The utility of a dual time zone watch is often narrowly defined by the logistics of travel, serving as a practical tool for those crossing continents. However, a new collection from Dennison proposes a different, more introspective purpose for this complication. The Dennison ALD Dual Time is conceived not merely as a travel accessory, but as an instrument of connection, a constant and tangible link to another place, another person, or another time. It operates on the principle that the journey can be contained within the glance of a dial, transforming the functional into the emotional.
This collection is built to foster a sense of presence, whether it's bridging the distance to a loved one working abroad, keeping a cherished vacation spot in mind, or visualizing a future destination. The watch itself becomes the conduit, an invitation for experience that is activated with each interaction. It’s a subtle yet powerful reminder that distance is relative, and that a connection can be maintained and felt from anywhere in the world, directly from the wrist.
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The design of the ALD Dual Time draws from a rich period of horological creativity, carrying a distinct echo of the 1970s. Designer Emmanuel Gueit speaks of being influenced by the bold dual time watches of that era, pieces sketched by his father, Jean-Claude Gueit, who was a designer for Piaget. Those watches were emblematic of the jet-set lifestyle, where travel and freedom were as much a part of the luxury statement as the watch itself. The ALD Dual Time captures this spirit, reimagining it for a contemporary context where connection is as important as movement.
Central to the watch's identity is its gently curved cushion case, a form that subtly references the "TV case" silhouette popular fifty years ago. This shape is not only visually distinctive but also highly ergonomic, with integrated lugs that allow it to sit comfortably on a wide range of wrists. The design is symmetrically balanced, featuring a crown on both the left and right flanks of the case. Each crown is dedicated to setting one of the two independent time displays, creating an intuitive and aesthetically pleasing layout that is fundamental to the watch's character.
In a deliberate evolution from its predecessor, the original ALD model, the case of the Dual Time has been widened by two millimeters. This adjustment serves a dual purpose. Firstly, it gives the watch a slightly more assertive presence on the wrist. More importantly, this increased real estate provides a larger canvas for the collection's signature feature: its dials crafted from natural stone. The expanded surface allows the intricate patterns, colors, and textures of the minerals to be fully appreciated, amplifying their visual impact and inherent beauty.
The cases are offered in two distinct finishes: a classic, polished stainless steel and a warm gold PVD. The dimensions are carefully considered, measuring 37mm by 35.6mm, with a remarkably slim profile of just 6.1mm. This thinness is crucial to its wearability, allowing it to slip easily under a cuff while maintaining its distinctive presence. The combination of its soft-cornered shape and slender build ensures that the watch is as much about physical comfort as it is about visual expression.
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Dennison’s philosophy is deeply rooted in a design-forward approach that prioritizes pure forms, balanced proportions, and materials that command attention on their own merit. This ethos is perfectly encapsulated in the ALD Dual Time collection. The brand offers two primary styles for its dials, allowing for different expressions of the same core concept. Each approach leverages the unique properties of natural stones to create a compelling visual narrative for the wearer.
The first and perhaps most dramatic style is the dual stone dial. These models feature a dial that is vertically split, with a different slab of natural stone used for each half. This design is both artistically striking and functionally brilliant, as the distinct visual character of each stone provides an immediate and intuitive way to differentiate between the two time zones. It transforms the dial into a miniature mosaic, where geology and horology intersect.
One such pairing combines the warm, fibrous iridescence of tiger’s eye with the profound, solid depth of black marble. The chatoyancy of the tiger's eye causes it to shift and shimmer with the light, creating a dynamic and lively golden-brown surface. This is placed in direct contrast to the stoic and refined nature of the black marble, whose subtle veining adds character without distracting from its deep, dark foundation. The result is a dial of compelling contrast and sophisticated utility.
Another dual stone variation brings together the textured green of bloodstone and the vibrant cobalt of lapis lazuli. The green bloodstone presents a deep, forest-like canvas, often marked with the characteristic red specks of iron oxide that give the stone its name. Beside it, the lapis lazuli radiates with an intense blue, famously flecked with golden pyrite inclusions that resemble a starry sky. Each stone carries unique natural patterns, ensuring no two watches are exactly alike while creating a harmonious yet distinct visual partnership.
