In Focus: Roger Dubuis Sympathie Perpetual Calendar

The Roger Dubuis Sympathie Perpetual Calendar is true horologie Genevoise. It laid the groundwork for avant-garde watchmaking and led the early independent watchmaking movement. Roger Dubuis, the man, built a brand that represented his style of traditional watchmaking, paving the way for future indie brands.

Prior to building his eponymous brand, Dubuis spent nine years with Longines and fourteen years with Patek Philippe, working in their high complications department. This experience would forever influence his watchmaking. After leaving Patek, Mr. Dubuis built a small business repairing watches and clocks, and would become one of the early independent watchmakers leading the way the era of independent watchmaking we currently enjoy. Working alongside Marc Wiederrecht, who would go on to found Agenhor, the pair developed a bi-retrograde perpetual calendar movement that was featured in the Harry Winston Bi-Retrograde Perpetual Calendar which was unveiled at Baselworld 1989.

When he built his own brand, Dubuis cased this bi-retrograde perpetual calendar movement in a 37mm asymmetric and avant-garde case in his architectural style. This particular Sympathie Perpetual Calendar, with a black dial, maintains a dressy shape and a sporty feeling. It’s an inviting watch to wear that would make for a perfect weekend calendar watch.

Adding to the special nature of this watch is the moonphase at the six o’clock position. Made from lapis lazuli, the moonphase disc provides an excellent night sky effect from the beauty of the natural stone. A mirror polished gold moon jumps off the stone, providing a wonderful moonscape on the dial to be enjoyed at all phases of the moon.

Certified as a chronometer by the Besançon Observatory in France, the watch also features the Geneva Seal, a hallmark that was important to Dubuis following his time at Patek. To add to the palmares of the Sympathie Perpetual Calendar, it was frequently seen on Roger Dubuis’ wrist, making it that much more desirable.

The Specs

Model: Roger Dubuis Sympathie Perpetual Calendar

Reference Number: S35757720

Case Size + Material: 37mm case in 18k white gold

Caseback: Exhibition caseback

Movement: Roger Dubuis calibre 5772; automatic mechanical movement

Functions:  Hours, minutes, seconds, perpetual calendar with day, date, month, leap year indication, and moonphase

Strap/Bracelet: Alligator strap with tang buckle