Founder of Elka Watch Co.Hakim El Kadiri
Beyond the Name When I launched ELKA Watch Co. in 2022, I was searching for authenticity. I wanted to build a brand that reflected my love for the 1960s—an era where design felt personal and purposeful. Serendipity played its part when I realized that "Elka" wasn't just my nickname; it was a sleeping giant of horology. The original Elka Watch, founded by Eduard Louis Kiek, was a cornerstone of Dutch watchmaking excellence, partnering with the industry’s greatest names. Finding this heritage felt like coming home. Today, I am proud to continue this story, honoring the archives of the Kiek family while infusing every timepiece with my own philosophy: Form Follows Feeling.
A Timeless State of Mind
ELKA timepieces are born from an era when objects were crafted to last a lifetime—an investment in durability, quality, and character. We invite you to step back into the 1960s. Not just for the aesthetics, but for the spirit. It was a decade of magical dreams, from the lunar race to the electric energy of Woodstock and the rebellious soul of the Beatles and the Stones. It was a time of profound change and revolutionary enthusiasm. What if we never really left? At ELKA, we believe the boldness and elegance of that era are not relics of the past—they are timeless values. We design for those who still want to move society forward, proving that the rebellious spirit of the sixties is just as vital in the 2020s as it was then
Elka Watch Co.: A Legacy Reborn
The Vision Elka Watch Co. is an independent Swiss watchmaker relaunched in 2022 by Hakim El Kadiri. A veteran of the Swatch Group with deep roots in development management for brands such as Rado, Hamilton, and Swatch, El Kadiri sought to create a brand defined by truth, credibility, and a soulful narrative. The Heritage The name ELKA is a storied acronym for Eduard Louis Kiek Amsterdam, founded in 1877. A prestigious house of horology, the original Elka was the official "Horloger de la Reine" for Queen Juliana of the Netherlands and a frequent collaborator with industry icons like Rolex, Ulysse Nardin, and Heuer. Design Philosophy: Form Follows Feeling Distinguished by a neo-vintage and minimalist aesthetic, Elka creates Swiss-made timepieces designed to last a lifetime. While rooted in the functionalism of the past, the brand's true north is its motto: "Form Follows Feeling." Every curve, inspired by the organic tactility of vintage pocket watches and the vibrant spirit of the 1960s, is crafted to evoke an emotional connection. The Collections D-Series: An understated tribute to pocket watch architecture, featuring refined dials, high-quality finishes, and an organic case shape. S-Series (The Minimalist): The purest expression of the Elka aesthetic. This series strips away the superfluous to focus on essential lines, embodying a modern, clean, and architectural approach to time. It serves as the canvas for our most artistic collaborations. X-Series: A character-driven collection inspired by a historical flight instrument created by Heuer for the original Elka Watch. N-Series (The Field Watch): A robust and functional interpretation of the classic field watch. Designed for adventure and legibility, it blends military-inspired utility with Elka’s signature vintage elegance. Arinis: The first "lake" diver dedicated to Lake Neuchâtel. Certified to 200 meters, it features a ceramic bezel and design cues inspired by the Celtic wheel discovered in the lake’s depths. Exclusive Collaborations Elka’s creative versatility is reflected in its limited editions: Elka x Christian Coigny: A prestigious collaboration with the renowned Swiss photographer. This partnership features two exclusive S-Series models—one in deep Black and one in pure White—designed to capture the essence of Coigny’s legendary mastery of light and shadow. Elka x Heroes Media: An ultra-limited edition (25 pieces) featuring a sandblasted "Gun" case and the iconic raven emblem. Elka x Loch Lat: A celebration of Saint-Blaise heritage, pairing Swiss horology with Neuchâtel single malt whisky. Elka x Ace Jewelers: A masterclass in minimalist purity through the D-Series Essence.