Daniel Roth

Daniel Roth played a key role in the re-invention of the fine Swiss watchmaking. He was a leading figure to the movement which went back to high quality mechanical pieces to save the unique craftsmanship and illustrious history of the watchmaking tradition.

He started it in 1976 by working for Breguet, which was owned at the time by Chaumet. Under his impulsion, they went back to the essence of the creations of Abraham-Louis Breguet and created some of the most important pieces of the last quarter of the 20h century, such as the References 3350, 3237 or 3050 to name but a few.

In 1988, Roth started producing watches under his own name. He had the one motivation at heart: to produce watches of the highest quality, respecting the traditional codes of the Swiss watchmaking to appeal to educated connoisseurs. He also added his personal touch to them, most notably by the shape of the case, which has become his signature ever since.

In 1994, The Singapore based company Hour Glass bought the majority of the shares of the company to develop the activity. Still, Daniel Roth remained largely involved in the pieces produced. The idea was to open the brand to a larger audience and to make pieces that would be more affordable, for example thanks to the use also of stainless steel cases instead of precious metals.

This present lot is part of the Roth-Hours Glass era, which lasted 6 years only, until 2000.  

It is typical of the extravagant production of that time with a bright yellow dial. The watch is equipped with a chronograph and date functions which is powered by the calibre 400, based on the celebrated El Primero.

This lot represents an opportunity to acquire a piece that is part of the fascinating history of one of the most influential watchmakers as well as fun with its very unusual yellow dial.