De Rijke & Co x Guy Allen – Sahara

De Rijke & Co. x Guy Allen – Sahara

A ceramic case, a hand-finished enamel dial made of sterling silver, and a unique construction that allows the watch to rotate 90 degrees. De Rijke & Co. Sahara represents a fascinating fusion of traditional watchmaking craftsmanship, automotive design, and modern materials.

The Sahara was created in collaboration between the independent Dutch watch brand De Rijke & Co. and British automotive illustrator Guy Allen. It is part of the second series of their joint special editions, which also includes the Turini and Amazon models. The two creators have been collaborating for eight years, united by a shared passion for classic cars, adventurous travel, and traditional craftsmanship.

A ceramic case with a unique construction

The most notable technical innovation in this series is its two-part case made of ceramic. While the previous Amalfi models used stainless steel, the brand developed an entirely ceramic construction for the new generation, rather than just a ceramic shell over a steel base.

Ceramic offers exceptional hardness, high resistance to everyday scratches, and a comfortable feel on the wrist. However, it is significantly more difficult to manufacture than conventional steel, especially when the precise geometry of each component must be maintained.

A defining feature of the Amalfi collection remains the ability to rotate the case by up to 90 degrees. This allows the driver to turn the dial to a position where the time can be read easily, without having to turn the wrist significantly or take a hand off the steering wheel. This original construction was developed by De Rijke & Co. in-house and represents one of the most interesting contemporary approaches to watches designed for car enthusiasts.

Silver dial and Grand Feu enamel

A true work of art, the dial is made of 925/1000 sterling silver and decorated using the traditional champlevé technique. This method involves creating recesses in a metal base, which are then filled with enamel and fired at high temperatures.

With the Sahara, De Rijke & Co. takes this technique even further. The lower part of the dial features three-dimensional 3D engraving, with details carved to varying depths. The engraving is then covered with transparent Grand Feu enamel, whose polished surface creates an extraordinary impression of depth, color intensity, and interplay of light.

The enamel dials are made with the help of an experienced British craftsman specializing in the manufacture and restoration of traditional enamel works. Each dial is therefore the result of precise engraving, demanding enameling, and meticulous hand-finishing.

Also deserving of special attention is the richly engraved caseback, made in the brand’s own Dutch studio.

Swiss mechanics

The case measures 38.2 mm in diameter and 11 mm thick, offering comfortable proportions despite its unusual construction. The dial is protected by a sapphire crystal, and the water resistance is 5 ATM (50 meters).

Inside is a Swiss automatic Sellita SW300 movement in a higher grade, equipped with 25 jewels, a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour (4 Hz), and a seconds hand stop function for time setting. The automatic winding mechanism uses a rotor mounted on a ball bearing.

The watch is fitted with a strap featuring quick-release spring bars, allowing it to be changed easily without tools. The lug width is 18 mm.

Limited edition of 50 pieces

The De Rijke & Co. x Guy Allen Sahara is produced in a strictly limited edition of just 50 individually numbered pieces worldwide.Each watch bears its own individual edition number.

The Sahara is more than just an unusual watch for car enthusiasts. It shows how modern ceramic materials, ingenious mechanical construction, and traditional artistic techniques can be brought together in a single, exceptionally distinctive timepiece.