Precious and exclusive Haute Horlogerie is a theatre in which the Manufacture Roger Dubuis has every intention of playing a starring role – not least by its gift for dramatic stage entrances such as those being made by its three new Velvet Haute Couture limited editions. Each of these exquisite creations – Velvet Mink Fur, Velvet Corsetry and Velvet Passementerie – illustrates an evocative facet of the Diva that lives in every woman. Each also enlists exclusive hand-crafted skills and talents exercised by the finest exponents of their respective arts: ornamental trimming specialists, leather artisans interpreting corsetry; and expert tailor furriers. Delightfully complementing the watchmaking and jewellery expertise cultivated by Roger Dubuis, these artisans meet demanding criteria entirely worthy of a Manufacture that ensures its entire production meets the uncompromisingly high standards imposed by the Poinçon de Genève.

All members of the charismatic Velvet collection from Roger Dubuis show a certain number of family likenesses that contribute to its potent charm: trompe l’oeil cases subtly associating tonneau and circular shapes; finely decorated lugs including a ‘third’ that becomes precious link and key decorative element; tapering hand-applied Roman numerals converging towards the centre; along with mesmerising depth effects created by split-level dial construction.

Taken together, they create a dressy, sophisticated and eminently feminine look that appeals to contemporary “femmes fatales”…Women who are fully aware of their seductive powers and attracted to glamorous designs and ultra-feminine materials, yet who are also drawn towards timepieces with a mechanical heart such as the self-winding RD821 calibre setting the pace for these three Velvet Haute Couture 88-piece limited editions.

Velvet Haute Couture Mink Fur: the exclusive aura of mink-clad elegance
Diva will admit to a weakness for fur, with its connotations of warmth, softness and luxury. The emblematic bluish-black shimmer of the genuine sheared mink fur strap securing this Velvet Haute Couture model provides a perfect backdrop for the pure gleam of the white gold case, as well as the radiance of the Full Pavé setting created with 496 brilliant-cut diamonds (totalling 4.34 cts) adorning the bezel, case middle, lugs, dial…and even the white gold adjustable folding buckle.

Crafted by the famous furrier and fashion designer Daniel Benjamin Geneva, a family enterprise currently run by the third generation of a dynasty that has achieved worldwide recognition for its peerless expertise, the exceptional nature of this strap infuses this jewellery timepiece with an undeniably Haute Couture spirit. The very kind of ultimate attention to details that characterises Roger Dubuis timepieces, ensuring they are beautiful from every possible angle and earning them the right to bear the exclusive Poinçon de Genève, is echoed in the impeccable quality of the fur and the sophisticated craftsmanship exercised on the mink fur in order to ensure perfectly smooth integration with the distinctive outlines of the case and lugs.

The innovative dial design with its central tonneau-shaped décor is accentuated by double sapphire crystals: one bearing the distinctive metallized Roman numerals and covering the diamond paving beneath; and another encasing the hands and effectively “sealing” the watch. And because even Divas sometimes need options and practical yet equally appealing alternatives for daytime wear, the Manufacture Roger Dubuis also delivers this dazzling timepiece with a shiny black alligator leather strap.

Velvet Haute Couture Corsetry: sensual curves revisited
Despite changing whims and fashion cycles, there is no mistaking the fact that the hourglass figures and corsets, the emblematic figure-enhancing items of lingerie historically associated with highlighting feminine curves, continue to exercise an enduring appeal on women themselves… as well as on all those who admire them.

Just as few can resist the charms of the Diva according to Roger Dubuis, she too is not immune to the allure of ribbons, laces and sensually structured garments. And when a timepiece so effectively captures the spirit of corsetry in a model with such a glamorous exterior, beating to the tune of its reliable mechanical self-winding movement, it is easy to see why it would appeal to women who have it all – and who naturally expect the very best in all respects.

