De Rijke & Co – Capri Salmon

De Rijke & Co. Capri

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

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

The most striking feature of the Capri is its curved sapphire crystal, whose shape is inspired by the architecture of historic shop windows and mid-century design. Beneath it is an equally unusual dial that 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.

Making the curved dial posed one of the greatest technical challenges. This was especially true of versions with natural stone dials, such as black onyx or aventurine, for which standard techniques for polishing flat surfaces could not be used. The manufacturer therefore employed special grinding and polishing techniques inspired by the finishing of sapphire crystals. The result is an exceptionally elegant harmony 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 appearance is also enhanced by the ingenious caseback attachment: the screws are concealed beneath the strap, preserving the clean silhouette of the case.

Inside is a Swiss La Joux-Perret D100 mechanical calibre with manual winding. 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 watch is completed by an elegant calfskin leather strap, tapering from 24 mm at the case to 18 mm at the buckle. Its proportions complement the watch’s unusual geometry.

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

Capri Salmon

About the brand