The latest pieces in the Alma collection are simpler than previous models, which had a more pronounced “imperial” style, particularly the 2014 vintage. That was the year that DeWitt relaunched the Alma jewellery watch with its iconic oval case and cambered profile. The manufacture’s second ladies’ collection featured seven models in rose and white gold, with optional diamond setting, classically elegant dials and an automatic movement.
This year’s range is more streamlined, and the colours are limited to black and white, with a diamond-set polished rose gold case. They do, however, come in a choice of two sizes: a small model measuring 26.9 mm x 21.7 mm, and a medium variation at 34.6 x 27.9 mm (the 38.38 x 32.50 mm version has been shelved for this year). Consequently, four new watches – two small and two medium, each in black or white – have been added to the Alma range. The cases are all identical, differing only in the number of diamonds around the bezel (64 or 67, depending on the case size). The same DW405 quartz movement drives the watches’ hour and minute functions.
The timepieces are subtly asymmetrical, their superimposed ellipses and curves giving the face an intriguing depth and sophistication. The bezel is narrow at the top, flaring out as it approaches 6 o’clock. The gem-setting follows the same principle, with a parade of round-cut diamonds that increase in size as they approach the 6 o’clock position. The exquisitely finished asymmetrical dials continue the theme, with refined details that showcase the work of the Manufacture DeWitt’s master dialmakers in Meyrin. The white or black mother-of-pearl dials are decorated with a sunray guilloché pattern in the centre. The upper part of the dial features an elegant arc set with seven diamonds. Openworked sword-shaped rose gold hands sweep over an unusual configuration of seven indices in the upper half of the dial, and incrementally sized Arabic numerals from 4 to 8 around the bottom, with the largest at 6 o’clock.
All four of these elegant new watches come with a black satin strap.
