Daniel Roth 10th Anniversary Papillon, White Gold

The Papillon is a piece that marks the 10th anniversary of the Daniel Roth manufacture, and in keeping with this milestone, is limited to very small numbers, with only 250 pieces ever produced. Out of that, 110 were made in white gold, including this example.

This was the last watch that Roth worked personally on during his time at the manufacture, as he became increasingly less involved in the brand after 1995. His final farewell, this is a stunning watch that combines both Roth’s signature elegant finishing and his innovative spirit. Indeed, the dial layout of the piece is unconventional yet pleasingly symmetrical. Furthermore, two types of guilloché are used on the dial, not only giving the piece a sense of depth, but also highlighting the watchmaker’s skill.

The complication used for this watch, the jump hour, is very much a product of its time. Indeed, during the last decade of 20th century, many independent watchmakers and established brands were experimenting with unconventional ways of displaying the time, with the Audemars Piguet Star Wheel, Cartier Tank à Guichets and Vacheron Constantin Saltarello being a few other noteworthy examples.

The elliptical case shape is also a trademark design from Roth, recurring throughout his body of work. Neither curved nor rectangular, it combines softness and angularity to produce an intriguing case that complements the balanced layout of the dial. In character with Roth’s tendency to provide a new twist on tradition and history, the watch is powered by a Girard-Perregaux calibre 3000 ébauche, and is finished, decorated, and engraved by hand.

If sold within the United Kingdom, this Daniel Roth 10th Anniversary Papillon will be subject to 20% VAT.

Closer look

This Daniel Roth Papillon is in very good condition overall, with a few superficial marks throughout consistent with minimal wear. The watch comes with a two-year warranty from A Collected Man, alongside a lifetime guarantee of authenticity.