Ace Jewellers Collabs
When you look up ace in the dictionary, one definition is: “a person who excels at a particular sport or activity.” I’ve no idea how their backhand holds up, but when it comes to selling watches, Alon Ben Joseph is certainly playing a blinder.
Based in Amsterdam, Ace Jewellers has been around for decades. The story began in 1975 when David Ben Joseph opened shop, selling handmade jewellery he designed and produced himself. A Master Goldsmith and Diamond Cutter & Setter, David was the full package.
Today, the business is run by his sons, Alon and Amir Ben Joseph. And while Ace is still known for its fine jewellery, it’s the watch side of the business that’s really built a reputation — particularly when it comes to independent brands.
Sure, they used to carry the big names, but Ace’s speciality these days is championing the indies. And it’s with these smaller brands that the magic happens. True connections are forged, and the collaborations that follow are anything but ordinary.
We’ve already featured the stunning Ace Jewellers x echo/neutra Averau 39 Moon Phase Noctilum in a previous article. So today, we’re diving into a few more collabs — starting with one that quite literally stands head and shoulders above the rest.
Ikepod Megapod “This Is Our Time”
The 46mm monolith, the Ace Jewellers x Ikepod Megapod, is less of a watch and more of a statement. The collaboration brings together street artist Laser 3.14, designer ABC, and of course, Ace Jewellers — a creative melting pot where form, function, and street art collide.
The result? A UFO-inspired, pebble-smooth case from Ikepod’s Megapod collection. Yes, 46mm sounds massive on paper, but the lugless design and integrated silicone strap make it surprisingly wearable — more sleek saucer than flying dinner plate.
The dial oozes street attitude. The Ikepod logo has been tagged by Laser 3.14, and the phrase “This Is Our Time” appears in his signature graffiti scrawl. Hour markers are subtly black-on-black Arabic numerals, only revealing themselves when the light hits just right.
The familiar Ikepod handset — glossy black with white lume inlays — cuts through the monochromatic dial with just the right amount of contrast.
This isn’t a watch you tuck under a shirt cuff. Not on your Nellie. It’s for those who want to stand out, not fade in. Limited to just 30 pieces, there might still be one floating around if you’re feeling bold — and if you can find €1,400 down the back of the sofa.
Cedric Bellon CB01 Small Seconds Repurposed Titanium
At first glance, the Ace Jewellers x Cédric Bellon CB01 Small Seconds may come across as intentionally unfinished—almost prototype-like in its appearance. But that’s precisely the point. In collaboration with Watch Angels, this timepiece is designed to challenge convention and champion sustainability, all while offering a bold, industrial aesthetic.
Housed in a standard 40mm case, the CB01 takes an unexpected turn by using repurposed titanium, a thoughtful choice for eco-conscious collectors. The case itself is flat, tactile, and purposefully raw. Finishing is minimal, dominated by a utilitarian brushed texture that reinforces the watch's stripped-back ethos.
One of the standout elements is the coin-edge bezel, adding both grip and visual interest. Equally impressive is the dual-layered dial, which features vertical brushing that plays beautifully with light—shifting from near-white in bright sunlight to deep grey or black in lower light conditions.
Dial markings are finely laser-engraved, except for the cardinal indices, which are recessed and filled with luminous paint, offering subtle depth and enhanced legibility.
With 200 metres of water resistance, this monotone, minimalist piece offers functionality alongside its striking design language. Priced at €2,450, the CB01 Small Seconds is a thoughtful blend of sustainable engineering, industrial aesthetics, and horological intention—an ideal choice for those who prefer their watches with a story and a purpose.
Ace x Nivada Grenchen F77 Amsterdam
It was only a matter of time before the Nivada Grenchen F77 got a fresh coat of paint—and who better to wield the brush than Ace Jewellers, bringing their signature dose of Dutch courage to the party. The F77, originally born in (you guessed it) 1977, was resurrected in 2023 and has been riding high ever since.
This edition sticks closely to the original’s playbook: a tidy 37mm case with those same crisp lines and razor-sharp edges, measuring just 12.6mm thick. Its raised octagonal case—anchored by eight exposed screws—nails that retro-cool aesthetic, while alternating brushed and polished surfaces add some modern flair. Up top, a double-domed sapphire crystal caps it all off with just the right amount of vintage distortion.
So, what makes this Ace collab stand out from the crowd? That stealthy matte black dial, for starters. It’s punctuated by silver-tone applied indices and a red “XXX” just beneath the Nivada logo—a clever nod to the city of Amsterdam’s flag. The baton-style hour and minute hands are lume-filled for low-light readability, while the central seconds hand pops in bright red, finished with a rectangular lollipop tip that glows in the dark.
Inside ticks the reliable Soprod P024 movement, with a no-date layout and a 38-hour power reserve—clean, simple, and no-fuss. The integrated three-link bracelet is surprisingly supple, and with a compact 46mm lug-to-lug, this one wears like a dream on most wrists. At just £1,000, this limited-edition release offers a whole lot of charm without breaking the bank—and something tells me it won’t hang around for long.
Ace Jewellers just keeps turning up to the horological party with an ever-growing lineup of collaboration pieces, and in doing so, they’ve firmly cemented their place in the wider watch world. Sure, their home base is in Amsterdam, but their reach is stretching far beyond the canals, with a growing global following that’s as loyal as it is enthusiastic.
At the heart of it all is Alon Ben Joseph, a man on a mission to share his passion, spotlight exciting brands, and gently nudge watch lovers (myself included) into discovering something new. Together with his equally watch-obsessed friend Rob Nudds, he co-hosts The Real Time Show, a podcast that’s equal parts engaging and educational.
This isn’t your run-of-the-mill chat show. With industry insiders, brand founders, and some of the most influential voices in horology dropping in, Alon and Rob bring a fresh, accessible vibe to each episode. If you're not already tuning in, do yourself a favour: keep an ear out for The Real Time Show and hit that subscribe button—it’s a gem in the world of watch media, and genuinely worth the listen.
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