Ornatus-Mundi
[Zenith]
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Roger Dubuis: La Monégasque, eclectic version!
The Manufacture Roger Dubuis presents its La Monégasque collection as the modern day interpretation of the original Sympathie watches. I have tried to delineate the family tress in my recent article (see: Genealogical Studies I/II; click here!). The great affection fellow Purists expressed for the Monégasque and the fact that I had no 'simple' automatic version available for shooting the comparative pictures induced me to revisit the collection and present a version where I think the line has reached a zenith:
The watch I am talking about is the La Monégasque Automatic in red gold with a bezel crafted in DLC-coated titanium:
It is this new bezel that adds a dramatic frame to the dial and thereby accentuates the different levels of the case. The watch takes a decisive step out of the elegant ballroom and flirts self--confidently with eclecticism.
I shall revisit this sentence later.
The bezel has a mystical shimmer and a very specific shine thanks to its DLC treatment. Normally I am quick to dismiss such surface treatments, but my criticisms usually applies to fully coated cases.
The bezel has a mystical shimmer and a very specific shine thanks to its DLC treatment. Normally I am quick to dismiss such surface treatments, but my criticisms usually applies to fully coated cases.
Here, the subject is just one of many elements, and I can be very frank: I like it!
How could I not? I could admire for hours even the finest lines brought into light thanks to the elusive bezel...
Fascinating how such a simple background element may carve out the essence of a design!
How could I not? I could admire for hours even the finest lines brought into light thanks to the elusive bezel...
.. or its subtle hues of blacks, anthracites or graphites:
Fascinating how such a simple background element may carve out the essence of a design!
I have a similar feeling towards the crown. It seems to float atop the satinised flange of the case. Its rounded elements and its effulgence attract me a lot. I am addicted to great crowns like this!
Another tiny detail that speaks to me is how the case sides slowly bend down towards the lugs, only to end in a set of surprisingly delicate lug ends:
The movement is a RD821, a central rotor movement that is in RD's stable since quite some time. New is the rotor finish which caused some controversies here on Purists:
The movement is a RD821, a central rotor movement that is in RD's stable since quite some time. New is the rotor finish which caused some controversies here on Purists:
I originally sided with those who appreciated the finish as an economical version of the more elaborate rotors the manufacture produces as well. But at that time I had no first-hand experience with the watch. Having had this I have to admit that I noticed a dissonance between the opulence of the front and the restraint on the back of the watch. I think it deserves a matching rotor. As simple as that!
It is of course awarded with the Poinçon de Genève (PdG) and in addition with a COSC chronometer certificate.
It is of course awarded with the Poinçon de Genève (PdG) and in addition with a COSC chronometer certificate.
Details: PdG, engraved and printed...
... and the Swan's neck regulator:
The watch I inspected came with a tang buckle, which I prefer over deployant clasps. The RD is simple in shape but still has this typical RD twist which imbues the company's Genevan tradition. I also positively noted its defined balance of substance and fragility.
Wearing this timepiece guarantees lots of entertainment from even-changing combination of light strokes, surface impressions and colours. How ofter does one find a simple watch being so entertaining?
Thanks for reading,
... and the Swan's neck regulator:
The watch I inspected came with a tang buckle, which I prefer over deployant clasps. The RD is simple in shape but still has this typical RD twist which imbues the company's Genevan tradition. I also positively noted its defined balance of substance and fragility.
Wearing this timepiece guarantees lots of entertainment from even-changing combination of light strokes, surface impressions and colours. How ofter does one find a simple watch being so entertaining?
Bottom-line: I wrote further above "The watch takes a decisive step out of the elegant ballroom and flirts self--confidently with eclecticism."
I'd like to juxtapose this with the words of Mr Roger Dubuis himself, who is cited with the following: "We always wish to create timepieces of today, inspired by, but not subject to, the past which projects itself into a future that belongs to everyone".
I believe the La Monégasque, at least in this very version, is a worthy interpretation of Mr Dubuis' original work, don't you agree?
Thanks for reading,
Magnus
This message has been edited by Ornatus-Mundi on 2013-09-22 07:32:18
Roger Dubuis: La Monégasque, eclectic version!
The Manufacture Roger Dubuis presents its La Monégasque collection as the modern day interpretation of the original Sympathie watches. I have tried to delineate the family tress in my recent article (see: Genealogical Studies I/II; click here! ). The grea...
Classical, modern ...
with a twist, therefore I like it. Still would prefer the bezel with a white metal case. The colour of platinum could be nice ... :-) Thanks, Magnus. Oliver
I know where you are coming from...
and I see why you like the combination of two materials with their respective mystic shimmer! Magnus
Beautifully designed La Monegasque
and a definite worthy interpretation of Mr Dubuis' original work. A good step in the right direction! I like the DLC bezel which accents the overall design and blends in and matches with the dial. Also, the red gold case looks fabulous with the shimmery d...
Thanks a lot for this detailed presentation Magnus.
I like a lot this watch, especially with the PG case. But with such case material and a price tag higher than the SS version, I would have been happy to see a gold rotor. Anyway, I remember the pleasure I had to wear a Monegasque during a full day in Brus...
I agree but I think it would be problematic...
to offer the steel version with a steel and the precious metal version with a gold rotor. It would make the steel version look cheap. I can't see a luxury watch manufacturer wanting this. Magnus