This time-only, automatic C107 was Daniel Roth’s first foray into automatic movements, and was created alongside Roth’s more familiar C147 chronographs, as both a complementary yet distinctive series. This is a remarkably restrained piece that still retains most of Roth’s design cues, such as the shade of grey used on the dial and pinstripe guilloché.
While Roth began producing his manually wound chronographs, he also started to sell his first time-only model, the reference C107. The design of the piece is incredibly pared back, with only an hour and minute hand. This also marked Roth’s first attempt at making an automatic movement, which required moving away from the Lemania ébauches he had previously used.
This C107 houses a Frederic Piguet 71 movement, which is one of the thinnest automatic calibres ever produced. This was yet another movement which Roth had used during his time at Breguet. These C107 pieces were offered with both closed and open casebacks, with this particular example falling into the former category.
If we focus on the dial, we see that it features Roth’s archetypal pinstripe guilloche, in addition to bearing Roth’s signature just under 12 o’clock and the number of the piece, in keeping with watchmaking tradition. A silvered chapter ring bears the hour markers, which are rendered as Roman numerals. When viewed as a whole, the dial layout and case provide the wearer with immense visual satisfaction, thanks to the symmetry and contrast between rounded and angular curves.
This watch is an ideal piece for any collector looking to add an early piece from a renowned independent watchmaker to their collection, or for someone looking for an elegant, restrained piece to wear on special occasions. It also comes with a period correct Daniel Roth box and promotional catalogue from the early days of the brand, including wonderful imagery of some of Roth's most elusive works.
Closer look
| Brand: | Daniel Roth |
| Model: | C107 |
| Movement: | Automatic Frederic Piguet ebauché |
| Functions: | Hours, minutes |
| Case material: | Yellow gold |
| Case diameter: | 38x35mm |
| Crystal: | Sapphire front |
| Strap: | Grey textured calf strap, gold Daniel Roth buckle |
| Lug width: | 20x16mm |
| Year: | c. 1992 |
| Box & papers: | Box, period Daniel Roth catalogue |
This Daniel Roth C107 is in excellent overall condition, superficial marks are found throughout the case, lugs and caseback relative with minimal wear and age of the watch. The watch appears unpolished, with perfectly preserved angles and crisp hallmarks.
The watch comes with a two-year warranty from A Collected Man, alongside a lifetime guarantee of authenticity.
