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It’s no secret that watch design over the past few years has been heavily inspired by timepieces of yesteryear. Many brands today are looking to integrate 20th-century principles into more modern and technologically advanced packages, typically in an effort to keep alive the vintage aesthetics collectors know and love. On the heels of their recent relaunch, Dennison has just announced their first watch collaboration ever, pairing up with horological icon John Reardon and his website Collectability to produce a new model for the brand’s contemporary catalog.
Last year, Dennison, a brand established in 1874, was revived with the help of its new A.L.D. Collection. This assortment of watches was designed by acclaimed watch designer Emmanuel Gueit, known for designing the new Rolex 1908, the Harry Winston Z1, and Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore. Dennison offers these vintage-inspired timepieces for $490 for sunray dials and $690 for stone dials. Their rather affordable prices helped the A.L.D. Collection catch the attention of many collectors, including John Reardon’s.
For those unfamiliar with his experience, Reardon has been a notable figure in horology for years. He began his career at Sotheby’s in 1997, later joining Henri Stern Watch Agency, then spending five years as the International Head of Watches at Christie’s Watches. In 2019, he left Christie’s to launch the Collectability website, aiming to educate collectors on all things Patek Philippe, in addition to retailing a highly curated selection of vintage Pateks. The author of three books on Patek, Reardon is often considered one of the leading authorities on the brand and their extensive vintage catalog. This new Dennison + Collectability collaboration model is the brainchild of Reardon and Dennison’s Director Stéphane Cheikh, created off the back of Gueit and Dennsion’s A.L.D. Collection.
Moving to its specifications, this model will be offered in both a stainless steel and PVD gold case, measuring in at 33.65mm across and 37mm lug-to-lug. This case shape and dial execution is reminiscent of several watch models produced in the 1960s and 1970s, but I find it most resembles the Patek Philippe Grand Ellipse Ref. 3589 rather than the standard Ellipse because of the wider, more rectangular profile. I had also thought, on a less horological and more historical note, that it resembled the high-altitude helmets Soviet pilots used in the 1950s and 60s (search the GS-6A helmet for reference).
One of its most noticeable proportions is its incredible thickness––or should I say thinness––at just 6.05mm. Powered by a Swiss Ronda Quartz 1062 movement, its expected tolerances are within -10/+20 seconds per month. Featuring a sapphire crystal and 20mm bespoke leather strap, it’s an elegant package with pretty stellar proportions.
The release of this model marks a unique moment where watch designer, watch enthusiast, and watch brand come together to create a unique piece that embodies the spirit of vintage design. Time will tell where the Dennison + Collectability relationship will go, but for now, this seems like a solid step in the right direction. Pre-orders open today, with both variants retailing for $690. Dennison
