Rosneathian
1471
Daniel Roth Classic Small Seconds ref. 207/L.30.011.CN.BA
18K rose gold
Calibre: JLC 89136 jewels, 28,800 A/h
Certified chronometer
1999
This is the third of my mini collection of Daniel Roths. I'm working my way backwards for the most part, based on availability and personal tastes. First was the Bvlgari period Ellipsocurvex Moonphase ref. 368.X.60.161.CN.BA. The Datomax ref. 208.L.40.11.CN.BA from 2002 followed. Then this Small Seconds from 1999. I say "for the most part" because some of the Bvlgari period watches stand on their own (I'm thinking of the 15-piece, gold-detailed Athys of 2004, the Athys III of 2007, and the Athys Lunar from 2009).
A few of his prized early works are available at auction (in addition to directly from private collections and less frequently on the open market). Whereas it was a case of tumbleweeds even five years ago, realised auction prices have increased noticeably in recent years. That said, in many cases sums have yet to match original MSRPs of 20+ years ago, as far as I can tell. This may or may not be an indication that the references in question are still undervalued. Fellow WPS members might have additional insights on this point.
While I personally like mine, I think they probably rank in the middle tier somewhere, and not quite at the ethereal level of the man's own finest work. That's where I'm headed next.
Daniel Roth Classic Small Seconds ref. 207/L.30.011.CN.BA
18K rose gold Calibre: JLC 891 36 jewels, 28,800 A/h Certified chronometer 1999 This is the third of my mini collection of Daniel Roths. I'm working my way backwards for the most part, based on availability and personal tastes. First was the Bvlgari perio...
Bulgari still service Daniel Roth watches, even after they dropped the name during the LVMH buy-out in 2011.
Personally, however, I use an independent watch repair outfit. I live in a large city where they've operated for more than 50 years with certified watch repairers for most major brands. They count Christies among their clients, who use them to service and...
Thanks. I can see why you say that.
Much has been said of the 'phases' of M. Roth's work. There is his peerless early output, but I also find that some of the references produced under the ownership of The Hour Glass and Bvlgari did a decent job of adhering to his codes: balance, proportion...
Beautiful collection of DRs .
Like you i am also on the hunt to try to add a early masterpiece from the master watchmaker himself. Till then i am happy to have these 3 great watches ...
Hello again. I'll race you!
Joking of course. One of the pleasures of life right now is to delve deep into Daniel Roth, to meet and converse with experienced collectors and writers, to research the lineage, to compile records of references, and to quietly follow social media posts f...
I would love to add a Papillon or early Tourbillon at some point.
But a beautiful chrono will do also 😉. Lets see what will cross my path in the future 🤷🏻♂️
They are all so wonderful!
I have thought of getting one for years. Can these still be serviced by Bvlgari?
Hello. Yes, the word I have is that Bvlgari still services DR watches.
I should call Bvlgari to confirm this but that’s my understanding. I have my own authorized independent watch repair to go to, so will be taking these three in later this year.
All three of those pop up from time to time.
A 1999 yellow gold papillon featured on Chrono24 for about three days two weeks ago and was gone. I guess you saw my WTB. The price I cited was notional. One was sold for $8,000 less than two years ago, but I’m aware that they are fetching somewhat more t...
I know some pop up from time to time.
Prices are going up. Just need to find the right one at the right time 🤗. Wish you a happy hunt and hope you will find one soon 🙏🏻
Thank you. The first adheres most closely to 'the DR code,' so to speak. The second and third are tangential, but nice compositions in their own ways.
It's whetted my appetite for one or more of his foundational references. For me, that would mean a BB2147 or a C127 a begin with.
Lovely collection.
Hope to add a DR to my collection at some point. May I ask, what is the text that forms part of the zero on the date wheel (second pic/ oversize date)?
Hello. The text reads 'Roth.' This detail appears on the date indicator of Bvlgari-period DR watches...
... and is an example of the 'too much design' trend that crept into watches of the early-mid 2000s. They just about got away with it in this instance, but less really would have been more I feel. That said, it's a lovely little watch and I like how it tu...
Thanks for the clarification.
I agree, it probably is a tad too much, but at least its subtle enough.
Please update us on progress.
My own selections are based on a combination of availability and personal taste. They may or may not overlap with references currently available at auction or on sales platforms... No matter. I've been able to reconstruct much of the catalogue in chronolo...
