In 2012, having decided to streamline its collections, Roger Dubuis presented Velvet - a line of exclusively feminine watches, designed to seduce divas the world over through an alliance of watchmaking and jewellery, whose various techniques it explores. First to take the stage was the Velvet Jewellery, heralding an elaborate trompe l’oeil design that exudes a charismatic personality within a relatively imposing volume. A watch entirely in tune with the eminently sophisticated and distinctive Roger Dubuis universe. A sweeping look at the Velvet shows it to be round, while a closer focus on the dial hints at a more tonneau (barrel) shape. The subtle shift can be confusing, as one cannot really tell exactly when the circle gives way to the tonneau. It all begins with the triple bracelet lugs, a recurring feature of a Roger Dubuis watch. The square central lugs flow into the rim of the dial to form concave notches in its circle. The brand’s equally typical large Roman numerals then take over, stretching in length and tapering off in width so as to perfectly embrace the curved contours of the barrel, hollowed out in the centre. There is no break in this smooth evolution, but instead a pleasing depth effect and remarkable overall design unity. On a metal bracelet, the links reproduce the shape of the central lugs around the entire wrist. Roger Dubuis is known as the only Manufacture to submit virtually its entire production for Poinçon de Genève certification. Velvet watches are therefore all equipped with authentic Haute Horlogerie mechanical movements; a rare occurrence in a ladies’ collection. The self-winding calibre meets the highest standards of precision – chronometer certification – and of craftsmanship. It can naturally be admired through sapphire crystal casebacks. In addition to the artistry of the in-house watchmakers, the Velvet collection highlights the skills of the gem-setters who embellish each model with precious stones. The Velvet Jewellery is generally set with diamonds on the bezel as well as the central lug, and sometimes beyond. The same gem adorns almost the entire Velvet family, from the Velvet Automatic, discreetly enhanced by a row of diamonds on the inner bezel ring, to the splendid Velvet High Jewellery creations that give pride of place to various gem-setting techniques; from the floral-inspired Blossom Velvet models to the Velvet Haute Couture timepieces with their astonishing straps. The Black Velvet carbon interpretations are an exception to the rule, instead featuring coloured stones. The Velvet line is still part of the catalogue and was last refreshed in 2016.

• A typically Roger Dubuis collection, recurrent signature codes of the Maison • Self-winding Haute Horlogerie movement, bearing the Poinçon de Genève quality hallmark