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For a more understated but equally captivating approach, the collection also includes monolithic dials. In these versions, the entire dial is crafted from a single, large plate of stone, offering an uninterrupted expanse of natural beauty. To display the second time zone and provide a point of visual focus, a recessed subdial with a sunray finish is incorporated at the 3 o’clock position, creating a compelling interplay of texture and light.
The malachite dials exemplify this style with their vivid green bands that create an illusion of depth and fluid movement. Each slice of malachite possesses a unique pattern of concentric rings and flowing lines, making every watch a one-of-a-kind piece. A recessed subdial, finished in a complementary shade of green with a sunray pattern, sits at 3 o'clock, catching the light and framing the second time zone with a subtle shimmer.
Similarly, the lapis lazuli monolithic dial showcases the stone's deep celestial blue and its signature golden pyrite flecks. The vast blue expanse evokes a sense of cosmic depth. It is paired with a recessed blue sunray subdial that mirrors the primary color while introducing a different texture, enhancing legibility and adding a layer of visual complexity to the otherwise uniform surface.
The tiger’s eye monolithic dial offers a rich, warm aesthetic. The stone’s inherent chatoyancy creates a surface that seems to live and breathe as it interacts with light. The golden-brown hues are complemented by a recessed golden sunray subdial, which provides a cohesive yet distinct area for the second time display, enhancing the watch's luxurious and earthy feel.
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Perhaps the most evocative of the monolithic dials is the aventurine version, nicknamed the "Black Hole." The aventurine surface glitters with countless tiny inclusions, mimicking a vast and starry night sky. At 3 o’clock, a deeply recessed black sunray subdial provides a stark contrast. This juxtaposition between the glittering, infinite field of the aventurine and the light-absorbing darkness of the subdial creates a powerful and unique composition that is both dramatic and thought-provoking.
Powering the ALD Dual Time's twin displays are two independent Swiss Ronda quartz movements. The choice of quartz is a pragmatic one, enabling the watch's impressively slim 6.1mm profile, a feat that would be challenging to achieve with a mechanical caliber offering similar functionality. This decision also ensures accuracy, reliability, and ease of use, aligning with the brand's vision of creating accessible and creative timepieces.
The functionality is straightforward and highly intuitive. The crown on the right side of the case controls the primary time display on the right side of the dial (or the main hands on the monolithic versions), while the crown on the left controls the second time display. This separation of controls makes setting the two time zones an effortless process, free from the complexity of single-crown mechanisms often found in GMT watches.
Completing the watch is a strap crafted from Epsom calfskin leather, known for its fine grain, durability, and resistance to scratching. The straps are offered in a variety of colors carefully chosen to complement the dials, such as deep green for the malachite models and rich blue for the lapis versions. Each strap is fitted with a buckle matching the case material, ensuring a cohesive and polished look from every angle. The overall package is one of refined comfort and expressive style.
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As Toby Sutton, Founder and Director of Dennison, notes, the dual time watch of the 1970s was a statement piece and a perfect travel companion, a design whose relevance endures today. The ALD Dual Time captures this essence, serving those who are traveling as well as those who are maintaining a connection to another place. It is a watch designed to evoke emotion, allowing the wearer to carry two worlds with them. This vision is supported by Stephane Cheikh, Dennison's Director, who emphasizes a philosophy rooted in pure forms, balanced proportions, and materials that speak for themselves.
The new Dennison ALD Dual Time collection is available in twelve distinct variations across the different dial and case combinations. Each watch is protected by a sapphire crystal and presents a compelling package of thoughtful design, unique materials, and practical functionality. The collection is priced at $890 USD, exclusive of taxes and fees, positioning it as an accessible entry point into the world of expressive, design-driven watchmaking.
Case: Stainless steel or gold PVD; 37mm x 35.6mm cushion shape; 6.1mm thickness; Sapphire crystal.
Movement: Twin Swiss quartz Ronda movements, each controlled by a separate crown.
Dial: Natural stone dials in two styles: split-stone (Tiger’s Eye & Marble, Bloodstone & Lapis) or monolithic with sunray subdial (Malachite, Lapis Lazuli, Aventurine, Tiger's Eye).
Strap: Epsom Calfskin Leather with a buckle matching the case material.
Price: USD 890 (excluding taxes, duties, and fees).
Notes: Features two independent time displays, each set by its own crown on the left and right side of the case. The collection consists of 12 variations.