The DANIEL ROTH Extra Plat Souscription epitomizes the seamless fusion of horological tradition and modern innovation, deftly encapsulating the spirit and aesthetic of the storied Swiss watchmaking tradition. With a name echoing the subtleties of its illustrious predecessor, this exquisite timepiece draws inspiration from Daniel Roth’s distinguished legacy, paying homage to the original Extra Plat model from the 1990s, yet reimagining it with contemporary finesse and mechanical sophistication.
Encased in the resplendent luster of 18k yellow gold, the watch embodies a subtle elegance through its intricately designed casing, which maintains the brand’s iconic double ellipse form. This harmonious design is punctuated by a perfectly centered godron that traces the outline, conferring a balanced aesthetic to its profile. The exquisite craftsmanship extends to the lugs, meticulously crafted as separate components and soldered by hand to the case middle, with their gentle rounding and downward arch enriching both the visual and ergonomic attributes of the timepiece.
At the heart of the Daniel Roth Extra Plat Souscription beats the DR002 calibre, an entirely new movement developed in-house by La Fabrique du Temps Louis Vuitton, following the revered philosophies of traditional Haute Horlogerie and echoing Daniel Roth’s devotion to watchmaking. This manual winding mechanism, housed within a case a mere 7.70mm thick, stands as a tribute to both aesthetic refinement and technical prowess. It is a form movement, mirroring the distinctive double ellipse shape of the case, and exhibits hallmarks of high-end watchmaking—a silky, satinated steel winding click contributes not just to its visual allure, but also to the tactile, rewarding experience of winding.
The dial of the watch is an artistic masterpiece in its own right. Fashioned from 18k yellow gold and adorned with a hand-made clou de Paris guilloche pattern, it is a testament to time-honored artisanal methods. Each component, from the base to the applied chapter ring, is engine-turned by hand, requiring a painstaking 10-hour process on antique machines. The clou de Paris design, coupled with the filet sauté border, intricately embellishes the dial, which features Roman numerals and inscriptions in a rich blue hue, resonating with the thermically blued steel hands.
Limited to a mere 20 pieces, the Extra Plat Souscription stands not only as a tribute to the artistry and dedication of its creators but also as a beacon of horological excellence. It remains a discreet luxury, as the undeniable beauty of the DR002 movement is encased beneath a solid gold back, reminiscent of the earliest models in the Extra Plat lineage. This exquisite timepiece promises to deliver its wearer a vista into the celestial dance of time, encapsulated in the elegant simplicity and technical complexity for which Daniel Roth is celebrated.