Dennison’s new ALD Dual Time Shades collections blends the conventional with the unconventional
Tom Austin- Dennison’s double-dialled ALD Dual Time just got an upgrade, bringing hour markers and numerals to the ALD dial for the very first time.
- Dubbed the “Shades” collection, there are three dial variations: green, blue and brown, all featuring contrasting finishes on each side of the dial with brushing applied in opposing directions.
- Also making its debut is the all-new pebble link bracelet, complementing the ALD’s soft, cushion-shaped case with rounded, flowing pebble-like links.
Last year, the revived British brand, Dennison, did the unthinkable by squeezing two watches into one to create the ALD Dual Time. On paper, the concept seems ridiculous: two movements, two crowns, two sets of hands, and yet, they pulled it off with expert execution. The result was a watch with bags of character, unlike anything else we’ve seen at this price level, and it allowed Dennison to explore the possibilities of combining the dial finishes that the brand had become synonymous with: drop-dead-gorgeous stones and explosive sunbursts. With the whole collection so diverse, it’s difficult to envision what might come next for the Dual Time; however, Dennison just revealed the ALD Dual Time Shades dial, and it might be the brand’s most conventional unconventional watch yet.
We’ve covered Dennison a lot over the last couple of years, and with good reason; they’re the recent comeback kings, reviving a hugely important name in British watchmaking, with the help of watch design extraordinaire Emmanuel Gueit. The ALD has become somewhat of a revered silhouette; now instantly recognisable, which is no mean feat in such a short amount of time. The Dual Time built upon this, adding a dramatic additional complication which made a fairly striking-looking watch all the more eye-catching. This new Dual Time Shades model builds on this, and it’s clear it is a step forward as the model matures and becomes more than just a quirky, fun addition to an enthusiast’s collection.
The ALD case remains the same as usual, only this time the Shades model is available only in polished stainless steel, and you’ll find out why in a moment. It’s good that nothing has changed yet, because the soft, squared-off 37mm by 35.6mm case proportions are just lovely to hold and wear. The case, including the flat sapphire crystal, is a wafer-thin 6.5mm, making the watch exquisitely comfortable to wear, especially as there’s not a straight edge or corner in sight. Of course, the major case difference between the standard ALD and the ALD Dual Time is the addition of another crown on the opposite side, not that you’d immediately notice, because they’re minuscule. However, water resistance remains the same, at a typically dress-watch level of 30 metres, which is fine for everyday use, but be aware that you probably need to steer clear of the pool with this one.
There are three dial variations available for the Shades release, and the name is rather fitting, considering each dial features a contrasting shade of colour on each side. The blue dial shifts between a deep navy and a softer chambray blue; the brown has hints of chocolate, bronze, and tobacco, while the green features a vibrant, fresh cut-grass green that shifts towards a rich forest green on the left. Each shade features a brushed finish that alternates in direction, allowing the light to shift across the dial as the watch moves on your wrist.
Again, it’s a slight twist on Dennison’s alternative brushed dials, but something completely new in itself. Something else entirely new on these dials is the hour markers and numerals, never before seen on any Dennison ALD. The right side of the dial features Roman numerals at 12 and 6, while the left side is subtly contrasted with traditional Arabic numerals at 12 and 6. The minimalism and lack of fussy hour markers on the ALD have always been key features of the watch, but this new model seems to bring a sense of maturity without losing any of the all-important character the ALD’s known for.
As I mentioned, there are two crowns on the ALD Dual Time, and that’s because the watch is powered by two quartz movements. Specifically, they are both Swiss Quartz Ronda Cal. 1032 movements, which are tiny, highly reliable and importantly, incredibly simple. This simplicity means you can expect a battery life of between 60 and 78 months, and batteries are easily swapped out thanks to the snap-on caseback, which can be quickly removed with the old classic, the case knife.
If you’ve been looking at these photos and thinking, something looks seriously different about this ALD Dual Time Shades collection, and it’s more than just the dial, then you’d be absolutely right. This model is available only in the polished stainless steel option because Dennison just debuted an absolutely gorgeous new bracelet design: the Pebble Link bracelet. Finished in polished stainless steel, each link complements the case form, mirroring its polished, rounded edges.
The integration into the case is seamless, with larger pebbles lining the outer edges that taper down, while the central links almost look like beads of rice, only larger. It’s secured by a seamless clasp, which ensures the lines are uninterrupted and creates a truly cohesive overall look for the watch. I always thought the ALD looked awesome on the fine-mesh bracelets, and they are pretty rare to find in Dennison’s range, but this new Pebble bracelet is something else, and I cannot wait to see if it gets released in the gold colour. If the new Pebble Link bracelet isn’t your thing, and you prefer something more understated and traditional, the classic taupe leather strap is also available, not forgetting that stunning case-shaped pin buckle, too.
Dennison ALD Dual Time Shades Dial pricing and availability
A limited number of all three Dennison ALD Dual Time Shades Dials are available to pre-order from the Time+Tide shop, with delivery expected to begin in May. Price: US$820/€655/CHF600 (excl. taxes)
| Brand | Dennison |
| Model | ALD Dual Time Shades Dial |
| Case Dimensions | 35.6mm (D) x 6.1mm (T) x 37mm (LTL) |
| Case Material | Stainless steel |
| Water Resistance | 30 metres |
| Crystal(s) | Flat sapphire front |
| Dial | Blue/Brown/Green with contrasting brushed finishes, dual display with indices |
| Lug Width | 20mm |
| Bracelet | Taupe leather strap, pin buckle closure Stainless steel “Pebble Link” bracelet, butterfly clasp |
| Movement | Twin Ronda 1032, quartz |
| Battery Life | 60 – 78 months |
| Functions | Hours, minutes, dual time displays |
| Availability | Available now to pre-order at Time+Tide Shop |
| Price | US$820/€655/CHF600 excl. taxes |