Haute Watch of the Week: Roger Dubuis High Jewelry Velvet

Haute Watch of the Week: Roger Dubuis High Jewelry Velvet

Carol Besler
By Carol Besler November 16, 2013

RDDBVE0013 - Roger Dubuis Velvet Baguette

As a brand that manufactures everything according to the strict criteria of the Geneva Seal, Roger Dubuis is serious about the decoration of its timepieces. Take the High Jewelry Velvet.

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The watch is set with 304 diamonds that are precisely measured and custom cut in the baguette style. The case is set with an impressive 138 baguettes cut in 24 different sizes, totaling 7.5 carats. The rest of the watch, including dial, bezel and lugs, is set with 136 additional baguettes, cut in 50 sizes and totaling 5.20 carats, for a total of 13.61 carats.

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Just for good measure, the gems are set invisible-style, a ponderous, exacting process that requires each stone to be individually grooved at the pavilion before being set into a grid of gold wire to exacting tolerances so that each diamond rests at precisely the same level.

15_Velvet-Jewellery-in-pink-gold

The watches in this limited collection of 28 pieces contain the selfwinding caliber RD821 movement, stamped with the Hallmark of Geneva, with a 48-hour power reserve. Functions include hours, minutes and small seconds. The case is 18k white gold, and the strap is a black satin-finished fabric.

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The watch is also available in a spectacular version with a fully set bracelet, with a total of 1,300 diamonds (just over 9 carats). And there’s more: a rose gold version with 82 round brilliant diamonds totaling 1.60 carats on the bezel, lugs and bracelet links, and another set with amethysts and black spinels on a DLC coated case, all with those signature gracefully elongated Roman numerals. This is watchmaking art.

Roger Dubuis certifies each of its watches – about 4,500 per year – according to the standards of the Geneva Seal.

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