Roger Dubuis

I've always loved the sympathie line.   The shape was unique, yet not overly complex.   To many, it was either love or hate whereas for me, it was love at first sight.   A refreshing change from the typical round & rectangular shaped watches and to top it off, a rather unique representation of perpetual calendars back then. 

First launched in 1996, the voluptuous shape captured the spot light and 'defined' the iconic shape of the brand.   Initially it was done in 34mm & 37mm case size.

In 1999 the model was revised w/ a minor update which incorporated a thicker & curvy lug w/ oversized lug screw:

In 2000, the line was further updated w/ round crystal..   Rumours has it that the manufacturer was having difficulties making the 'shaped' crystal, hence the switching over to round crystal.    It somehow lessen the appeal of the case but it also allow the possibility of enlarging the case size to 40mm     

 

43mm case size was introduced in 2002

Announced in 2004, a major revamp took place and the line took on a dose of sportiness.   The case size was standardized at 43mm for men collection. 

In 2006, a smaller case size of 40mm was added to the collection but only a handful of models were released. 

During 2007 SIHH, the line went thru the final face lift before retiring from the product line:

As you can see here, strong design clue of Excalibur was already taking shape.  

Not to forget the sportier variants that were derived from the line as well:

So which one do you like the most?
This message has been edited by Jester on 2012-01-07 20:28:02

I asked Monsieur Dubuis recently about the design inspiration of the Sympathie line, he smiled & promised to give me a full story later.   A few days later, while I was strolling in the old town of Geneva, I came upon this!

 

Could this be it??? This message has been edited by Jester on 2011-11-19 09:35:55

but lets wait for Mr Dubuis to confirm!!!

i still very much prefer the older case with shaped glass.

best,

Horo

Nice post. Thanks. My fav. watch of your post must be the revamped version of 2004, 43mm. I love how it gets more masculine but still true to its origin. 

Give me the 'old school' model with shaped crystal, especially as a perpetual. One of my 'holy grail' watches, especially in palladium. : ) 

I think the best were the 37 with thicker lugs, after it was too big, here the proportions are great. The charme of this case is fantastic.

Great watches mel !

I hope we see them again

In 2000, I bought this Dubiuis Sympathie New Millenary 2000 Bi-Retrograde in rose gold. This was when Dubuis was still running the show. The watch is a gorgeous example of Dubuis' vision. Personally, I don't think the company has, pre or post Richemont, done anything quite as lovely. I just had is completely overhauled by Richemont. I often think of selling it as I don't have too many places to wear it but haven't yet gotten myself to part with it.

Very interesting reminder of an emblematic shape of Dubuis. The second versond in 37mm with the shaped glass and thick lugs looks fantastic, very baroque and very charming. Love the chronograph version.

Thanks for the post Jester

Francois

because it has a bold striking design but yet at the same time doesn't go overboard for me.

The earlier Symphathie's such as below are a little too conservatively designed for me.  Plus I find them a tad too busy.  I prefer a bold clean look.

Cheers,
Anthony

Dear Jester and friends, can someone tell me a little more about the Sympathie line and why RD calls it Sympathie?