In keeping with the company motto, “Dare to be rare”, Roger Dubuis is once again playing the innovation card, enriching its Velvet collection for ladies with three Haute Couture watches. The theme essentially plays out on the bracelet, which is made up of tiny black or white crystal beads that look a bit like caviar. Once again, the watchmaker has deployed its manufacturing expertise and its motor sports connections to produce an innovative strap made from a molten polymer, lined with rubber and coated with a “spangled dust” that reflects the light. It’s a bold choice and the result is stunning.
The art of extravagance is expressed in the geometrical layout of the dial, the unusual case shape and the eye-catching lugs that prolong the aesthetic onto the strap. In white or pink gold, this dainty watch is embellished with diamonds around the bezel and on the lugs.
The dials of the Velvet Caviar watches, worked in shimmering mother-of-pearl or black lacquer, are stepped, with bold geometric patterns. The central barrel-shaped section is edged with slender Roman numerals that follow the contours of the central panel on the inside while conforming to the circular case on the outside. The applied markers at 12 and 6 o’clock are picked out in white or pink gold, adding depth and contrast to the dial. The hour and minute hands, in the same matching colour, describe their circles over this sophisticated design.
The elegant aesthetic of this timepiece reflects the technical sophistication of its manufacture calibre RD830, which drives the other Velvet models as well as the Excalibur 36, Excalibur 42 and Excalibur 45. The automatic movement vibrates at a frequency of 28,800 vph and has a power reserve of 48 hours.
The Velvet collection offers a variety of different dials and straps in a wide range of colours, giving modern divas the ability to match the colour of their watch to their mood.
The first version is targeted at strong, charismatic women. Its 36 mm pink gold case is paired with a contrasting black lacquer dial, with discreet Roman numerals just a shade lighter. The 86 diamonds set into the bezel and lugs add a flash of light to the watch, which is fitted with a black caviar strap. (Price : CHF 40,900)
The second version is for romantics and dreamers. Its lustrous white gold case is matched with a silvered caviar strap and a white mother-of-pearl dial. Unlike the previous version, the applied numerals are picked out in black, contrasting boldly with the white dial. (Price : CHF 43,100)
The third and final version is for mischievous women who live life to the full. The mother-of-pearl dial in its pink gold case features lighter tone-on-tone Roman numerals. A black caviar strap adds the final touch of elegance. (Price : CHF 41,500)
So, what’s your mood?
