Roger Dubuis - The New York Watch Auction: SEVEN New York Saturday, December 10, 2022 | Phillips

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  • Manufacturer: Roger Dubuis
    Year: 2000
    Reference No: S37 56 5
    Movement No: 125
    Case No: No. 6 of 28; 200’344
    Model Name: Sympathie S37
    Material: 18K pink gold
    Calibre: Manual, cal. 12’’ RD56, 21 jewels; stamped with the Geneva seal
    Bracelet/Strap: Crocodile
    Clasp/Buckle: 18K pink gold Roger Dubuis deployant clasp
    Dimensions: 37mm Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement, and clasp signed.
    Accessories: Accompanied by Roger Dubuis Certificate of Origin dated August 18th 2000 indicating sale in Chicago in October of the same year, Certificate of Origin for the movement issued by the Canton of Geneva and dated March 6th 1998, Chronometer Certificate dated June 23rd 2000, numbered hang tag, additional solid caseback, additional Roger Dubuis pin buckle, two additional Roger Dubuis straps in as new condition, instruction manual, leather document holder, fitted presentation box, and outer box.

  • Catalogue Essay

    Roger Dubuis created his eponymous brand at a time where “going independent” wasn’t something watchmakers usually did.

    Dubuis started his career in the late 1950s in the after-sales department of Longines. Repairing the iconic 13ZN chronograph caliber was an eye opener for him into the wonderful world of chronographs. He then left Longines for Patek Philippe where he worked as a constructor and a master watchmaker in the complications department. He left Patek Philippe after 14 years and set up his own repair atelier in Geneva in 1980, even creating movements for other brands. However, it was not until the mid-1990s that he created his own brand.

    Greatly inspired by his time at Patek Philippe and the brand’s beautiful timepieces, Dubuis launched two models, the round, classical Hommage and the quirkier Sympathie with its unusual case design.

    The present Sympathie chronograph features a movement based on the Lemania 2310 ébauche - just like the famed Patek Philippe reference 5070. The movement proudly displays the Geneva seal - an exceptional feat for a small, at the time, independent watchmaker. On top of that, it was certified by the Besançon Observatory. Initially intended as a limited edition of 28 pieces, not all of the pieces were completed, rendering this example extremely rare. Based on our research, only 6 pieces in pink gold and 6 pieces in white gold were completed.

    This watch takes us back to a time, when now-household names such as F.P. Journe or Roger Smith were experimenting, producing their very first prototypes, pushing the boundaries of watchmaking and re-defining the meaning of contemporary watchmaking. Industry veterans will look back at this golden period of horology as the cradle of independent watchmaking, with doses of both pride and nostalgia.

    Offered as a complete set, this two-register chronograph features an 18K pink gold case, and a spectacular, luminous, black glossy sector dial with contrasting sub-dials. With an utterly phenomenal presence on any size wrist, the S37 is one of the “OGs” of independent watchmaking, an inspiration for the rise and dominance of the independents we are experiencing today.

Σ106

Ref. S37 56 5
A quirky, innovative, and exciting pink gold chronograph wristwatch with black luminous dial, certificate of origin, chronometer certificate, and presentation box

2000
37mm Diameter
Case, dial, movement, and clasp signed.

Estimate
$15,000 - 30,000 
CHF14,300-28,500
€14,500-28,900
HK$117,000-235,000
S$20,600-41,100

Sold for $30,240

Contact Specialist

Paul Boutros

Head of Watches, Americas

+1 (212) 940-1293

WatchesNY@Phillips.com

 

Isabella Proia

Head of Sale, New York

+1 (212) 940 1285

iproia@phillips.com

 

The New York Watch Auction: SEVEN

New York Auction 10 - 11 December 2022