Watch enthusiasts are in for a treat as renowned expert John Reardon, who boasts an extensive background with Patek Philippe and Christie’s Auction House, joins forces with historic watchmaker Dennison on an exciting new collaboration. This partnership not only brings two striking new timepieces to the market but also offers them at an exceptionally affordable price point: just $690 each.
Reardon, who is celebrated for his deep understanding of high-end horology, applied his expertise to create a pair of watches in partnership with Dennison, a brand that dates back to 1874. Dennison made waves in late 2024 with the launch of their ALD collection, which features elegant tonneau-shaped dress watches with sunray or genuine stone dials. These models caught Reardon’s discerning eye at the Geneva auctions last fall, where he initially mistook the watches for vintage Patek Philippe designs.
“I noticed a father and son in the front row wearing what I thought were Ellipse or Golden Circle Patek Philippe watches,” Reardon explained. “When I introduced myself, I realized they were wearing Dennison ALD watches. I was blown away by the design and assumed they would be priced in the thousands.” Upon learning the actual price was under $1,000, Reardon immediately knew he had to collaborate with Dennison.
Now, this exciting collaboration is available for pre-order through Dennison’s website, with options in both gold and stainless steel. The watch features a breathtaking bi-color sunray dial, split between a graphite-blue outer ring and a dark blue inner section. Reardon’s design philosophy for the project was to strip the watch down to its essentials, with no logos on the dial. “I wanted the design to speak for itself,” Reardon emphasized. “This is a design-driven project, and the watch itself is the signature.”
The design is inspired by the rare Patek Philippe Golden Ellipse ref. 3862, though with a distinct twist. Reardon describes the new model as a modern take on the Ellipse’s aesthetic, with a more elongated shape and proportions that differ from the original, making it stand out in its own right.
The rest of the watch’s features continue to reflect thoughtful design choices. A spade handset, available in either steel or gold-tone, omits a seconds hand in line with traditional dress watches, and the timepiece is powered by a Swiss-made quartz Ronda 1062 movement. It is paired with a bespoke 20mm leather strap and a 16mm pin buckle that complements the case architecture.
What truly sets this collaboration apart is the involvement of renowned designer Emmanuel Gueit, known for his work on Audemars Piguet’s Royal Oak Offshore. “The more I learned about Dennison and how Emmanuel Gueit designed this watch, the more I fell in love with what they’re doing,” Reardon said. “The design, size, and proportions capture the ‘70s and ‘80s aesthetic, which I find deeply appealing.”
Reardon is no stranger to the world of luxury watches, often paying astronomical prices for premium timepieces. However, he emphasizes that this watch, priced at just $690, offers immense value and a compelling story for the price of many luxury accessories, such as a strap or buckle. Reardon’s love for quartz technology further enhances the appeal, as it allows Dennison to offer a luxury-inspired design at a microbrand price point, making it accessible to a wider range of watch collectors and enthusiasts.
Given the high profile of the designers involved and the undeniable allure of the watch, it is expected that the Dennison + Collectability Sunray Dial will generate significant interest. The watch’s mid-century proportions will appeal to fans of Patek Philippe, while those seeking an elegant, affordable dress watch will likely jump at the opportunity. Production is limited, with the pre-order window closing on May 11th. Reardon anticipates a swift sell-out, underscoring the project’s potential for success.
For watch collectors who already own numerous high-end pieces, this collaboration offers a nod to the past with a modern twist. But it’s equally exciting for those who aspire to own a piece of the Patek Philippe legacy but are not yet in a position to make such an investment. For under $700, they can own a timepiece that evokes the same feeling of prestige.
