he collaboration draws inspiration from a shared history: one of Ace’s former boutique locations once housed an Elka boutique owned by the Kiek family. This serendipitous connection sparked the first two Ace x Elka projects — the Diversity Series (2023) and the Essence (2024). With Diversity Series II, the collaboration returns to the theme of cultural expression, now with the N Series case as its foundation.

The MN04 features a dial with Hebrew numerals, rendered in SuperLuminova — marking a shift from the minute numerals (5, 10, 15, etc.) used in the first Diversity Series to full hour markers (1, 2, 3, etc.) in this new edition. The idea traces back to a vintage Elka watch in Alon Ben Joseph’s collection — a piece that remains a source of inspiration to this day.

For Diversity Series II, this historical detail is reinterpreted with a Bauhaus-inspired font for the Hebrew numerals, a nod to Tel Aviv’s reputation as the “White City,” a UNESCO World Heritage site celebrated for its Bauhaus architecture. By combining these influences in a contemporary watch, the MN04 connects past and present with both cultural and aesthetic depth.

Alon Ben Joseph comments: “As we celebrate 50 years of Ace, the MN04 feels like a fitting tribute. It ties back to a rare Elke watch with Hebrew numerals that was gifted to me years ago by a friend, and reinterpreting that detail in a modern edition with Elka feels deeply meaningful. In a city like Amsterdam, where Jewish history remains an enduring presence, the MN04 continues a dialogue between past and present, showing how inspiration from history can be reimagined for today’s collectors.”

Limited to 50 numbered pieces, the MN04 is a symbolic creation that bridges Amsterdam’s Elke heritage with today’s watch community.

Alongside the MN04 comes the MN03, with a green dial and Eastern Arabic numerals. This edition emphasizes vitality and dialogue across cultures, continuing the shift from the minute numerals of the first Diversity Series to full hour markers in Diversity Series II.

Hakim El Kadiri explains: “The MN03 reflects what I believe watches can stand for. It’s not only a timekeeping instrument, but also a bridge between cultures. By incorporating Eastern Arabic numerals, we pay tribute to civilizations that have contributed so much to humanity, and we send a message of reconciliation and inclusivity. The green dial underlines this forward‑looking spirit, encouraging us to look ahead while remembering the richness of the past.”

Together, the MN04 and the MN03 form a dialogue: one rooted in personal inspiration, the other in universal connection.

The first Diversity Series displayed minute numerals (5, 10, 15, etc.) in Eastern Arabic and Hebrew, housed in a case measuring 40.8 mm in diameter, 10.8 mm thick, and 46.5 mm lug‑to‑lug. Diversity Series II introduces two key changes: a more compact N Series case of 36 mm diameter, 10.5 mm thickness, and 41.1 mm lug‑to‑lug, and the adoption of a full set of hour numerals (1, 2, 3, etc.) in place of the earlier minute markings. Together these adjustments strengthen the character of the design, offering more ergonomic proportions and vintage‑inspired sizing while carrying forward the multicultural dialogue at the heart of the series.

This refinement also connects to Elka’s broader design philosophy. While the Bauhaus movement’s mantra of “form follows function” is visible in the clarity and legibility of Elka dials, Hakim El Kadiri extends this with what he calls “form follows feeling.” The rounded cases, gentle lugs, and smooth contours of the N Series echo the comfort of a pebble in hand — an organic, tactile presence reminiscent of cherished pocket watches. The design is functional yet warm, creating a deeper bond between timepiece and wearer.

Hakim El Kadiri notes: “Design is not just about function. It’s about how a watch feels on the wrist, how it connects with its owner. The rounded lines and pebble‑like contours of the N Series embody this idea of ‘form follows feeling,’ making every glance at the dial and every touch of the case a reminder of why watches continue to inspire.”

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

• Case: Stainless steel 1.4404, 36 mm in diameter, 10.5 mm thick, 41.1 mm lug‑to‑lug, with sapphire exhibition back. Water resistant to 50 meters / 5 bar.
• Movement: La Joux Perret G101 automatic, 4 Hz / 28,800 A/h, stop second, 68‑hour power reserve, regulated in 4 positions (+/- 7s/day).
• Functions: Hours, minutes, central seconds (no date).
• Dial: Hebrew numerals (MN04) or Eastern-Arabic numerals (MN03), with white SuperLuminova.
• Hands: Feuille‑shaped, brushed nickel, filled with white SuperLuminova.
• Crystal: Chevé sapphire box with anti‑reflective treatment on one side.
• Strap & Buckle: Available with a choice of calf leather strap, NATO‑type strap, or stainless steel beads‑of‑rice style bracelet.
• Warranty: 2 years.
• Availability: The Ace x Elka Diversity Series II comprises two editions, each limited to 50 numbered pieces. They are available immediately online at www.AceJewelers.com, in the Ace Jewelers boutique in Amsterdam (NL), and in the Mayfair, London (UK) showroom, as well as via www.ElkaWatch.ch.
• Pricing is set at EUR 2,230 incl. 21% VAT / EUR 1,843 excl. VAT when paired with the stainless steel beads-of-rice bracelet, and EUR 2,180 incl. 21% VAT / EUR 1,802 excl. VAT with a leather strap. Worldwide shipping is available free of charge.