Swiss independent Arsène Lippens takes a more restrained approach for its latest release, the Classico Collection.
Drawing inspiration from vintage designs, the Classico is offered with two granular textured dial variations in “Blu” and “Grigio”.
Finished in 316L stainless steel, the traditionally styled watch showcases the perfect everyday watch proportions; just 37.5mm wide and 9.9mm thick.
Swiss independent brand Arsène Lippens first graced the pages of Time+Tide just over 2 years ago, and since then, they’ve gone on to produce some very interesting watches; from the textile-dialled Artigiano line, to the more recent and insanely skeletonised chronograph, the Scheletrato. The brand, founded by a duo of entrepreneurs, Dries and Alberto, draws inspiration from 1940s designs and transforms them by introducing some very modern flair, while ensuring none of that vintage character is lost. Their latest duo of watches introduces the Classico, which shifts towards a more restrained, traditional aesthetic while still featuring intricate detailing that makes the watch stand out as a strong proposition at an exciting price point.
Sometimes, less is definitely more, and with watches, this statement is often truer than not. There are dress watches out there that are designed to be attention grabbers, and tool watches developed to break records, and while that’s great, and something we love as enthusiasts, a lot of the time, we just want something that keeps things simple, but focuses on getting the execution spot on. This is clearly evident with the Classico, whose looks allow it to go well under the radar until you look a little closer and realise there’s a bit more going on.
As enthusiasts, we care about the numbers, and with the Classico, these numbers are very specific. The 316L stainless steel case measures 37.5mm in diameter, 9.9mm thick, and has a lug-to-lug measurement of 45.5mm. Notice the decimal points with these numbers. Arsène Lippens didn’t choose to go 37, or 38mm wide, 10mm thick, or 46-47mm; the mid-millimetre measurements prove that the case proportions have been thoughtfully considered to the nth degree. You don’t reach these points without trying multiple variations on the design before hitting that sweet spot. And while the case design itself is somewhat simplistic, everything is well thought out.
The edges of the case flanks are just lightly broken rather than relying on heavy bevelling, and this adds refinement, which, when paired with the delicate double-stepped bezel, reaches a level rarely seen at this price point. Up front, the case features an anti-reflective, box-domed sapphire crystal, which is highly scratch-resistant and, when paired with the push/pull crown, offers ample water resistance of 50 metres. Thankfully, the Classico also features a closed caseback, which has been simply finished with circular satin brushing and fine sandblasting.
The Classico is available in two variations: the “Blu” and the “Grigio”, and I doubt that you’ll have trouble working out which one is which. Both dials showcase a gorgeous grained-textured finish, reminiscent of the historic hand-worked, hammered dials of old. Neither dial is interrupted by fussy dial text or water resistance ratings, which not only keeps things highly legible but, I think, adds some mystery to the watch.
This also allows the more intricate details to be enjoyed, such as the brushed and polished dauphine hands and the finely finished applied hour markers. These also sit inside a printed ring that contains the intricately printed minute track, whose surface matches the dial, allowing the minute track to pop rather than look messy if printed against the grained texture of the dial.
Hidden inside the watch is the ever-reliable Sellita SW210-1b manually wound movement, and this is the first clue about where in the market the Classico is being targeted. It’s certainly not a bad thing; the Sellita is a robust, hard-working movement that, once fully wound, offers a 48-hour power reserve while beating at 28,800 Vph, and even under that solid caseback, is treated to some modest decoration thanks to some nickel plating, fine sandblasting, polishing and satin brushing. It’s a no-nonsense calibre that delivers a healthy performance and helps keep costs to a minimum.
In line with the overall concept of the Classico, Arsène Lippens keeps things simple with the strap options, offering each watch on a dial-matched Alcantara leather strap. These are equipped with straight quick-release spring bars and finished with a clean pin buckle clasp, and, to be honest, I think these choices are perfect for both watches. Finally, another good thing about small independent brands such as Arsène Lippens, they can control supply quite easily, and as such, the Classico will only be available to purchase between April 3rd and May 4th, 2026, with deliveries scheduled for June. This marks the quickest delivery time ever for Arsène Lippens, so not only will you get a Classico for a reasonable amount, but you won’t have to wait very long, either, which, for a low-production Swiss independent, is not as common as you may think.
Arsène Lippens Classico Collection pricing and availability
The Arsène Lippens Classico Collection is available to order directly from the Arsène Lippens online boutique only between April 3rd and May 4th, 2026, with deliveries scheduled for June 2026. Price: CHF 1,194
Brand
Arsène Lippens
Model
Classico Collection – Blu/Grigio
Reference
REF. 2835-BG-GG
Case Dimensions
37.5mm (D) x 9.9mm (T) x 45.5mm (LTL)
Case Material
316L stainless steel
Water Resistance
50 metres
Crystal(s)
Sapphire box-domed, anti-reflective
Dial
Blue or grey grained texture
Lug Width
20mm
Strap
Blue or grey Alcantara leather, pin buckle
Movement
Sellita SW210-1b, hand-wound
Power Reserve
48 hours
Functions
Hours, minutes, seconds
Availability
Available to order between April 3rd and May 4th
Price
CHF 1,194