In the realm of independent watchmaking, where innovation often intertwines with a profound respect for horological tradition, collaborations can serve as fertile ground for genuinely compelling creations. The latest chapter in this narrative unfolds with the Ace Jewelers x Cedric Bellon CB01 Small Seconds Repurposed Titanium Amsterdam, a timepiece born from the ongoing partnership between the esteemed Dutch retailer and Cedric Bellon Watches, a brand lauded for its unwavering commitment to sustainable practices. This is not merely a new iteration of an existing model; it’s a considered exploration of material purity and minimalist aesthetics, a limited edition that speaks volumes through its understated elegance and ethically driven ethos.
The Ace Jewelers CB01 Small Seconds Ti represents a refined evolution of Bellon’s critically acclaimed CB01 Small Seconds line. While the collection initially debuted in stainless steel, it has since embraced the lightweight and robust qualities of titanium, a material that perfectly aligns with Bellon’s innovative approach to watchmaking. However, the Ace Jewelers collaboration distinguishes itself through a radical departure in dial design. Eschewing the coloured, PVD-coated dials characteristic of the standard CB01 Small Seconds Ti models, this limited edition embraces the raw, uncoated allure of natural titanium.
This bold decision results in a dial that exudes a fresh and undeniably minimalist aesthetic, a study in tonal harmony that perfectly complements the sandblasted titanium case and meticulously polished bevels. This monochrome, ton-sur-ton approach is not simply about visual simplicity; it’s a deliberate highlighting of the material itself, a celebration of titanium’s inherent beauty and subtle variations in texture and tone. The absence of colour PVD coatings allows the purity of the material to take centre stage, creating a timepiece that is both understated and distinctively sophisticated, a testament to the power of considered restraint in design.
This collaborative edition is limited to a mere 20 pieces worldwide, further enhancing its exclusivity and collectability. At its heart beats a repurposed Swiss-made Dubois Dépraz DD10460 movement, a calibre chosen not only for its proven reliability and refined small seconds complication but also for its alignment with Cedric Bellon’s commitment to sustainability. By utilizing repurposed movements, Bellon actively minimizes waste and breathes new life into existing horological components, a practice that resonates deeply with a growing consciousness within the luxury watch industry.
The DD10460 movement offers a robust 44-hour power reserve, ensuring dependable timekeeping performance and seamless integration into daily life. Visible through the sapphire crystal caseback, the movement’s refined finishing and intricate mechanics are subtly showcased, a nod to traditional watchmaking artistry within this distinctly modern and sustainably focused timepiece.
Priced at EUR 2.450 including VAT (EUR 2.025 excluding VAT), the Ace Jewelers x Cedric Bellon CB01 Small Seconds Ti represents a compelling proposition for the discerning collector who values both aesthetic refinement and ethical production. The 41mm diameter case, crafted from sandblasted titanium, offers a comfortable and contemporary presence on the wrist, while the sapphire crystal, front and back, ensures exceptional scratch resistance and clarity.
The watch is presented on a carefully chosen strap, complementing the monochrome aesthetic and enhancing its overall wearability and versatility. The Ace Jewelers x Cedric Bellon CB01 Small Seconds Repurposed Titanium Amsterdam is more than just a limited edition timepiece; it is a statement of considered consumption, a harmonious fusion of minimalist design, sustainable practices, and horological substance.
For the collector seeking a watch that embodies both understated sophistication and a genuine commitment to environmental responsibility, this collaboration offers a truly unique and compelling proposition, a testament to the evolving landscape of luxury watchmaking in the 21st century.
