The esteemed haute horlogerie name Daniel Roth is once again in the spotlight, thanks to a revival initiative led by La Fabrique du Temps Louis Vuitton. Following the relaunches of the Tourbillon and Extra Plat, the third piece, the Extra Plat Rose Gold Skeleton, showcases that the brand is not only paying homage to its classics but is also actively expanding into contemporary expressions.
The new piece continues the iconic ellipsocurvex double oval case design by Daniel Roth, measuring 38.6 x 35.5mm (excluding the lugs), with an overall elegant and compact silhouette. The case is crafted from polished 18K rose gold, featuring classic gadroon detailing on the sides, maintaining the brand’s commitment to precision. The standout feature is its slimness, at just 6.9mm thick, making it the thinnest in the collection compared to the usual 7.7mm. Both the front and back of the watch are fitted with flat sapphire crystal, and it offers a waterproof depth of up to 30 meters, balancing everyday practicality with style.
As the name suggests, this Skeleton hollowed-out watch ditches conventional dial designs, allowing wearers to see the movement of the mechanism from the front. The blue steel hour and minute hands maintain a classic arrow shape, with a clean and streamlined design that lacks any markings or hour indicators, enhancing the visual purity. This minimalist design language perfectly highlights the intricate details of the movement.
The timepiece features a manual-winding DR002SR movement, derived from the closed dial version of the DR002, yet this iteration boasts further polishing and redesign. Developed and assembled by the La Fabrique du Temps Louis Vuitton team, this movement consists of 141 components and 21 ruby jewels, with a thickness of only 3.1 millimeters, a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour, and a power reserve of 65 hours.
Unlike most Skeleton watches, the DR002SR is not merely a simple openwork design. Both the bridges and the base plate are crafted from 18K rose gold, a choice of precious metal that not only complements the case material but also facilitates traditional hand-polishing techniques. The edges of the movement are significantly hollowed out while maintaining rigidity and precision. This entire structure features multiple internal angles that are meticulously polished, enhanced by straight grain finishing and chamfering techniques, showcasing the watchmaker’s commitment to handcrafted details.
The DR002SR features a uniquely shaped movement, specifically crafted to align with Daniel Roth’s double elliptical case design. The profile of the movement perfectly matches the case, ensuring a consistent aesthetic both inside and out. For wearability, the watch is fitted with a beige calfskin strap, complemented by a rose gold pin buckle, creating an overall tone that is harmonious and elegant.
The Extra Plat Rose Gold Skeleton may be part of the brand’s regular collection, but it will be produced in a limited quantity, priced at 85,000 Swiss Francs.
