Simply Abu Dhabi Magazine XXI

9 3 S I M P LY A B U DH A B I A s can be reliably expected each year at the Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie, the Roger Dubuis booth was a hive of activity and on display was an eye-grabbing dynamic new concept. This time the theme was high fashion, and a multi-level meandering catwalk dotted withmannequins drew passers-by in to admire the new collection – which this year was entirely dedicated to women. 2016 is officially the Year of the Roger Dubuis Diva and the highly anticipated collection is Velvet. Five watch collections embody what the watchmaker has defined as the five facets of the Roger Dubuis woman: she is sophisticated, feline, magnetic, conquering and visionary. And this modern-day diva is vividly expressed through a range of sparkling novelties. Roger Dubuis describes the quality of each concept thus: Velvet Ribbon is sophisticated, elegant and timeless. BlossomVelvet is feline, captivating, possessive, instinctive and mysterious. Black Velvet is conquering, liberated, rebellious, uncompromising and extreme. Velvet Secret Heart is magnetic, compelling and intense. Finally, Velvet by Massaro is visionary, revolutionary, creative and eccentric. Whilst all the creations have their own specific charms and attractions, the standout watch that sparkles, literally, is the Velvet Ribbon. This timepiece also scales the heights of the brand’s self-appointed mission: to be a jeweller of rare artistic masterpieces. The Velvet Ribbon is an haute joaillerie sensation, with split-level dials that give the timepiece a genuine sense of depth. The bold trompe l’oeil case compliments the oversized Roman numerals that taper and finally converge in the central point of the dial. The trademark Roger Dubuis lugs have been given an ornamental flourish, with the signature central lug acting as a decorative bracelet link. This stellar timepiece boasts 631 diamonds with a total of 53 carats. Measuring in at 38.5mm, the size could not be described as dainty, but it does not look inelegant nor too large…rather it confidently holds the gaze, as the brand would surely attest the Roger Dubuis woman would. The platinum case of the Velvet Ribbon is carefully shaped to both allow for the intricate gemsetting, and to display the jewels at optimum angles. The Clou de Paris setting involves a process by which several stones are held in place with a single pin – the metal is concealed and the after effect is one of radiating light. The watch is fully paved with emerald- and baguette-cut diamonds and the inner bezel ring and dial are also fully paved with baguette-cut diamonds. The result is a hypnotic dance of light and colour that seemingly glows on the wrist. The Velvet is an extraordinary marriage of haute horlogerie and haute joaillerie.