The De Rijke & Co. Capri, A Confident New Chapter for the Dutch Independent Watchmaker

Long-time MONOCHROME readers might remember that we were among the very first to cover the work of Dutch designer and watchmaker Laurens de Rijke. Back then, the focus was on the ingenious Amalfi Series I, a watch with a rotating inner case inspired by driving and travel. Since those early days, De Rijke & Co. has steadily evolved while remaining true to its founder’s industrial design roots. The brand’s profile changed with the success of the Miffy Moonphase, a watch that introduced De Rijke & Co. to a far broader audience than most young independent brands ever reach (Nijntje in Dutch, Dick Bruna’s creation, is a pop-culture icon, with nearly 100% recognition in the Netherlands and Japan). Yet despite this growing popularity, Laurens de Rijke has continued to follow his own path, focusing on original design and not chasing trends. The Capri collection launched late last year marks an important step forward, exploring shape, proportions and detail. Spending time with two models recently, it became clear that the Capri has the potential to become a versatile platform for future developments. 

Measuring 28.5mm wide, 38mm long and only 6.5mm thick, the watch is compact and feels even better on the wrist. The proportions are exceptional, and the Capri wears comfortably across a surprisingly wide range of wrist sizes. The shaped stainless steel case has the appearance of a perfect object. Laurens de Rijke paid particular attention to maintaining clean lines and eliminating visual interruptions wherever possible for the Capri. One detail many owners will never notice is that the case has zero visible screws or fasteners. These are cleverly hidden behind the strap between the lugs. Equally noteworthy is the sapphire crystal. Its curvature is easily noticed, but what is less obvious is that the dial follows the same curve. This creates a sense of continuity that becomes more apparent as the watch moves through changing light.

Although they share the same case, the two models we handled differ in character. The Aventurine version is one of the coolest expressions of the Capri series. Free of hour markers and additional indications, the dial features a rich black aventurine dial that sparkles under direct light. The openworked hands maintain visual lightness while allowing the shimmering texture underneath to remain fully visible. It’s a perfect testament to “less is more”.

The Capri Blue model takes a more traditional approach yet retains the collection’s sculptural feel. Its glossy lacquered dial features thin, applied baton indices and hands, and a recessed small-seconds display at 6 o’clock. The contrasting red small-seconds hand adds a bit of colour and liveliness, even playfulness, to the design. Both dials have the curved construction, creating reflections and depth. Looking at the two variants, the Capri offers considerable room for expansion. Different colours, materials, stone dials and even display layouts would all feel perfectly at home within this architecture, making it easy to imagine future interpretations.

The Aventurine model is powered by the hand-wound La Joux-Perret D101, while the Capri Blue small-seconds version uses the D100. Both movements are modern evolutions of the classic Peseux 7001, with slim dimensions, proven reliability and attractive finishing. Operating at 21,600 vibrations/hour, they deliver a comfortable 50-hour power reserve. Their slim build is also a key factor behind the watch’s impressively thin profile.

Each Capri is offered with a tapered calfskin leather strap (24mm to 18mm) closed with a pin buckle. The proportions work particularly well with the compact dimensions, reinforcing the watch’s elegant appearance and excellent comfort. The De Rijke & Co. Capri is produced in limited runs of 50 pieces per dial version. Both the Aventurine hours-and-minutes model and the Capri Blue small-seconds edition retail for EUR 2,195 excluding VAT; unfortunately, the Aventurine dial edition is sold out.

To summarise, the Capri demonstrates Laurens de Rijke’s growing designer confidence. The watch is understated and distinctive, compact and contemporary, refined without becoming overly formal. And it feels like the beginning of something larger, a platform capable of supporting many future expressions while maintaining a clear identity of its own. We, for one, are eagerly awaiting where De Rijke & Co. takes it next!

For more information, please visit DeRijkeandCo.com.