When it comes to watch collaborations, we often see sports models, divers, or rugged everyday pieces. Rarely do we encounter a project that dares to enter the more delicate, refined world of dress watches. That’s what makes the new Time+Tide × Dennison “DateNight” such an exciting release. This isn’t just another co-branded project—it’s a thoughtfully crafted timepiece that brings artistry, heritage, and contemporary design together in a slim, elegant form.

The DateNight is more than just a dress watch. It represents Time+Tide’s first official venture into this genre, and they’ve chosen to partner with Dennison, a name steeped in watchmaking history. The result is a watch that feels both classic and modern, balancing old-world craftsmanship with fresh ideas. Let’s take a closer look at why this piece is attracting so much attention.

A Marquetry Mother-of-Pearl Dial

Every great watch starts with its dial, and the DateNight’s dial is truly unlike anything else in its price category. Instead of going with a conventional lacquer or sunburst finish, the designers opted for hand-inlaid Australian mother-of-pearl using marquetry techniques. Tiny rectangular filaments are cut and fitted together with precision, creating a shimmering mosaic effect that shifts under the light. Blues, purples, greens, and silvers all come alive depending on the angle.

No two dials are alike. That means each watch is not just a numbered piece, but a unique one. For collectors, that’s a big deal—it creates a sense of individuality that even many high-end luxury watches can’t match. The effect is subtle yet captivating, perfectly suited for the kind of occasions the watch is named after.

The Case: Slim, Elegant, and Just Right

If the dial is where the DateNight sings, the case is where it whispers. At 37mm by 33.5mm with a thickness of just 6.05mm, the cushion-shaped case is slim, refined, and sits beautifully on the wrist. It strikes a “Goldilocks” balance that makes it versatile for both men and women.

The design avoids the trap of being overly ornate. Instead, it has a quiet sophistication—a shape reminiscent of mid-20th century dress watches, but with a contemporary sharpness. The proportions are deliberate: small enough to feel elegant at a formal dinner, but not so small that it disappears in a modern collection.

Quartz with a Purpose

At first glance, you might be surprised that Time+Tide and Dennison went with a quartz movement instead of mechanical. But the choice makes sense. The Swiss Ronda Quartz movement (Caliber 1032/1062) ensures the watch stays ultra-slim while keeping perfect accuracy with minimal upkeep.

This isn’t the kind of watch meant to live on your wrist 24/7. It’s a watch you pick up for the right moments—dinners, events, celebrations. Having a quartz movement means it will always be ready to go without winding or setting, which aligns perfectly with the concept of a “date-night” timepiece.

Straps: Two Distinct Moods

A watch’s strap can transform its character, and the DateNight offers versatility straight out of the box. It comes on a slate-grey suede strap by Molequin, a first for the strap maker and one that pairs wonderfully with the iridescent dial. The suede adds warmth, texture, and casual refinement.

For a more formal look, there’s also the option of a white leather strap. This brightens the watch, leaning into the idea of a clean, polished dress piece. Between the two, wearers can easily adapt the watch from understated elegance to bold evening statement.

A Thoughtful Caseback Detail

Flip the watch over, and you’ll find a meaningful engraving on the caseback. Designed by Alex Hindley, Time+Tide’s Australian studio manager, it depicts the entrance to the brand’s London Watch Discovery Studio. This detail isn’t just decorative—it ties the watch back to its birthplace and the global watch community Time+Tide has cultivated.

In an industry that sometimes overlooks casebacks in dress watches, this engraving adds depth and storytelling to a part of the watch most people won’t see daily.

Pricing and Availability

The DateNight is priced at around US $995 (£745, €895, A$1450), which includes taxes and fees. For what it offers—unique dial work, a slim custom-designed case, and collaboration between respected names—it’s a compelling value.

The launch plan also sets it apart. Time+Tide will open a 24-hour global online sale on 27 August 2025 at 14:00 CET. The first 200 orders will ship within two weeks, with the rest following in early November. After that, the watch won’t be available online anymore. Instead, it becomes an in-store exclusive at Time+Tide Discovery Studios in London, Melbourne, and soon New York. This creates an additional layer of exclusivity and ensures the watch remains tied to the Time+Tide community.

The Design Pedigree

Behind the DateNight is not just Time+Tide’s Andrew McUtchen and Dennison’s Toby Sutton, but also renowned designer Emmanuel Gueit. Gueit is the man behind the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore and has also contributed to designs at Rolex. Having someone of his caliber involved elevates the project—it’s rare to see a sub-$1,000 watch with such strong design DNA.

Final Thoughts

The Time+Tide × Dennison DateNight is more than just a collaboration—it’s a statement. It shows that dress watches can still be exciting, innovative, and accessible. From its hand-inlaid mother-of-pearl dial to its slim cushion case, every detail has been carefully considered. The quartz movement keeps it practical, while the dual-strap offering adds versatility.

Most importantly, it feels personal. Each dial is unique, the caseback engraving is tied to a real place, and the release strategy ensures it’s not just another mass-produced product. Instead, it’s a piece of horological storytelling.

For collectors who already have their sports watches and divers covered, the DateNight represents something refreshing: a modern dress watch with personality and charm, ready to be the perfect companion for special occasions.

Specifications

• Case: 37 × 33.5 mm cushion-shaped
• Thickness: 6.05 mm
• Dial: Hand-inlaid marquetry mother-of-pearl, unique per piece
• Movement: Swiss Ronda Quartz Caliber 1032/1062
• Strap: Slate-grey suede by Molequin (optional white leather)
• Caseback: Engraving of Time+Tide’s London Studio entrance
• Price: US $995 / £745 / €895 / A$1450
• Availability: Online 24-hour sale (27 August 2025), then Discovery Studio exclusives