Singularly unique
A designer and manufacturer of unique movements, Pierre DeRoche cultivates rarity. Mechanical jewels of this kind require infinite patience with each detail, no matter how tiny, receiving meticulous attention. And this does not include the long months of research and testing, nor the interminable nights when everything goes back to square one in order to attain the level of perfection to which Pierre Dubois, the brand’s CEO, aspires. As this modus operandi is respected at all times and as Pierre DeRoche does not design watches so much as living timepieces injected with their creator’s soul, only a few hundred watches leave the brand’s workshops each
year, a philosophy diametrically opposed to the practice of industrial principles. Choosing Pierre DeRoche is not an empty gesture, but rather a desire to display one’s uniqueness by wearing a timepiece that is truly exclusive.
genetically in the forefront
Mechanics has always been in the genes of the Dubois family, watchmakers as well as trailblazers for four generations. In 1937, Marcel Dépraz, the great-grandfather of Pierre Dubois, CEO of Pierre DeRoche, developed a chronograph movement that was revolutionary for its time. More than 3.5 million pieces were produced until 1970. His grandson Gérald Dubois, Pierre’s father, invented the first automatic chronograph. And, not wanting to be outdone, the present generation of Pierre Dubois and his two brothers, Jean-Philippe and Pascal, invented the concentric chronograph, a Pierre DeRoche exclusivity. These three brothers are certainly not lacking in ideas.
Together, they have developed the first movement in the world able to house six retrograde seconds mechanisms, a little revolution presented at Baselworld 2009. The idea grew out of a passionate discussion around the family table, proof that the “horological chromosome” of the Dubois family is transmitted from generation to generation: a promise of wonderful surprises to come! And in fact, the name Pierre DeRoche already came across Pierre Dubois’ mind when he was a young child… inspired by his grandfather Reynold, who used to tell him that his Christian name meant “rock”*! * In French, “pierre” means stone and “roche” means rock
While there is nothing new about retrograde displays of the date, day and hours, the spectacle of six moving retrograde seconds hands is truly innovative! Thanks to Pierre DeRoche ! While this feature has been introduced to provide an element of fun, it also reveals a totally original approach: all the retrograde hands in this model are driven by gears rather than cams and, thanks to a strip-spring that has replaced the classical balance-spring system, return to their initial positions after “passing on the baton” to the next retrograde hand. This innovation facilitates adjustment and enhances shock resistance.
Not content with replacing cams with gears and balance-springs with strip springs, which improves both the design and shock resistance while reducing the risks of wear and tear, Pierre DeRoche has introduced another technical achievement: a single central bridge for 12 pivots.
The multiplication of hands increases the need for more energy. This is supplied by the meticulously designed extra-large 22K pink gold oscillating weight, which is pierced, engraved and coloured. The ultimate touch of perfection is the cover stamped with the Pierre DeRoche seal.
The seconds are displayed by a relay team of six retrograde hands around the dial. The sector with the moving hand is indicated when the window in the middle of its bridge turns red. When this hand completes its 10-second cycle, it “passes on the baton” to the following sector and returns to its initial position. The “baton” is thus passed on from one sector to another ad infinitum.
A Ground-breaking Idea
The Dubois have been watchmakers for four generations. As well as trailblazers. Between Marcel Dépraz, son Roger, son-in-law Reynold Dubois, grandson Gérald Dubois, and great-grandsons Pierre, Pascal and Jean-Philippe (present directors of Dubois Dépraz), almost 50 patents have been registered in a century. And it is with his two brothers that Pierre Dubois, CEO of Pierre DeRoche, has developed the TNT Royal Retro. The idea was born during one of those numerous and passionate discussions held around the family table: if today’s timepieces offer a triple retrograde reading of the seconds, why not go further and offer six retrograde hands? This required a movement that could house six mechanisms, remain unaffected by their velocity, and avoid any untimely stoppages. A feat that Pierre DeRoche has successfully achieved with the TNT Royal Retro,
unveiled at Baselworld 2009 !
An Exceptional Movement in an Exceptional Case
While more than a year of tests was required to guarantee the technical excellence and reliability of the movement, the design also received considerable attention. One is immediately struck by the powerful character of the case. Designed in several parts in a highly successful combination of different materials – titanium middle, steel bezel, and pink gold horns, crown-shield and crown - its construction highlights all PIERRE DEROCHE’S expertise. Limited to 21 pieces.
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