In a world where timepieces often scream for attention with flashy complications and oversized cases, there's something refreshing about a watch that whispers elegance. The AC2 Volcán from Anders & Co. steps into that space, blending old-school charm with a fresh twist that's turning heads among those who appreciate understated luxury. This Swedish brand, though relatively new on the scene, has crafted a dress watch that feels like a nod to the classics while riding the wave of 2025's hottest trend: stone dials.
Stone dials didn't just appear out of nowhere this year. They started gaining traction a few years back, mostly in high-end circles where luxury makers experimented with natural materials to add depth and character to their designs. By 2025, the idea caught fire, spreading to more accessible brands that wanted to capture that same allure without the sky-high prices. Amid all the options flooding the market—many under $1,000—the AC2 Volcán stands out for its smart execution. It takes a simple, refined base and elevates it with dials made from real stones, creating pieces that look far more expensive than they are.
Image credit: Anders & Co.
Anders & Co. isn't a household name yet, but with just two collections under their belt, they've shown a knack for drawing from watchmaking's rich history. The AC2 line, in particular, mixes a sleek tonneau-shaped case with elements borrowed from icons like the Patek Philippe Calatrava. Think dauphine hands that sweep smoothly across the face and those sharp, beveled obus indices that give the dial a crisp, balanced look. It's the kind of design that feels timeless, perfect for a guy who's been around the block and knows that true style doesn't need to shout.
What sets the Volcán edition apart is the addition of those stone dials, available in five striking varieties: turquoise, charoite, rubellite, aventurine, and red agate. Each one brings its own personality to the table. The turquoise offers a cool, oceanic vibe with subtle veining that catches the light just right. Charoite, with its purple swirls, adds a mysterious depth that's almost hypnotic. Rubellite brings a warm, pinkish-red glow, while aventurine sparkles like a starry night sky thanks to its embedded flecks. Then there's the red agate, which shakes things up a bit by swapping the obus indices for Eastern Arabic numerals, giving it a unique edge that sets it apart from the pack.
The brand kept things straightforward when designing these, sticking to the golden rule for stone dials: simplicity wins. They leaned on proven dress watch features to let the natural beauty of the stones shine. Drawing from the Calatrava's influence—widely seen as the blueprint for modern dress watches—the layout is spacious and clean. Brands from Grand Seiko to Longines have pulled off similar looks with success, but the wide spacing here works especially well with the textured stones, preventing any clutter that could overwhelm the eye.
One detail that might surprise some is the absence of a seconds hand. Anders & Co. went with a Miyota quartz movement, specifically the Caliber 9T22, to keep costs in check without sacrificing performance. Sure, some purists turn up their noses at quartz, but in a dress watch like this, it makes perfect sense. No ticking seconds to distract—just hour and minute hands gliding along. It's a choice that echoes the refined approach of brands like Cartier, where the focus is on poise rather than precision timing. If you're slipping this on for a night out or a boardroom meeting, who needs to count seconds anyway? Life's too short to rush.
Image credit: Anders & Co.
That slim profile is another win. The movement's thin build allows for a case that's just 5.6mm tall, tapping into 2025's push toward more compact, wearable luxury. At 37mm wide, the polished steel tonneau case curves gently with lugs that wrap around the wrist for a snug fit. It's not bulky or showy—just sharp and graceful, creating a silhouette that feels custom-made. Pair that with the vibrant stone dials, and you've got a contrast that's hard to beat: bold colors and intricate patterns against a minimalist frame.
The strap seals the deal. Each AC2 Volcán comes with a black leather band embossed to mimic alligator skin, complete with a quick-release system for easy swaps and a polished steel pin buckle. At this price point, it's tough to find a better match—it complements the case and dials without stealing the show, adding to that overall sense of sophistication.
Speaking of price, the AC2 Volcán starts at $627, with the red agate version bumping up to $715 due to its distinct numerals. That's a steal for what you get, especially since these aren't mass-produced. The brand hasn't specified exact numbers, but once they're gone, they're gone—no restocks. Water resistance sits at 30m, which is plenty for everyday wear without worrying about splashes or rain.
For men who value quality over quantity, the AC2 Volcán represents a smart entry into the world of stone dial watches. It's not about following every trend; it's about picking the ones that endure. In a market saturated with options, this piece from Anders & Co. proves that you don't need to break the bank for something that looks and feels premium. Whether you're building a collection or just want one reliable dress watch, it's worth checking out before these limited editions disappear. Head over to Anders & Co.'s site to grab one—because in the watch game, the best deals don't stick around long.
