HistoricalModels

In pursuit of the Tourbillon's excellence, Mr. Roth revisited most of the key complications in watchmaking starting with the Chronograph.

Although the 1990s were a time when hand-wound mechanical chronographs were seldom seen in major Swiss brands' catalogs, DANIEL ROTH introduced a dual-pusher manual-winding model based on the iconic Lemania 2320 reference 2147/C147.

Quickly after the dual-pusher Chronograph reference 2147/C147, Mr. Roth dreamed up a limited edition mono-pusher Chronograph reference 2137/C137, based on the Lemania calibre 15CHT. Only 52 pieces were created including 36 in yellow gold and 16 in platinum.

Believed to have only had 60 pieces made, DANIEL ROTH created the split-second Chronograph in the early 1990s based on the Venus 179 calibre.

As Mr. Roth said, "Nothing suits a wrist better than an ultra-thin watch". It was this belief that inspired the Master Watchmaker to start working on the automatic Ultra-Thin model based on the renowned Frederic Piguet calibre 71, which he familiarized himself with at Breguet. While the reference 2107/C107 was offered in multiple variations from plain or open caseback to an array of case materials and finishings, it was always accompanied by the signature double-ellipse case.

Following the 1990 launch of the automatic model, DANIEL ROTH offered a manual version that reduced the thickness by almost 1mm which was also reflected in the proportions of the double-ellipse case, maintaining the aesthetic balance of the watch.

A more feminine version of the DANIEL ROTH Ultra-Thin was also released with diamond adornments.

Mr. Roth allowed his creativity to flourish following the simplistic yet technically advanced Ultra-Thin with his interpretation of the Retrograde complication in 1991. Inspired by a pocket watch made by the acclaimed Mr. George Daniels, the hours, offered in both Arabic or Roman numerals, are displayed in a demi-circle at the top of the dial. Spanning from 6 to 6, each time the hour hand completes its journey, it automatically reverts to the left-end without crossing the second's dial.

Continuing to master the fundamental complications in watchmaking, Mr. Roth redefined the Perpetual Calendar in its inherent complexity by incorporating a day and month display in “guichets” for which he partnered with the renowned Mr. Philippe Dufour.

This feature was later adapted by the master watchmakers for a more traditional and less energy consuming display with subdials simultaneously jumping at midnight.

The Master Watchmaker celebrated the 10 year anniversary of DANIEL ROTH by creating the “papillon” (French word for butterflies), in homage to his father who was a butterfly collector.

Displaying a jumping hour at 12 o’clock, a running seconds display in the center of the dial, and a minute retrograde scale, the Papillon was produced in 1999 as the final masterpiece from Mr. Roth in a limited edition of 250 pieces with 110 in yellow gold, 110 in white gold, and 30 in platinum.