SYMPATHIE MODEL, MOVEMENT NO. 15

Thought to be possibly unique, this palladium cased first generation Sympathie Chronograph Perpetual Calendar Bi-Retrograde is one of the most legendary, almost mythical neo-vintage Roger Dubuis wristwatches of all for collectors of the superb high complication timepieces that were produced in the mid-1990s to early 2000s when the company was an independent brand. This was the period when Roger Dubuis himself was still actively designing, regulating, and assembling the timepieces.

The Sympathie Perpetual Calendar Bi-Retrograde Chronograph model is in itself one of the most mechanically complex and historically significant grails of neo-vintage independent watchmaking. Standing as a masterclass of the brand's ‘golden era’, it blends two of Roger Dubuis’ most emblematic attributes - the column-wheel chronograph and the bi-retrograde perpetual calendar.

Roger Dubuis was a pioneer in the use of palladium for watch cases, however this metal was used almost exclusively for the ‘Hommage’ series, usually for special edition or ‘piece unique’ watches. Most early Sympathie Perpetual Calendar Chronograph watches were produced in 18k white gold, pink gold, or platinum. Until the emergence of this stunning black-dial palladium perpetual calendar chronograph, the Sympathie model was unknown in palladium. Perhaps the only example made, the present watch is the standout individual piece among the entire Sympathie Perpetual Calendar Bi-Retrograde Chronograph model, it affords collectors with the exceptional, and most likely the only opportunity to possess one of the ultimate trophies among neo-vintage high complication wristwatches.

One of the key characteristics of the so-called first generation Sympathie model is that the cushion-shaped case designed by Roger Dubuis himself, featuring complex curves that sweep inward and outward with extended, elegant lugs, has a crystal that is cut to trace this complicated perimeter precisely, rather than adopting the simpler circular form found on later versions. The production of this form of crystal was an exceptional feat and extremely costly, it exemplifies the uncompromising attention to detail that distinguishes these early Roger Dubuis watches.

The complex black dial features a highly intricate layout, including a bi-retrograde display showing the days of the week on the left arch and the date on the right arch. A month and leap year indicator resides at 12 o'clock, a moon phase complication is positioned at 6 o'clock. That harmonious arrangement of so many indications is made possible by the manually wound caliber RD5637 movement based on the Lemania 2310 modified and fitted with a module developed by Roger Dubuis and movement specialist Jean-Marc Wiederrecht. By moving the day and date away from conventional subsidiary dials and onto retrograde displays, they created space for the other indications and at the same time giving the dial its striking symmetrical aesthetic.

Roger Dubuis originally started as an independent project in 1995 when master watchmaker Roger Dubuis and designer Carlos Dias co-founded the brand. During its first decade, it operated as a fiercely independent workshop known for classical, highly complicated watches certified by the rigorous Poinçon de Genève (Geneva Seal). Though corporate corporate backing eventually changed its independence status, the brand maintains its distinct identity through avant-garde designs and high-horology calibers.