De Rijke & Co – Capri Champagne

De Rijke & Co. Capri

Watches that don’t need to be large to make a strong impression. The De Rijke & Co. Capri combines a sculpturally shaped case, an unusually curved dial and a Swiss mechanical hand-wound movement.

The Capri collection is the first dress watch by Dutch independent manufacturer De Rijke & Co. It was inspired by the Italian island of the same name, a symbol of Mediterranean elegance, architecture and the distinctive atmosphere of evening social gatherings. The result is a watch that combines classic elegance with an unusual construction and a distinctive design signature.

The most distinctive feature of the Capri is its curved sapphire crystal, whose shape draws on the architecture of historic shop windows and mid-20th-century design. Beneath it is a dial with an equally unusual shape: it is not flat, but curves gently at the edges to follow the line of the crystal. Together, they create a fascinating three-dimensional effect that changes with the viewing angle and the light.

Producing the curved dial presented one of the greatest technical challenges. This was especially true for versions with natural stone dials, such as black onyx or aventurine, which could not be polished using standard techniques designed for flat surfaces. The manufacturer therefore used special grinding and polishing techniques inspired by the finishing of sapphire crystals. The result is an exceptionally elegant union of material, form and craftsmanship.

The stainless steel case measures 28.5 mm wide, 38 mm long and just 6.5 mm thick. These proportions allow the watch to sit naturally on the wrist and slip easily under a shirt cuff. Its minimalist look is further enhanced by the cleverly designed caseback attachment: the screws are hidden beneath the strap, preserving the case’s clean silhouette.

Inside is a Swiss La Joux-Perret D100 mechanical hand-wound calibre. This high-quality movement suits a watch built around traditional mechanics, elegant proportions and attention to detail. The dial is protected by a sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating on both sides, and the water resistance is 3 ATM (30 metres).

The design is completed by an elegant calfskin leather strap, tapering from 24 mm at the case to 18 mm at the buckle. Its proportions harmonise with the watch’s unusual geometry.

The De Rijke & Co. Capri is more than an elegant dress watch. It shows how independent watchmaking can bring architecture, precision engineering and craftsmanship together in a single, exceptionally distinctive object.

Capri Champagne

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