It was the year of 1751 which marked the founding of the DuBois et Fils company in Le Locle, Switzerland. The oldest watchmaking factory in Switzerland is still to this day owned by the DuBois family which since then has been transformed into a small lodging house for guests who can admire the company’s original watch making studios, workbenches and equipment whilst enjoying their stay in the picturesque village. Since DuBuois et Fils watches have been taken over by new CEO and owner of the Swiss watch factory in 2010, Thomas Steinemann focuses on producing small unique collections produced in maximum quantities of 99 pieces for each design. DuBois et Fils watches are defined as understated mechanical timepieces with a classical styling.
Seeking to leverage DuBois et Fils historical roots as a Swiss watch producer, the new DBF003-07 2 Hands and Small Seconds Limited Edition watch uses a unique blend of premium materials to construct a hardy framework for enclosing its stunning typography of artisan skill. Although this new model remains faithful to the brand’s typical designs of a traditional dial with classic indexes, the DBF003-07 model also adopts a rather sporty feel. Using the so-called British Green colour, commonly seen in the auto racing industry, the dial acts as a beautiful mantle for a number of extraordinary DuBois et Fils touches. The choice of a high-gloss green painted hue seems a v
ery ideal colour for a timepiece from the iconic brand. The DBF003-07 2 Hands and Small Seconds Limited Edition watch is noble, discreet and understated. The watch showcases a big date which undoubtedly becomes the central attraction of the timepiece. Sitting stealthily beneath the twelfth hour marker, the white digits jump out from the beautifully lacquered dial with Guilloche flange. Whilst wearing the watch, it becomes apparent that DuBois et Fils are one of the very few brands that achieve an expert balance between practicality and elegance. The watch not only delivers a highly legible and easy to read display, but grows in confidence as it sits against the skin. The somewhat more subtle delights emanate through details such as the interplay of polished and matte brushed surfaces of the 40mm multi-piece case made from solid 316L stainless steel material. The rhodium plated Arabic numerals and indexes interact with a set of contemporary carved Superluminova coated hour and minute indices which grace the circumference of the dial with ease. The ability to be able to peer into the face of the watch and see every intricately fine detail without the interruption of light reflection is thanks to the brand’s decision to implement all of their Duboi et Fils watches with a double sided anti-reflective and scratch resistant sapphire crystal glass front and back. In particular, the exhibition case back is a fine thing in itself. Allowing the wearer to appreciate the internal synergy that surrounds the mechanical calibre 0014000 through remarkable optical depths, only adds to the overwhelming sense of affection for this timepiece which grows with every minute on the wrist. The ETA 2893-DD14000 bears 26 jewels and offers an appealing 42 hours of power reserve. A patented DuBois et Fils pattern decorates the nickel plated oscillating weight of the movement perfectly – another nod to the brand’s breathtaking level of skill and finesse. In terms of functionality, the DuBois et Fils DBF003-07 2 Hands and Small Seconds Limited Edition watch is simple but effective. A small seconds counter is placed at the 6 o’clock location whilst a 5ATM water resistance protects the mechanism from any unnecessary moisture damage. The authentic brown leather strap fitted with rubber lining and a stainless steel pin buckle gives the timepiece a definitive vintage-infused vibe, enhanced by the clever choice in colour combinations as well as its textural effects and ultra-tough materials.
More information on the DuBois et Fils DBF003-07 2 Hands and Small Seconds Limited Edition can be found here.
