In the ever-expanding world of independent watchmaking, discovering a new brand that challenges preconceptions is a rare delight. Sham1, a seasoned collector with an impressive array of timepieces, shares his initial impressions of the Elka Watch Company's D Series Essence. His candid review highlights the merits of judging a watch beyond its brand name, focusing instead on design execution, wearability, and overall value.
I am pretty sure very few of you have heard of the Elka Watch Company and until three weeks ago, I too had never heard of them. I am generally one who judges a watch based on its merits rather than merely by its history, brand name or hype. So when I spotted this lovely watch with a minimalist dial that is only limited to 25 pieces, I decided to take the plunge. One could easily mistake this 40.8mm watch for a H. Moser at first glance but unlike a Moser, it spots a more modest automatic La Joux-Perret movement. I unboxed the watch today and I wore it out for dinner tonight even though my first choice would usually be my De Bethune DB8. The Elka D Series Essence watch was a joy to wear despite its diameter and I credit the curved lugs that allow a lug to lug length of 46.5mm hence its wearability on my small wrist. There is a slight dome on the glass and its10.8mm height wears a lot thinner. I am particularly fond of the thin bezel - not only does it contribute to the minimalist look but large bezels tend to get more easily scratched!
The sunburst blue dial is particularly impressive in the way it plays with the light and the comfortable suede strap gives the watch a more casual look. One might consider swapping this strap for a dark blue crocodile or alligator strap to give the watch a more formal look but I have no complaints. While the minimalist approach of the watch is nothing new, the execution of the design is well done and appealing.
Before I forget, I must comment Mr Hakim El Kadiri who founded the company in 2022 for the packaging of the watch. One would not expect too much on a watch costing less than two thousand Swiss Francs but not only did the watch come with a hand written note by Hakim, I was also particularly impressed by the unexpected gift of a lapel pin shaped as a replica of a black dial with Breguet numerals. As I was curious to know how the name Elka was initially decided on, I read that Elka was Hakim El Kadiri's nickname but he could not use that name for his company as there was a Dutch company by that name but as it was no longer trading , he decided to re start the Elka Watch Company.. I wish Hakim the very best and thank you for making this watch. It sits proudly with my De Bethune, Kikuchi Nakagawa, Patek Phillipe, Vacheron Constantin and Bovet. I am afraid those are the only watches I currently own!
