Dive into a world where simplicity reigns supreme: Elka Watch Co. embraces the timeless allure of black and white with their groundbreaking S Series Monochrome Editions, blending artistry and horology in a way that's bound to captivate your imagination. Imagine stripping away vibrant hues to uncover the raw beauty of form, texture, and contrast—it's a design philosophy that speaks to the soul, much like a classic black-and-white photograph that freezes a moment in eternal elegance. At MONOCHROME, we're utterly enchanted by this minimalist magic, and when we discovered that Elka Watch Co., a fresh Swiss brand drawing inspiration from the soulful designs of the 1960s, was collaborating with Christian Coigny, Switzerland's esteemed master of monochrome photography, we were hooked from the start. But here's where it gets intriguing: while these editions carry a name that screams 'monochrome mastery,' we're not directly involved—yet the synergy is undeniable.
This collaboration births 'Noir et Blanc,' a captivating exhibition paired with a duo of watches celebrating the purest visual language: black and white. Set to unfold at Espace Diorama in Geneva from November 4 to December 10, 2025, the event fuses Coigny's traditional film-based artistry—think real darkroom processes and analogue magic—with Elka's precision engineering. For beginners wondering about monochrome in photography, it's essentially the art of using shades of gray to convey depth and emotion, often evoking a nostalgic, gritty realism that's missing in today's digital overload. Coigny's work, for instance, might capture a stormy Swiss landscape or a candid street scene, where shadows and highlights tell the story without a splash of color.
And this is the part most people miss: Elka is unveiling two exclusive editions of their iconic, streamlined time-only watch, the S Series Monochrome Editions. The Black Edition plunges you into a realm of darkness, with every element designed to soak up light in profound, theatrical depths—perfect for those who appreciate a bold statement. The White Edition, on the other hand, offers a serene exploration of luminosity and shape, embodying the tranquil calm of unadulterated brightness. Each model is available in 40.8mm or 36mm stainless-steel cases, crowned by a domed sapphire crystal for that extra sparkle and durability. Inside beats the reliable La Joux-Perret G101 automatic movement, ticking at 28,800 vibrations per hour with a generous 68-hour power reserve—ideal for enthusiasts who value self-winding mechanisms over quartz for a more authentic, mechanical feel.
The designs stay true to Elka's retro inspiration but infuse the essence of Coigny's photographic lens, where every curve, reflection, and subtle detail becomes a focal point. Limited to just 100 pieces per edition, individually numbered for exclusivity, these watches promise to be collector's items. But here's the controversial twist: at CHF 1,855 (including Swiss taxes), is this price justified for a monochromatic timepiece, or does it reflect overpriced exclusivity in a market flooded with affordable options? Some might argue it's a steal for horology purists, while others could see it as elitist—does true artistry demand such a premium, or should timeless design be accessible to all? We'll leave that debate to you.
Pre-sales will be available exclusively at Espace Diorama during the exhibition, with shipments expected around mid-December 2025. For a deeper dive, check out www.elkawatch.ch, christiancoigny.ch, and espacediorama.com to explore Coigny's evocative monochrome worlds and Elka's vintage flair.
Technical specifications – Elka Watch Co. S Series Monochrome Editions
Case: 40.8mm or 36mm diameter – crafted from stainless steel in a monochrome finish (choose Black or White Edition) – featuring a Chevé-box domed sapphire crystal for scratch resistance – screw-down caseback for security – rated for 30 meters of water resistance, suitable for everyday wear like light splashes but not deep diving.
Dial: a sunray-brushed monochrome dial (entirely black or white) with no markers or track for that clean, uncluttered look – accompanied by polished hands for precise time-reading.
Movement: Powered by the La Joux-Perret G101 automatic caliber – self-winding mechanism – operating at 28,800 vibrations per hour – offering up to 68 hours of power reserve – displaying hours, minutes, and seconds, with no date function to keep things elegantly simple.
Strap: A smooth leather strap in a color that matches the edition – secured with a sturdy steel pin buckle for comfort and style.
Availability: Strictly limited to 100 pieces per model, each uniquely numbered – pre-sale only at Espace Diorama in Geneva from November 4 to December 10, 2025 – with deliveries slated for around December 10, 2025.
Price: CHF 1,855 (taxes included).
https://monochrome-watches.com/introducing-elka-watch-co-s-series-monochrome-editions-black-and-white/
What do you think—is monochrome the pinnacle of sophistication, or just a passing trend? Do you agree that high-end collaborations like this elevate watchmaking, or is the exclusivity barrier a turn-off? Share your thoughts in the comments below; we'd love to hear your take!
