De Rijke & Co – Capri Silver

De Rijke & Co. Capri

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

The Capri collection marks the first dress watch from Dutch independent watchmaker De Rijke & Co. It was inspired by the Italian island of the same name, a symbol of Mediterranean elegance, architecture, and the unmistakable 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 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.

Manufacturing 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, where conventional 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 interplay 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 further enhanced by the clever caseback attachment: the screws are hidden beneath the strap, preserving the clean silhouette of the case.

Inside is a Swiss La Joux-Perret D100 mechanical hand-wound caliber. 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 meters).

The watch is completed by an elegant calfskin 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 shows how independent watchmaking can bring architecture, precision engineering, and craftsmanship together in a single, exceptionally distinctive object.