- Dennison has released the ALD Dual Time, which sees two quartz movements housed in a single case
- The travel watch is available in split dual stone or monochromatic dial configurations, each featuring its own movement, crown, and handset
- Like other Dennison models, the ALD Dual Time is devoid of numerals or hour markers, allowing the stone dials to take centre stage
- The ALD Dual Time watches are priced at €780/£672 (approx. $1374AUD)
It may only be September, but we’re already calling it: Dennison has released the best watch of the year. The independent British watch brand has released a follow up to its popular ALD model, which has quickly become a cult favourite for its elegant case proportions and wide array of natural and stone dial configurations.
Tapping into the romantic side of travel watches, the ALD Dual Time prioritises connection and a sense of wanderlust over timekeeping precision (note the lack of numerals or indices). The newcomer is housed within the same curved cushion case (available in untreated or gold PVD-coated stainless steel) designed by the legendary Emmanuel Guiet (of Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore and Rolex Cellini Moonphase fame), subtly widening it by 2mm but retaining the 37mm length. The wider design nods to the ‘TV case’ forms of the 1970s, with the dial housing two pairs of hour and minute hands sitting side-by-side. Each handset is set by its own crown, with one on either side of the case.
The dual time function is achieved using two separate Swiss quartz Ronda movements, hence the dual crown setup. While mechanical purists might scoff, the use of quartz has been integral to Dennison’s success, allowing the ALD to boast a slimline form that wears well on the wrist. At 6.1mm thick, the ALD Dual Time is just just 0.05mm thicker than the mainline version.
The dials are available in two configuration styles, either a monochromatic layout with a single stone topped with a sunbrushed sundial at 3 o’clock in a complementary colour to frame the second time zone, or a dual stone approach that sees the dial split in half with contrasting stone hues. While the former boasts a certain subdued refinement, it’s the latter that’s the undeniable standout, available in both tiger’s eye and black marble or green bloodstone and lapis lazuli.
“As a child, I watched my father (Jean-Claude Gueit, designer at Piaget) sketch those bold Dual Time watches of the 1960s and ’70s, the kind that gleamed on the wrists of the Jet Set,” recalled designer Emmanuel Guiet. “Those images stayed with me — they evoke an era when watchmaking embodied travel and freedom as much as luxury and elegance.”
Indeed, the Piaget resemblance is evident, with the ALD Dual Time recalling both the manufacture’s contemporary Andy Warhol designs, as well as vintage dual stone dual time references. That said, the Dennison ALD Dual Time holds its own, bringing something fresh to the table. And it manages to do so for well under $1500AUD.
Price: approx. $1374AUD
Model: ALD Dual Time
Case size: 35.6mm x 37mm
Movement: quartz
Water resistance: 3ATM
Functions: hours, minutes, dual time
Power reserve: N/A
Words by T. Angel
