Rosneathian
1471
Thanks. Yes this is the third of three so far.
I wanted to achieve two things:
1. Sample work from all phases of DR, both during and after Monsieur Roth's direct involvement
2. Align the watches I selected to my personal tastes
It's a balancing act. I like to approach watches as a purist, but I'm not a puritan who'll aggressively chase specific references just because of exclusivity, reputation or status.
This meant selecting from among the more conservative options available. This translates, for me, into yellow gold; solid dials; and preferably L scale references (34mm x 38mm).
While I admire Monsieur Roth's initial push to deliver a complete range of high complications - tourbillon, monopoussoir, minute repeater, etc., my tastes mean I'm more inclined to the chronographs, small seconds, date/no date, three-handers (I added moonphase from the Bvlgari period as well). His butterfly - your watch - is a fascinating design and technical feat but it's not for me.
All the above means I'm still interested in early-period pieces such as the BB2147 chronograph and the C127 retrograde. I'm aware that these get snapped up quickly these days, so neither becomes available that's okay too. No matter.
There are plenty of references that don't appeal to me. The Hour Glass/El Primero chronographs are quite popular at the moment. I have that movement working away in a couple of watches already. But in my estimation their execution in DR watches ruins the balance and symmetry that was a core design feature. I also feel that much of the Bvlgari output became increasingly garish as time passed, just as we've seen happen to watches bearing the name of Franck Muller or Roger Dubuis. Companies acquiring names and skills is acceptable to me only if there is an underlying respect for the originator. For all of Bvlgari's technical accomplishments, their DR products became increasingly discordant.
Alongside pursuing specific watches I've derived the most pleasure from connecting with veteran collectors and tapping historical sources of information. That's been the glue that's held this little exercise together to date. Fascinating stuff.
More posts:
Daniel Roth Classic Small Seconds Ref. 207/L.30.011.CN.BA
The reference number breakdown: 207 - Model number L - Size 34mm x 38mm (J=31mm x 34mm; X=38mm x 41mm) 30 - Yellow gold 011 - Solid silver dial CN - Croco noir BA - Boucle ardillon Photographs below of the watch basking in the Sunday sun, and awaiting its...
There has been an uptick in interest, hasn't there?
I'm a latecomer to fora like this and to collecting circles, so became aware about six months ago that there has been a revival of interest in DR's work. No tourbillons, monopoussoirs or minute repeaters for me though - my tastes are rather more humble. I...
A beautiful DR
I loved them from the time he started his journey but couldn’t afford them back then . Lucky i was able to greb a few when possible . and its good to see there is more attention to these beautiful watches nowadays
Thanks for sharing your own experience. I especially enjoy speaking with 'first gen' enthusiasts and collectors of any kind of watch...
... and I've observed a quite substantial gap in knowledge between people who just quietly went about picking up a DR here or there, and the hype-driven looseness that's commonplace today. It's not a stretch to say that in some cases we have merchants who...
Congrats my friend
Is this a new addition to your collection? I recalled you have three DR watches prior to this? This is a gorgeous piece and I particularly like the small seconds models. Would definitely love to add one of these to my collection one day. My personal favou...
Thanks. Yes this is the third of three so far.
I wanted to achieve two things: 1. Sample work from all phases of DR, both during and after Monsieur Roth's direct involvement 2. Align the watches I selected to my personal tastes It's a balancing act. I like to approach watches as a purist, but I'm not ...
