Dennison ALD Dual Time Capsule Collection II

The Dennison ALD Dual Time Capsule Collection II has been introduced, presenting a watch design focused on the expression of time through physical structure and distinct color. The new collection functions as a dual time instrument, but its identity is deeply tied to an aesthetic defined by what the brand calls ‘Kandinsky Accents,’ which use focused application of color to animate an otherwise pure, minimalist form. It is a design that merges artistic theory with the practical function of timekeeping.



To understand the context of this new release, one must first look at the formidable history of the Dennison name. The story begins 175 years ago with Aaron Lufkin Dennison, a figure widely regarded as the father of American watchmaking. His influence was foundational, and his professional journey saw him co-founding the Waltham watch company in the United States, before moving his operations first to Switzerland and ultimately to Britain.



It was in Britain that he established the Dennison Watch Case Company, an entity that would become a powerhouse in the horological world. For the better part of a century, Dennison was not just a supplier but a critical design partner for many of the brands that now define the modern watch industry. The company was, in many respects, the name behind the names.



Dennison's workshops were responsible for designing and producing watch cases for an elite clientele, including Rolex, Omega, IWC, Jaeger-LeCoultre, and Zenith. In that era, casemakers were not simply manufacturing to-spec; they were creative forces. Dennison led the way, developing unique case shapes, crafting precision forgings, and registering numerous patents for new metal alloys and, critically, for water and air-tight case designs.



This reputation for robust and reliable engineering cemented Dennison as a key supplier to the British Military for over 50 years. The company’s cases were built for hostile environments and extreme conditions, developing an undeniable reputation for excellence. When watches made history, Dennison often provided the protective shell.



This legacy is not just a footnote. It is a fact that no fewer than thirteen Smiths watches, all built with Dennison "Aquatite" cases, were on the wrists of the team when Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay made their first successful ascent of Mount Everest. In another instance of historical significance, a Dennison-cased watch was on the wrist of Lt. Commander Lithgow when he broke the world air speed record flying the Supermarine Swift.



The revival of the Dennison name is motivated by a deep reverence for this past. The new leadership group, described as passionate watch lovers, embarked on extensive research into the brand's archives. They explored a trove of historical artifacts, documents, and original timepieces to find a path forward for the brand.



With this inspiration in hand, the team entrusted the design of its first new collection to the world-famous watch designer Emmanuel Gueit. Gueit, known for his iconic work with brands like Audemars Piguet and Rolex, was tasked with creating a watch that would resonate with contemporary collectors while paying tribute to Dennison's history. His stated goal was to create a collection that embodies both heritage and modern innovation, picking up right where Dennison left off in the 1960s.



The result is the ALD Dual Time Capsule Collection II, a watch rooted in the disciplines of Bauhaus and the ideals of early modernism. The design language seeks to distill timekeeping down to its most essential elements, creating a composition that is a study in balance. It is presented as an architectural statement for the wrist, a piece of wearable modernism where art and mechanism converge.



The dial itself is the centerpiece of this philosophy. The main surface is a quiet, contemplative field of black onyx stone. This deep black background is broken only by the time-telling components, creating a stark canvas. The design splits the timekeeping into two distinct displays, fulfilling its dual time complication.



On the left side of the dial, positioned around the nine o'clock axis, is the main time display. It features two polished, leaf-shaped hands that float above the onyx. There are no hour markers or numerals, emphasizing the minimalist concept.



On the right side, at the three o'clock position, is the second time zone. This display is contained within a perfect circle, a subsidiary dial that acts as the collection's "Kandinsky Accent." This sub-dial introduces a single, bold block of color, which the brand describes as "colour as function, form as rhythm." This element is drawn from modernist abstraction, providing a focused accent of emotion.



This sub-dial is available in three different lacquer finishes: a vibrant Red, a bold Pink, or a cool Turquoise. Each color provides a dramatic contrast against the black onyx, balancing clarity with visual depth. This sub-dial has its own set of polished hands, matching the style of the main display. The Dennison name is printed subtly on the onyx, just below this colorful circle.



The case of the ALD Dual Time is crafted from stainless steel and features a distinct, softly rectangular cushion shape that immediately recalls 1970s design. It is highly polished across all its surfaces, with smooth, rounded corners. The case dimensions are 37mm by 35.6mm, making it a compact and unisex-friendly size by modern standards.



Perhaps the most striking specification of the case is its thickness. At just 6.1 mm, the watch is exceptionally thin. This slim profile is a key part of its character, allowing it to sit very flat on the wrist and reinforcing its identity as a design-focused dress piece rather than a tool watch.



A unique feature of the case design is its dual-crown system. A crown is positioned at the three o'clock side, and a second, identical crown is found at the nine o'clock side. This symmetrical layout is purely functional, as each crown is used to independently set the time for one of the two time displays.



The watch is offered with several strap and bracelet options that fundamentally change its character. The flagship option is a bespoke stainless steel "bark-mesh" bracelet. This bracelet has a deeply textured, tactile finish that is a direct and intentional echo of 1970s watch design, perfectly complementing the cushion case.



Alternatively, the watch can be paired with one of two leather straps. One option is a classic black strap with an alligator pattern, which gives the watch a more formal appearance. The other is a beige or off-white leather strap, which provides a softer, brighter contrast to the black dial and polished case.



The caseback is solid stainless steel, foregoing an exhibition window in favor of a clean, engraved surface. It features a large, stylized "D" logo set against a field of horizontal lines, with "Dual Time" and "Collection" engraved on the polished perimeter. The crystal protecting the onyx dial is a modern, scratch-resistant sapphire.



To power the two independent time displays, the watch employs two separate Swiss Quartz movements, both Ronda Caliber 1032. Using two movements is a practical and robust solution for a dual time watch, allowing each time zone to be set independently of the other without a complex mechanical linkage. The choice of quartz also facilitates the watch's remarkable 6.1mm thinness. The watch has a water resistance of 30 meters. This is standard for a watch of this style, meaning it is protected from splashes and rain but is not intended for swimming or submersion.



The Dennison ALD Dual Time Capsule Collection II is priced at $890 when purchased with either the black or beige leather strap. The price for the watch on the stainless steel bark-mesh bracelet is $950. For the United States market, these prices are inclusive of tariffs and duties, with the watches shipping from within the USA. For the rest of the world, taxes and duties are not included, and the watches will ship from Switzerland.



For collectors interested in the entire series, a "Full Set" is also being offered. This set includes all three models—Red, Pink, and Turquoise—and comes with all three strap options (both leather straps and the mesh bracelet). The Full Set is presented in a special edition box and is priced at $2,850.



This is a limited "Capsule Collection" release. The watches were made available for pre-order online exclusively through the Dennison website for a seven-day period beginning on October 16th. Following the closure of this pre-order window, any remaining availability will be limited and offered offline through Dennison's physical retail partners. The final delivery of the pre-ordered watches is scheduled for January 2026.



Case: Stainless Steel, 37mm by 35.6 mm dimensions, 6.1 mm thickness. Sapphire crystal. 30m water resistance.

Movement: Two Swiss Quartz Ronda Cal. 1032 movements.

Dial: Black Onyx Stone base. Lacquer subsidiary dials in Red, Pink, or Turquoise.

Strap: Leather strap (black or beige options) or Stainless Steel bark-mesh bracelet.

Price: $890 (Leather strap), $950 (Steel bracelet), $2,850 (Full Set).

Reference Number: Notes: Dual time complication with two independent displays. Dual crowns at 3 and 9 o'clock for setting each time zone. Delivery scheduled for January 2026.