New
Timekeepers Club / November 26, 2024

Ace x Cedric Bellon CB01 Ti "Amsterdam Edition"

Ace Jewelers announces an exclusive new collaboration with esteemed watch designer Cedric Bellon, resulting in the release of the limited edition CB01 Ti "Amsterdam Edition". This marks the second collaboration between Ace Jewelers and Cedric Bellon, following their first project, the CB "MilSpec Amsterdam" GMT, which was well received by the watch community (more details at Watch Angels). The new CB01 Ti "Amsterdam Edition" stands out with its natural titanium dial, diverging from the colored PVD-coated finishes of the regular production models. The result is a unique monochrome aesthetic inspired by the original stainless steel CB01 Small Seconds, emphasizing the natural beauty and raw elegance of titanium.

An Exclusive Take on the CB01 Small Seconds

The CB01 Ti "Amsterdam Edition" is based on the sustainable CB01 Small Seconds line, which originally featured stainless steel construction before evolving into lightweight titanium, maintaining its innovative approach to watchmaking. What sets this limited edition apart is the natural, uncoated titanium dial, which offers a fresh and minimalist look, perfectly complementing the sandblasted titanium case and polished bevels. Unlike the regular versions of the CB01 Ti, which feature colored, PVD-coated dials, the Amsterdam Edition showcases the natural, raw titanium for a unique monochrome aesthetic. By emphasizing the purity of the material, this design creates a watch that is both understated and distinctively sophisticated.

A Tribute to Sustainability and Craftsmanship

Cedric Bellon has been a pioneering voice in sustainable watchmaking, and this collaboration continues his mission to push the industry forward. The CB01 Small Seconds Ti case, dial, and buckle are crafted from 100% repurposed grade 5 titanium, sourced from factory leftovers, which contributes to a sustainability score of 84.44%—twice that of a comparable series watch.

The movement, a Swiss-made Dubois Dépraz DD10460, is also repurposed, sourced from unused stock rather than newly manufactured, further reducing the watch's environmental impact. With a power reserve of 44 hours, the CB01 delivers both performance and conscientious design.

A Unique Aesthetic with a Distinctive Titanium Dial

The raw titanium dial is the defining feature of this limited edition. Unlike the earlier CB01 Ti models, which use a PVD-coated dial, the Amsterdam Edition features a vertically brushed, double-layer dial that maintains the natural texture of the titanium, with three engraved X's as a subtle nod to the city of Amsterdam, where Ace Jewelers is based. This ton-sur-ton, monochrome look is complemented by Superluminova on the hands and 12H, 3H, 6H, and 9H indexes, ensuring legibility in low light while maintaining a sleek, cohesive aesthetic.

The watch also features a bi-directional 12-hour bezel for tracking a second time zone and is paired with a handmade sustainable Alcantara strap, providing comfort while maintaining the commitment to sustainable materials. Last but not least, the case back features an 'Ace Jewelers - Amsterdam' engraving along with the unique limited edition number (xx/20).

My passion for titanium was instilled in me by my father in the early 1980s,” said Alon Ben Joseph, co-owner of Ace Jewelers. “Back then, titanium was a new material in the watch industry, admired not only for its innovation but also for its beautiful, understated grey color. It is stealthy, almost 50% lighter than steel, and hypoallergenic—qualities that make it an exceptional choice for watchmaking.

When I first discovered Cedric Bellon’s work as a designer, I was captivated by his philosophy on sustainability and his distinct design language. I even bought the first CB01 Small Seconds for my personal collection. During our first collaboration discussions, my initial request was to make that watch in repurposed titanium. Unfortunately, at that time, Watch Angels couldn't obtain the right sustainable titanium. Now, we are ecstatic that we could finally bring this concept to life. I am thrilled with the outcome and amazed by how the aesthetics transform with the play of light.”

Cedric Bellon added: “When we spoke with our friends at Ace Jewelers about a second project, we knew we wanted to bring back the original CB01 in a unique way. The focus was on maintaining the classic proportions—a tool watch with a prominent dial and a simple, utilitarian case, emphasizing sustainable in-house production. However, we also wanted it to feel distinct. We faced the challenge of reusing leftover movements and titanium parts that were difficult to repurpose due to their size and shape. But we saw an opportunity to rework and innovate together. The result is here: 61 grams of repurposed titanium grade 5, tailored to Ace’s vision. It is lighter, stronger, and finished in an understated palette of grey tones.

Limited Availability

With only 20 pieces available worldwide, the Ace Jewelers x Cedric Bellon CB01 Ti "Amsterdam Edition" is a collector’s piece that embodies a unique blend of craftsmanship, sustainability, and minimalist design. Available exclusively at AceJewelers.com starting November 26th, 2024.

About Cedric Bellon

Cedric Bellon is an advocate of sustainability in watchmaking. Known for his expertise in sustainable design and his commitment to reducing waste, Bellon has brought a new perspective to the luxury watch industry, emphasizing craftsmanship, local production, and responsible sourcing of materials. From a young age, Bellon was fascinated by the natural world, which led him to study geology and ultimately transition to product design. His career in watch design took off after collaborating with major brands like Bell & Ross, TAG Heuer, and Longines. Today, Bellon is a key figure in the sustainable watchmaking movement, pushing for innovative practices that reduce the carbon footprint and promote the use of repurposed materials. His dedication is evident in his use of 100% repurposed titanium and Swiss-made components, designed with minimal environmental impact. Bellon's approach is not just about crafting beautiful timepieces; it is about rethinking the industry to pave the way for a more sustainable future in luxury watchmaking.

Technical specifications


Ace x Cedric Bellon CB01 Ti "Amsterdam Edition"

Reference: ACECB01SS

Limited edition of 20 pieces

Case

  • Material: 100% repurposed grade 5 titanium (Ti-6Al-4V)
  • Diameter: 40 mm
  • Thickness: 11.7 mm
  • Lug-to-lug: 47 mm
  • Crown: Screw-down crown
  • Compressor case-back, circular brushed and sandblasted, engraved with unique limited edition number and ‘XXX’ referencing the city of Amsterdam
  • Bezel: Bi-directional second time zone 12h bezel
  • Water-resistant to 20 ATM (200 metres)

Dial and hands

  • Natural titanium, vertically brushed dial
  • Double layer 100% repurposed grade 5 titanium (Ti-6Al-4V)
  • Lume: Superluminova on hands and 12H,3H,6H,9H indexes

Movement

  • Swiss made Dubois Dépraz DD10460
  • Number of jewels: 29
  • Frequency: 28.800 vph (4 Hz)
  • Power reserve of 44 hours

Functions/Indications

  • Hours, minutes, small seconds at 12 o'clock

Strap and buckle

  • Hand-made sustainable Alcantara strap
  • 100% repurposed grade 5 (Ti-6Al-4V) sandblasted titanium buckle with polished bevels

MSRP: EUR 2'450 (incl. taxes)

For more information, please visit acejewelers.com

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