Some watches are made to simply tell time, others are just designed to be nothing more than accessories. But these two timepieces are both of that and more!
From a milestone relaunch to a hypnotic gemstone creation, here are two new watches made to impress!
Daniel Roth’s Extra Plat Souscription
After its successful relaunch last year, independent Swiss watchmaking brand Daniel Roth has made another big splash with the unveiling of its modern-day revival of the beloved Extra Plat Souscription.
This new piece marks the second model in the brand’s coveted Souscription series, a line that has been praised for its functional elegance trapped in an ultra-thin design. This newest addition pays homage to not only its predecessor, but to the brand’s origins as a whole; it echoes the Tourbilllon in style and craftsmanship with a new mechanical movement, the DR002. The potent heart was specially-developed for this line and displays Daniel Roth’s commitment to impressive technical engineering and elegant design.
The creation comes in an 18k yellow gold case with a matching dial, the latter of which is further decorated with clou de Paris hand-guilloché. Additionally, a fillet sauté border has been applied with the help of a historical machine from the 1850s, which completes the chapter ring and base. All of this is done by a single artisan who painstakingly creates these watches from the ground up. From meticulously turning both dial components in-house at La Fabrique du Temps, to dedicating at least 10 hours to hand-guilloché work for each dial, this master craftsman was able to recreate this tedious and precise work throughout all the limited 20 examples.
As mentioned earlier, the piece comes in a slim profile, registering at 7.7mm in thickness, but it also has a diameter of 35.5mm, guaranteeing that you can tell the time and see the details in the watch at a glance. Despite this smaller frame, each lug is also produced separately and was carefully soldered to the case body by hand. Tying it all together is a light beige-brown calfskin strap which complements the gold, further elevating it, while also breaking its monotony.
Daniel Roth’s Extra Plat Souscription is available for purchase at physical stores, retailing for CHF45,000 (~RM220,632). For more information or to find a distributor, click here.
Gérald Genta’s “Gentissima Oursin Fire Opal”
The fourth in the Gentissima Oursin series, this limited-edition watch honours Gérald Genta’s visionary legacy while demonstrating the brand’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of watchmaking.
Fire opals, which are prized for their flaming hues and come from Mexico’s volcanic landscapes, are honoured in the watch’s design. Individually screwed into a yellow gold 3N casing, these colourful stones stand for life and warmth. The design, which features 137 carefully positioned fire opals around a 36.5mm diameter case, exudes style, originality, and an everlasting link to the natural world.
The orange cornelian dial at the centre of the timepiece is highlighted by yellow gold markers. Genta’s love of natural hues and the way light interacts with jewels is celebrated in this style. His distinctive design philosophy is seen in the delicately octagonal corners and faceted crystal. The GG-005 Zenith Elite automatic movement, which has a 50-hour power reserve, powers the watch. It is augmented with a custom oscillating mass made of 18-karat yellow gold.
The spiky shape of a sea urchin served as the inspiration for the 1994 launch of the Gentissima Oursin collection in Corsica. This personal story is carried on decades later by the Fire Opal version, which combines technical mastery, artistry, and rarity.
The Gentissima Oursin Fire Opal is slated for release in May 2025, with details on its price as well as where to purchase it to follow.
