Two and a half times lighter than titanium, carbon is frequently associated with distinctly sporty or even masculine timepieces. Roger Dubuis uses it to shape an iconoclastic and surprisingly feminine creation. The multi-layered technique used to form the carbon case creates a wave-like effect that is never the same twice depending on how the light plays over it, thus rendering each watch truly unique.
This darkly modern and urban feminine look frames a tone-on-tone carbon dial. The effect is offset by white Roman numerals, white gold appliques at 6 and 12 o’clock, as well as by the white Roger Dubuis and Poinçon de Genève inscriptions. The 66 Paraiba tourmalines adorning the bezel and ‘third-lug’ décor match perfectly the satin strap secured by a DLC-titanium folding clasp.
Following on from the world-first gemsetting on rubber named “soft stones in the sky” introduced at the SIHH 2015, Roger Dubuis introduces the first timepiece to feature gemset carbon, an unprecedented association that called for a newly evolved technique that has also been duly patented.
In this year that the Manufacture is dedicating to Women, this latest innovation is intended specifically for women although it is bound to intrigue the masculine mind – and eye. One could in some ways view this process as associating two different gems, since diamonds are a crystalline form of carbon. The prongs on this Black Velvet ‘paw’ holding the Paraiba tourmalines are white, thus subtly accentuating the visual impact of the stones.
Today’s woman expects infinitely more of her watch than just a pretty face – however original and appealing it may be. The Black Velvet thus beats to the 28,800 vibrations per hour tune of a mechanical self-winding movement. Finely adjusted in five positions and delivering a 48-hour power reserve, Calibre RD821 is adorned with rhodium plating, ‘Côtes de Genève’ decoration and Poinçon de Genève finishes. The Black Velvet is issued in an 88-piece limited edition.
