Daniel Roth Papillon C317

Daniel Roth Ref. C317 A surprising and elegant white gold jump hour wristwatch with box, blank guarantee, number 43 of a limited edition of 110 pieces

Manufacturer : Daniel Roth Year : Circa 1998 Reference No : C317 Movement No : Rotor engraved with limited edition number 43/110 Case No : 43 Model Name : Papillon Material : 18k white gold Calibre : Automatic, based on GP cal 3000 Bracelet/Strap : Leather Clasp/Buckle : Stainless steel pin buckle Dimensions : 35mm Width and 38mm Length Signed : Case, dial and movement signed Accessories : Accompanied by Daniel Roth special anniversary fitted box, undated and unstamped guarantee, hang tag, user manual, outer packaging The role of Daniel Roth in the rise of interest for independent watchmaking as we know it today cannot be highlighted enough. Roth was one of the earlier watchmakers who decided to thread his own path and create an eponymous brand. He did so in 1988 immediately imposing and carving his personal design language, most notably the ellipsocurvex case shape, hands with pointed tips and dials with either clou de Paris or vertical guilloche pattern. The Papillon (or Butterfly) – named due to the dial’s winged design -was launched in 1998 in celebration of the brand’s 10th anniversary and the very last watch bearing the Daniel Roth name where the man himself was involved. It was made in a limited edition of 250 pieces: 30 pieces in platinum, 110 pieces in pink gold and 110 in white gold of which the present example is number 43. The Papillon features a digital jump hour display at 12 o’clock, the minutes are indicated via a semi-circle indication on the lower section and once the small hand reaches the 60 minute mark another hand appears at the 0 indication across. A large seconds indication sits in the centre of the dial above the minutes indicator. It is interesting to note that in the 9 years Phillips in Association with Bacs & Russo has been holding watch auctions this is the very first time a Daniel Roth Papillon is being offered underlining the rarity of this piece.