Home » The Salon International De La Haute Horlogerie » SIHH 2012 Preview – Roger Dubuis Velvet and La Monégasque Flying Tourbillon Watches
One of the eighteen fine watch brands that will participate in this year’s Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie (SIHH) is the Genevian watchmaker Roger Dubuis that will proudly present its complete set of four fantasy worlds.
Today, I will introduce you with the most recent arrivals: the new model of La Monégasque Flying Tourbillon and the Velvet which will delight an increasingly demanding feminine clientele.
La Monégasque Flying Tourbillon Watch
The new version of La Monégasque Flying Tourbillon in pink gold incorporates the most fascinating of all watchmaking complications: the flying tourbillon that defies the laws of terrestrial gravity to insure optimal precision in all positions. The complication that is most associated with Fine Watchmaking is clearly visible at the 7 o’clock position where you can see all its refinement and beauty.
Housed in 44 mm pink gold case, there is a highly efficient Caliber RD540 hand-wound mechanical movement that preserves sufficient 60 hours of power reserve when fully wound. The 28 jewels movement oscillates at the frequency of 21,600 vibrations per hour and with its 293 parts, it meets the new criteria of the Geneva Seal.
The impeccable movement which is manufactured, assembled and decorated by hand is visible through an antireflection sapphire crystal that also reveals a unique dial decoration. The case is constructed to resist water pressure up to 50 meters (165 feet). Underneath the front sapphire glass lies a brushed, rhodium-plated intermediate dial which carries the white transferred markers outlined in black, and a matching Roger Dubuis transfer. A brushed, anthracite circle with applied Arabic numerals in pink gold, outlined in black, nicely surrounds the dial surface. At the center of the dial, there is a silvered disc with a brushed sunray effect. A power reserve indicator is situated at the 4 o’clock position, whereas a large date window is located below the numeral twelve. I must say I am impressed with the perfect symmetry of both date and power-reserve apertures with the flying tourbillon.
This model which is produced in the limited quantity of only 188 pieces enriches the latest masculine collection from Roger Dubuis, La Monégasque – the line that perfectly demonstrates the company’s creativity and modernity.
Velvet – the Utterly Feminine Diva for Lady’s Jewelry Watches
The new Velvet collection, inspired by the world of the Diva and intended for a woman who exudes style and strength, will be in the spotlight in the upcoming SIHH 2012.
The principal piece in the Velvet Collection is a model in pink gold set with diamonds. This feminine, sparkling and daring ladies’ wristwatch catches the eye at first glance and awakens the curiosity. At the same time, it is an example of perfectly controlled sophistication.
An impression of elegance and luxury is floating around the Velvet timepiece in pink gold. This model perfectly combines the reliability of a prestigious timepiece with the sparkle of jewelry. Its round case with the diameter of 36 mm carries a sparkling, fixed bezel encrusted with 66 diamonds, approximately weighting 1.33 karats. Its bracelet extends this aura of sparkle with a setting of 196 diamonds, weighting about 1.65 karats. Further, the attachments, also set with diamonds, extend onto the bracelet, thus, recalling the central horn that is an essential part of the Roger Dubuis design code, and here they become a subtle element in the design.
This feminine timepiece is equipped with the extremely precise and reliable Caliber RD821 mechanical movement. The self-winding movement is made by hand, assembled and regulated inGeneva and it complies with the strict requirements laid down for fine watchmaking.
The charming two-level dial of this Velvet watch looks simply sensational. It features the extended Roman numerals as hour markers which appear to hover between the central barrel and the circle. In the foreground, the brushed central part of the dial carries the Roger Dubuis name, while around it, there is a brushed sunray effect which contrasts with the black transferred Roman numerals (except the numerals 6 and 12 which are applied in pink gold).
This dazzling newcomer meets the new standards of the Geneva Seal and faithfully follows the tradition of excellence that has established the brand’s reputation.
