Dennison Turns the ALD Into a Diamond and Onyx Checkerboard

Dennison’s ALD has always leaned into shape, proportion and graphic impact rather than traditional round-watch convention.

With the new ALD Checker series, the brand pushes that character further by turning the dial and case into a polished study in black, white and geometry.

The idea is simple at first glance, but the execution is more jewellery-led than playful.

At a glance

A graphic ALD with a jewellery watch edge

The checkerboard is one of those patterns that needs no explanation, whether it appears on a gaming board, a tiled floor or a piece of modern design.

On the ALD Checker, Dennison recreates that visual language with black onyx and pavé-set natural diamonds rather than printed colour or lacquer.

That choice matters because the diamonds aren’t treated as peripheral decoration.

They form part of the dial architecture itself, standing in for the pale squares and giving the display a much more textural presence than a flat two-tone surface would allow.

The black onyx brings the contrast, keeping the composition sharp and giving the diamonds a stronger visual frame.

Three ways to cut the board

The ALD Checker series is offered in three layouts, each using the same material language in a different composition.

Checker Balance divides the dial across the 9 to 3 o’clock axis, creating a horizontal split between the diamond-set and onyx sections.

Checker Draw turns the division vertically, running the contrast from 12 to 6 o’clock.

Checker Gambit is the most overtly board-like of the trio, arranging the dial in quarters for a more direct checker motif.

Dennison also extends the idea beyond the dial, finishing the steel case in opposition to the adjacent dial area through black PVD or diamond setting.

It’s a small design move, but it stops the concept from feeling contained to the dial alone.

The slim case keeps the concept wearable

The ALD’s compact shaped case remains central to the appeal here.

At 37mm by 33.5mm and just 6.05mm thick, it sits closer to the tradition of elegant rectangular and tonneau-adjacent watches than oversized jewellery pieces.

The slimness is helped by the Ronda calibre 1062 quartz movement, a practical choice that keeps the watch thin and uncomplicated.

Functions are limited to hours and minutes, which suits the visual strength of the dial.

A mechanical movement would change the conversation around the ALD, but in this form the watch is clearly led by design, material contrast and wrist presence.

Pricing and positioning

At £6,300 including taxes, the ALD Checker is a significant step up for the model line.

That pricing reflects the use of pavé-set natural diamonds, onyx, diamond-set case work and a diamond-set buckle rather than a simple dial variation.

A full set of three is priced at £18,700, positioning the series as a collector-focused trio rather than an entry-point ALD.

It will appeal most to buyers who respond to graphic design and jewellery craft in equal measure, especially those who prefer their dress watches with a little tension and wit.

Details & Specifications

The ALD Checker works because it doesn’t try to soften its concept.

It takes a familiar visual code, executes it with serious materials and lets the contrast do the talking.