Ace Jewelers and Elka Team Up For An Ultra-Minimalist Watch

Last year, we introduced the Ace Jewelers x Elka Watch Co Diversity Series, which artfully blended the cultural influences of the Middle East and Asia, presenting the four distinct watches showcasing Western Arabic, Eastern Arabic, Chinese, and Hebrew signed dials. Before that, we also delved into the narrative of the new Swiss brand led by watch industry veteran Hakim El Kadiri, its historical connection to the Elka brand from Amsterdam and Ace Jewelers, which partnered for the Diversity project. The partnership further develops with the limited edition D-Series Essence watch, notable for its ultra-clean dial.

The Ace x Elka Watch Company D-Series Essence maintains the same meticulously crafted brushed and polished case as its predecessors – the inaugural, Kickstarter-launched D-Series and X-Series. With a diameter of 40.8mm, a thickness of 10.8mm, and a lug-to-lug distance of 46.5mm, the case design is a testament to attention. The lugs, emerging from a slim mid-case, are short, curving sharply and dramatically downward, adorned with a narrow edge that slopes down towards the strap. A highly domed Chevé type box sapphire crystal with anti-scratch and anti-reflective treatment tops the case, and the shaped screw-in caseback follows the form.

The gradient blue dial of the Ace x Elka Essence, adorned with a sunburst finish, deliberately omits numerals and markings needed for precise time reading – certainly reminiscent of an H. Moser Concept in the style. This minimalistic design choice aims to “create a sense of integration and universal comprehension“, in the words of Hakim El Kadiri. The polished baton-style nickel-coloured hands add to the dial’s simplicity, while a thin central seconds hand features a counterweight shaped like an arrowhead. The hands subtly curve to complement the shape of the curved dial, which only displays the Elka Watch Co logo, the automatic (winding) mention and the Swiss-made label, neatly printed at the bottom, contributing to the overall minimalist appeal with finesse. While the minimalist approach is not groundbreaking, the execution of the design is well-done and appealing.

Powering the D-Series Essence is the La Joux Perret G100 self-winding calibre, operating at a frequency of 28,800 vibrations/hour and boasting a solid 68-hour power reserve. The watch is paired with a beige nubuck leather strap secured with a stainless steel pin buckle. 

Exclusively available through Ace Jewelers or Elka Watch e-boutique, the D-Series Essence is priced at EUR 1,625 (excl. VAT). For more, visit elkawatch.ch.