Manufacture Roger Dubuis naturally turned to Les Artisans Selliers – leading Swiss specialists in high-end straps and leather goods dedicated to excellence in their own domain of fine craftsmanship – to create the unmistakable ‘corset-style’ strap for one of its three Velvet Haute Couture limited editions. Hugging the wrist just as a corset embraces voluptuous feminine curves, the intricately detailed Corset strap features elaborate black lacing creating a striking contrast with the surrounding smooth calfskin leather in a delicate flesh-pink shade echoing that of classic soft ballet shoes.
The dial centre of this stunningly original creation is paved with 162 brilliant cut diamonds, framed by a silver-toned satin sunburst exterior bearing the signature Velvet Roman numerals in black or pink gold picking up the colours of the 36 mm case and the strap, while the bezel, lugs and décor are also embellished by refined gem-setting with diamonds of the finest water. The overall effect is one of unmistakable, quintessential femininity, infused with the kind of original twist and unexpected accents that have become a hallmark of timepieces from the Manufacture. Never forgetting that variety is the spice of life, Roger Dubuis also offers divas an additional blushing pink genuine alligator leather strap.


Velvet Haute Couture Passementerie: the irresistible allure of glamorous stockings

The wardrobe of any self-respecting Diva is liable to contain any number of silky soft stockings, including a few pairs of fishnet models that set the perfect finishing touch to a sophisticated outfit, whether worn with a favourite Little Black Dress or a slim-fitting pencil skirt. The Manufacture Roger Dubuis now gives women a chance to channel their inner Diva all the way to their wrist with an extravagantly elegant Haute Couture model teamed with its very own Fishnet Stocking strap.

Highlighting the traditional art of trimmings (passementerie) as exemplified by the venerable Parisian house of Declercq, which has exercised its skills in such prestigious settings as the Louvre and Versailles, this subtle beige-toned strap is delicately sheathed in a beautifully crafted silk thread fishnet pattern finished with a beautifully braided trim evoking a perfect stocking top. The warm grey of the fishnet picks up the shade of the ruthenium-treated dial with its brushed centre and satin sunburst exterior, graced by the pink gold hues of the applied Roman numerals.

Adding the perfect precious touches to a model that is the very picture of elegance and excellence, 1.66 cts of brilliant-cut diamonds adorn the bezel of the 36 mm pink gold case, as well as the distinctive lugs, the décor and the matching pink gold adjustable folding clasp. And since every woman loves to change stockings for a different feel and effect, Manufacture Roger Dubuis offers them an additional shiny taupe alligator strap that can be worn anytime, anywhere.


Sharing superlative standards
Through this daring and unprecedented trilogy of Velvet Haute Couture creations, Roger Dubuis eloquently confirms its determination to pursue excellence in every facet of its activities; to offer women a range of distinctively varied expressions of their innate glamour; and to do so by exclusive associations with kindred spirits committed to upholding the same rigorous standards that it deliberately imposes on its 100% Poinçon de Genève hallmarked production. As one would expect from such exclusive creations, these delightfully sensual, finely crafted timepieces are available in strictly limited editions of 88 each.

Bringing the diva to life
In a stunning new campaign shot in New York by acclaimed photographer Mikael Jansson, under the creative direction of Alvaro Maggini, a series of five Haute Photography portraits captures the timeless essence of the true diva embodied by Haute Couture muse Stephanie Seymour showcasing five Haute Horlogerie models from the Velvet collection. In admiring each of the dramatic decors with minimalist touches, distinctive colours and meaningful evocative poses, one would certainly be tempted to paraphrase Magritte by stating that “this is not advert”, but instead a powerful statement of the soul of feminine glamour according to Roger Dubuis!


About Roger Dubuis
Roger Dubuis has been at the forefront of contemporary Haute Horlogerie since 1995. Its audacious creations, firmly anchored in the 21st century, bear the mark of all the savoir-faire and expertise of the finest watchmaking mechanisms combined with powerful and daring designs. Boldness and extravagance are the brand’s signatures, and determination its engine.
The Roger Dubuis collections La Monégasque, Excalibur, Pulsion Velvet, and Hommage are distributed worldwide through an exclusive sales network and boutiques.
The quest for excellence, the long search for the right gesture and the development of unique skills are all constants of the Geneva-based Swiss Maison. The fully integrated Manufacture Roger Dubuis is the only watchmaker in the world to have all of its precious timepieces embossed with the Poinçon de Genève, a guarantee of finest craftsmanship.

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