Roger Dubuis Sympathie Chronograph S37 56 - Salmon sector dial
Origin
Roger Dubuis was a Swiss-born specialist watchmaker who spent two decades at Patek Philippe working on complicated timepieces. Prior to that, he spent nine years working at Longines during the 1950s where he was repairing chronographs as part of the aftercare team. His illustrious career working at two giants of the Swiss watch industry cemented his impact on watchmaking during the 20th century. Dubuis’ watchmaking talent was further put on a pedestal thanks to his deep passion and love for the art. More often than not his spare time was filled with fixing watches for clients and shops in Switzerland alike. From these prestigious brands, Dubuis went on to set up on his own, repairing and restoring antique clocks & watches during the late 1980s as well as creating modules for popular chronograph movements such as Lemania. He continued to assist major auction houses and watch brands in the development of projects and also studied the retrograde complication.
However, it was during the 1990s when Dubuis met with a gentleman called Carlos Dias. Dias was a businessman and a watch designer meaning it was only a matter of time before the expertise of both talents were combined to create a watch brand. In 1995, Roger Dubuis launched as a watch brand with two watch models: The Hommage and the Sympathie.
Naturally, these early Roger Dubuis watches took inspiration from historical models from les ateliers such as Patek Philippe and Longines, always with an aim to respectfully pay tribute to their beauty. Similarities to Patek didn’t start and end with the general design of the watches though, as Roger Dubuis movements also received the Poinçon de Genève Seal. This seal focuses on the arts of decorating a movement with finesse and skill; something which at the time only one other watchmaker achieved, Patek Philippe.
This became a big focus for the brand with each model produced. In fact, to this day Roger Dubuis is the only manufacturer who can say 100% of their production watches that have ever left their workshop have achieved a Geneva Seal.
During the following decade, Dubuis left the brand and five years later it was acquired by the Richemont group. Since then the brand has taken a drastic new direction from the models created under Dubuis’ control following the trend for larger, more, excentric and distinctive-looking pieces using modern materials.
Although the Roger Dubuis brand continues to create haute horology, the work of its founder during the 1990s has steadily been gaining appreciation and desirable traction for many years now. Passionate collectors are keenly curating early models with no signs of slowing down.
The Watch
The Sympathie was one of the first two models to be released by the brand in the mid-1990s and is incredibly rare and sought after. Roger Dubuis only produced 28 versions of the early models making this S37 Chronograph incredibly rare.
The case of this watch is a flowing, fascinating piece of design that isn’t quite a cushion, tonneau, or rectangular. The Sympathie’s case is in fact a truly unique piece of art in itself that displays an elite level of understanding of proportions, compact design and coherence.
The application of charming pink tones doesn’t start and end with the case material though, as dial aspects match the case fantastically. The outer track and the sub-dials are finished in a beautiful salmon colour. This bi-compax chronograph also features a pulsation scale surrounding the silver toned dial where a sector design draws all of these wonderful aspects together. The chronograph and sub-dial hands are all blued completing this irresistible dial.
The hour and minute hands coming in rare skeletonized feuilles shape – are in pink gold, underlining the remarkable strong identity of this limited edition.
The Roger Dubuis pin buckle is also made in pink gold, ensuring the watch breathes refinement in and out. This mind-blowing watch is further characterized by a bulletin d’observatoire, is signed horloger genevois and has a transparent sapphire case-back with intricate engraving.
The Movement
Seen through the display case back of the Sympathie S37 Chronograph is an absolute gem of a movement: the in-house caliber RD56. Based on the legendary Lemania 2310, this movement features a swan neck regulator, wishbone-shaped main bridge, and is Geneva sealed. Simply put this, movement is regarded as one of the most important chronograph movements of the era. Unsurprisingly, Patek Philippe also used this movement.
Through the engraved sapphire case-back this mighty impressive movement can be enjoyed in all its mechanical beauty.
How It Wears
As discussed earlier when talking about the case, the Sympathie S37 is a beautifully compact, balanced watch on the wrist. At 37mm wide it sits right at the sweet spot proportionally. It’s large enough to feel special and important, but it doesn’t take it too far. The presence of its unique case shape is only enhanced further thanks to its substantial, characterful lug design. There isn’t anything quite like the Sympathie on the wrist.
The soft, warm glow and feel of the 18k pink gold case is irresistible with the bright, fanciful dial providing unwavering elegance in abundance.
Condition
This Sympathie S37 Chronograph is in mint, as new condition with only minor hairlines. The watch comes with its original box and is fitted to a high-quality Mr Watchley Nubuck Navy Blue watch strap.
If you desire to take a closer look at this precious timepiece, don't hesitate to contact us and make an appointment.
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| Reference | S37 56 |
|---|---|
| Movement | Manual Wound |
| Caliber |
Calibre RD56
|
| Dial | Salmon sector |
| Size (Case) | 37 mm |
| Material (Case) | Pink gold |
| Bracelet | Navy blue nubuck |
| Glass | Sapphire |
| Condition | Mint condition |
| Year | Around 2000 |
| Papers | - |
| Box | Yes |
| Warranty | 2 years |