Roger Dubuis announced that the year 2016 will be the year of the Diva, with the introduction of its Velvet lines from the Manufacture, all vividly confirming its stature as the Jeweller of rare artistic masterpieces. The multiple aspects of this claim are embodied with particular strength in the World Premiere Black Velvet trilogy.
Ever since its creation under the impetus of its founder Roger Dubuis, the maison has steadily built its global reputation as an innovator. Its dynamic R&D-driven approach to watchmaking – involving substantial investments backed by a dedicated in-house department and its own full-fledged Manufacture – enables it to give free rein to its creativity.
This unwavering loyalty to the creed of constant innovation is expressed through a resolutely cutting-edge attitude that enables it to roll out world-first, headline-making releases with each new edition of the SIHH.
Roger Dubuis has thereby acquired a worldwide reputation as an avant-garde maison perpetually on the look-out for original technical developments and unusual aesthetic options – as well as unexpected combinations of the two, including through pioneering associations between materials often considered to be polar opposites.
These complementary facets of its expertise – already allied to spectacular effect in the unprecedented “soft stones in the sky” patented gem-setting on rubber now find expression in the newly released Black Velvet trilogy.
Each of the models composing the trilogy features the groundbreaking use of gem-set carbon, which called for a newly evolved and duly patented technique. Given that diamonds are a crystalline form of carbon – this could in fact be seen as the association between two different gems.
These models contribute to altering the masculine perception of carbon, which is transformed here in a manner that propels it firmly into an unmistakable feminine mode. In terms of wearer comfort, this high-tech material ten times lighter than gold ensures an inimitably airy and pleasing feel on the wrist, while the multi-layered technique creates a mottled, wave-life effect that gives each watch a truly unique appearance.
In the dazzling version unveiled at the SIHH 2016, an approximately one-carat halo of 66 Paraiba tourmalines adorn the bezel and ‘third-lug’ décor. These ultra-rare stones glow with singular vibrancy that sets off the dusky carbon dial background to perfection. They are matched by the shimmering dove grey of the shiny satin-finish strap. The second interpretation is no less appealing, since it is graced with a white mother-of-pearl dial surrounded by 66 black spinels – another rare gemstone – totaling approximately 1.3 cts. This stylish model is fitted with a black strap in the same silky soft fabric produced using state-of-the-art technologies.
The third and final variation on this world première theme epitomizes pristine purity with the nobility of white diamonds framing the mother-of-pearl dial, as well as an immaculate and alluring white strap.
Contemporary women and especially those of the Black Velvet variety are increasingly fascinated by the intricacies of mechanical watchmaking. They will naturally appreciate the 172-part mechanical self-winding caliber finely adjusted in six positions and delivering a 48-hour power reserve.
Flaunting its beauty through the sapphire crystal case-back, Caliber RD821 is adorned with rhodium plating, ‘Côtes de Genève’ decoration and Poinçon de Genève finishes.
Roger Dubuis has been at the forefront of contemporary Haute Horlogerie since 1995. Its audacious creations embody substantial expertise expressed through the finest watchmaking mechanisms combined with powerful and daring designs. Luxury, boldness and extravagance are the brand’s signatures, and determination its driving force. The fully integrated Manufacture Roger Dubuis is the only watchmaker in the world to have all of its precious timepieces embossed with the Poinçon de Genève, a guarantee of the finest
