Introducing the Dennison ALD Dual Time “Shades” Collection

At the risk of sounding jaded, it’s all too easy to split our attention these days; scrolling on our phone while watching YouTube, texting while walking, and jabbing at huge screens in the car while driving. But sometimes dividing your focus can lead to something new and daring—at least, that’s what British-American watch revivalists Dennison have done with their Dual Time collection.

Built on the concept of splitting the dial in half horizontally, each Dual Time model shows two dials, each with their own set of hands. The result is striking, especially paired with the stone dials in vibrant colors that the ALD collection—of which the Dual Time is a subcollection—is known for. Now, for the first time ever, Dennison has added indices to their Dual Time design, with their new “Shades” models.

Like other Dual Time models, the Shades variants present two faces. Here, they are split into two dial colors each, with a fluid finish that Dennison says is an “exploration of light, perception, and restraint”. Basically, as the watch is moved, light plays off the opposing faces and changes the shades of the dial. It’s an alluring visual and one that is furthered by subtle texturing and the clever “split” of the dials on each model, giving both faces a slightly different reaction to light in contrast to each other. Three colorways are available: green, blue, and brown, with varying highlights and shadows that appear and vanish as the watch is positioned differently.

The indices, of course, are an instantly noticeable addition. They take on an art deco-inspired shape, with 12 and 6 o’clock in Arabic numerals on the left-hand dial, and in Roman numerals on the right. It helps echo the subtle variations between each face on the dial, and gives the Shades models a distinctly vintage look, furthered by 37mm by the 36.5mm “square” stainless steel case and pebble-link bracelet.

Inside, two Swiss Quartz Ronda Caliber 1032 movements keep both faces ticking in tandem.The dial is protected by a sapphire crystal, and a crown at 3 o’clock bears the Dennison “D” emblem. At just 6.1mm in thickness, the Shades models are wearable and firmly on the dressy side, though a cheeky 30 meters of water resistance does keep the everyday-wear factor alive.

While indices and new colorways may not sound like groundbreaking additions to a lineup, the Dennison ALD Dual Time Shades models present a new take on the brand’s most unique collection, and will surely entice those looking for a conversation piece for their wrist.