of historical significance, design expertise, and market insight. John Reardon's comment on the collaboration underscores its philosophy: "This collaboration breaks the mold, offering a design and price point that make the perfect watch not a future aspiration but an immediate reality. It’s not for the next generation. It’s for NOW." Stéphane Cheikh of Dennison echoed this enthusiasm, stating, "We were thrilled that Dennison’s first collaboration was with Collectability — true experts in the watch world who not only understood our rich heritage but also embraced the renewed spirit of our brand."

The launch of these watches was celebrated with an exclusive event at the Dennison + Collectability Pop-Up at the "Sous Les Toiles Gallery" during Madison Avenue Watch Week in New York City, from May 6–10. This event provided an early opportunity for enthusiasts and collectors to experience the timepieces firsthand.

In terms of technical specifications, the case dimensions are 37mm x 33.65mm, with an ultra-slim thickness of 6.05mm. The dial features a two-tone Sunray finish, protected by a sapphire crystal. The movement is the Swiss Ronda Quartz 1062. Water resistance is rated at 30 meters. The strap is a 20mm bespoke leather strap, tapering to a 16mm pin buckle that matches the case material and curvature. The lug width is 20mm.

The aesthetic appeal of the watch lies in its clean lines and vintage-inspired details. The cushion case, with its softly rounded square shape, is inherently retro yet versatile. The sunray dial, particularly in its two-tone execution, provides a focal point that is both interesting and refined. The choice of no markers or numerals contributes to a minimalist, uncluttered look that emphasizes the dial's finish and the case's form. The slender hands maintain this understated approach, ensuring legibility without overwhelming the design.



The stainless steel version will likely appeal to those who prefer a more contemporary, tool-watch feel, though its slimness and polished surfaces give it a dressier quality than a typical sports watch. The gold-hued PVD version will undoubtedly lean into the vintage character, offering a warmer and more overtly classic presentation. The coordination of the buckle material and design with the case is a small but significant detail that speaks to a considered approach to the overall package.

The decision to use a quartz movement is pragmatic. It allows for the desired ultra-slim profile, which would be more challenging and costly to achieve with a mechanical movement, and it keeps the watch at an attractive price point. This pricing makes the watch accessible to a broader range of enthusiasts, including those who may be new to collecting or who appreciate well-designed watches without necessarily prioritizing mechanical complexity. The Dennison + Collectability 2025 Edition watches are available for pre-order online since May 6th. With a price of $690 USD, customers can choose between the stainless steel case or the gold hue case. This launch positions the watches as an attainable piece of design-focused horology, backed by significant historical and industry expertise.

Case: Stainless steel or 18K yellow Gold-plated (PVD), cushion shape, 37mm x 33.6mm dimensions, 6mm ultra-slim profile, sapphire crystal, 30 meters water resistance.

Movement: Swiss Ronda Quartz 1062. Functions include hours and minutes.

Dial: Two-tone Sunray finish in blue. No numerals or markers.

Strap: 20mm bespoke leather strap, tapering to a 16mm pin buckle designed to match the curvature and material finish of the case. Lug width is 20mm.

Price: $690 USD.

Notes: This is Collectability’s first watch creation and Dennison’s first collaboration. The design is inspired by 1960s/1970s aesthetics and pieces from John Reardon's personal collection, designed by Emmanuel Gueit.