Roger Dubuis Sympathie Bi-Retrograde Perpetual Calendar Ref. S37 5637 5

Technical characteristics

Type

Perpetual calendar watch

Caliber

RD5637

Case Size

37mm

Reference

S37 5637 5

Case Material

18k pink gold

Place recorded

Switzerland

Maker / attribution

Roger Dubuis

Design

Visible features

• Complex multi-faceted pink gold case with pointed corners and shaped bezel • Dark dial featuring retrograde arcs for day and date displays and moon phase aperture at 6 o'clock • Fitted to a black alligator or crocodile strap with visible paperwork and adjustment tool beside it

Case Architecture and Form

Catalogued as Lot 8043 in Phillips' Hong Kong Sessions, Fall 2026, this circa 1998 Roger Dubuis Sympathie wristwatch features an 18k pink gold case measuring 37mm across. The early Sympathie profile diverges from standard round case formats by combining curves with sharp points that contour inward and outward around the dial, extending into elongated lugs. As documented by the source, early examples featured a crystal cut specifically to follow the complex perimeter of the case, unlike some later versions that adopted simpler circular crystals. Existing visual inspection records confirm a complex multi-faceted pink gold case with pointed corners and shaped bezel.

Dial Display and Complication Layout

The dial follows the contours of the 37mm case, bordered by a railway track snaking along the perimeter. It organizes bi-retrograde perpetual calendar and chronograph functions across a symmetrical arrangement. Retrograde displays for the day and date sweep across either side of the dial, while subsidiary dials indicate elapsed chronograph minutes, running seconds, and the month. Visual observations note a dark dial featuring retrograde arcs for day and date displays and moon phase aperture at 6 o'clock.

Documentation and Inspection Limitations

Direct visual observation records the watch fitted to a black alligator or crocodile strap with visible paperwork and an adjustment tool beside it. The dating of circa 1998 is source-reported and remains approximate. Specific internal movement markings and case serial engravings are not recorded in this source. A movement number 53 is visible on accompanying documentation rather than confirmed directly from uncased movement parts.

Reported Movement and Technical Specification

The auction source reports that the timepiece is powered by the manually wound caliber RD5637, built upon the Lemania 2310 architecture. This base movement is fitted with a complication module developed by Roger Dubuis and movement specialist Jean-Marc Wiederrecht. According to the source, reconfiguring the day and date away from conventional subdials onto retrograde displays allowed space for the remaining indications while establishing dial symmetry. However, technical movement details are reported by the source rather than verified through visual inspection of the movement assembly.

Identification

Reference

S37 5637 5

Lot Number

8043

Source note

Facts transcribed from the linked source listing or collection record. Attribution and specifications are source-reported and have not been independently authenticated.

Catalogue references

No catalogue numbers recorded. Numbers are only published once transcribed from a verified edition of a standard catalogue — they are never inferred.