Swiss watchmaker Roger Dubuis’s Velvet line of watches for women is blossoming with the launch of new creations earlier this year.

The new Blossom Velvet Pink and Blossom Velvet Blue are multi-petal expressions of ageless sensuality, while three one-of-a-kind and even more elaborate interpretations – assembled as an exquisite set nestling in a superbly crafted marquetry-worked box – compose a dainty ‘trilogy bouquet’ reserved exclusively for Roger Dubuis boutiques.

The 36-mm case of the Blossom Velvet Pink and Blossom Velvet Blue – respectively crafted in pink or white gold – is rimmed with two rows of brilliant-cut diamonds adorning the bezel and lugs, transforming the Velvet’s central “third lug” into a precious link. 

These gems surround the split-level mother-of-pearl dial graced with an engraved and sculpted floral marquetry motif. The signature Velvet central tonneau or barrel shape – contributing to its trompe l’oeil effect and swept over by the hours and minutes hands – is delicately accentuated by diamonds.

Gifted artisans have played with softly curved shapes and subtle shades of pink or blue to form a unique floral décor skilfully fashioned from an exceptionally thick plate of grand feu enamel. 

The challenges involved in this choice of material and the way of working with it provide a classic example of the firm’s determination to push both aesthetic and technical boundaries.

This method implied finding the exact pigments required for each subtly graded shade of the flowers and leaves gracing the Pink and Blue interpretations.

The wreath of blooms rests on dainty scrolling patterns evoking delicate stems and tendrils. At the heart of each sparkles a diamond in a prong-free, gold-tube bezel setting inserted into the centre of the flower, once again showcasing the haute joalllerie expertise of the manufacture. The absence of hour-markers eloquently expresses Roger Dubuis’s appreciation of the precious nature of time. 

The watches are powered by a mechanical self-winding movement with a 48-hour power reserve, Calibre RD821, bearing the Poinçon de Genève quality hallmark. 

A satin finish fabric strap provides a perfectly backdrop for the 154 diamonds (totalling approx.1.9 carats) and the elaborately ornamental dial. It is clasped in place by a pink gold adjustable folding buckle set with brilliant cut diamonds.

This floral wonder composing a poetic anthem to womanhood is issued in an 88-piece edition and priced at around $64,200.


UNIQUE PIECE

Roger Dubuis has also introduced three new Blossom Velvet varieties, grouped in a ‘trilogy bouquet’ nestling in a superb glossy white lacquered sycamore and plane wood box. 

Each of these models is unique and each takes artistry and workmanship to an even more refined level by sculpting the grand feu enamel flowers against a black, mauve or blue ‘flowerbed’ also crafted from grand feu enamel and surrounding a mother of-pearl barrel-shaped dial centre. These breathtaking interpretations are even more richly paved with 413 diamonds (totalling approx. 3.48 carats), each of which is fitted with a matching textured authentic satin strap.