DuBois et Fils DBF003-07
Angus Davies provides a ‘hands-on’ review of the new DuBois et fils DBF003-07. This watch features a big date complication with a visually striking bottle green dial.
This detailed review of the DuBois et Fils DBF003-07 includes live images, specification details and price.
Throughout history, dates have been used to label momentous events. My parents and their peers would remark, “Where were you when Kennedy was shot?”. The assassination of JFK, John Fitzgerald Kennedy, on the 22nd November 1963 was of huge historical significance and the date became etched on the minds of a generation.
The importance of two digits which denote a date should never be overlooked. A forgotten birthday can be a source of much upset. Many men have been on the wrong end of a tongue-lashing for absentmindedly forgetting an anniversary.
One or two numerals can mean so much. Sometimes a small aperture at 3 o’clock employing a sole disc seems inadequate when it comes to conveying the importance of a date. A big date, which is technically more complex, bestows more gravitas than the typical indication often found adjacent 3 o’clock.
DuBois et fils has been hard at work again, launching a further new model, the DBF003-07, which sports a striking bottle green dial. The date display on this watch boldly proclaims the prevailing date via two apertures below noon, ensuring there is no ambiguity and no excuse for overlooking a significant date.
The dial
The bottle green hue is a new shade not previously seen on DuBois et fils timepieces. It confers a unique mien which arrests attention and makes observers enquire of the name of this very eye-catching watch.
This is a highly individual timepiece and I found the bold colourway especially appealing. Nevertheless, I concede that some bold tinctures, this one included, can polarise opinion and some readers may not share my appetite for the deliciously hued dial.
However, do not despair, DuBois et fils also offers the watch with a black dial, presented on a metal bracelet, as well as an anthracite coloured option partnered with a coordinating calf leather strap.
This small independent watch company has expended much effort on refining the dial to an elevated standard. The dial surface is lacquered and the flange features an exquisite guilloché motif. The DuBois et Fils DBF003-07 masterfully utilises textures and depths. The hours are denoted with a combination of rhodium plated applied markers and Arabic numerals. These lustrously shine in ambient light and the font of the Arabic numerals, sans serifs, appears modern and crisp.
The hours and minutes are imparted with rhodium plated hands which are lined with luminescent material, aiding nocturnal legibility. The minute hand is open-worked near its fulcrum, revealing a smidgen of dial surface beneath, save for the time when the minute hand sits directly above the hour hand.
A small seconds display is positioned above 6 o’clock and incorporates snailed detail and the company’s fir tree emblem. This subdial is delivered in black and delivers an interesting contrast with the adjacent dial canvas.
Positioned near the periphery of the dial, located between the hour markings and the guilloché flange, are a combination of neat, slender strokes and orderly dots which aid the wearer when reading off the prevailing time.
Most impressive, and arguably the pièce de résistance of the dial display, is the large date indication. White text, clean-cut in demeanour, is presented in comely contrast to the black background, imparting the prevailing date with absolute clarity.
The case
The stainless steel case successfully combines polished and satin-brushed surfaces. The fastidious attention to detail is what distinguishes this watch as special.
The case back is retained with four screws, each featuring a unique screw head consisting of the brand’s fir tree logo in relief. The crown tapers slightly and has been knurled in such a way as to proffer ease of operation and smile-inducing tactility.
Where I would seek one change is the 40mm case diameter of the watch, it felt just a tad small for my behemoth wrists and I would have preferred a diameter of 43 – 44mm. However, as I often remark, I am larger than the average purchaser and the scale of this watch is likely to fulfil the wishes and desires of the majority of buyers.
One thing is certain, the DuBois et Fils DBF003-07 is incredibly comfortable to wear. The strap readily encircles the wrist by virtue of its short horns.
I especially appreciate the sumptuous feel of the calf skin strap which is rubber lined. Quite simply, it feels like a quality item. The strap features rectangular shaped holes which interface with the flat profile of the pin found on the buckle and don’t distort as readily with repeated use. I wish all leather straps were like this.
The movement
An exhibition caseback reveals the self-winding ETA 2893-DD14000 movement. DuBois et fils has partnered a self-winding ETA movement with a Dubois-Dépraz 14000 module. This latter module is responsible for the small seconds display and big date indication.
The frequency of the balance is 28,800 vph (4Hz), the movement features 26 jewels and the power reserve is 42 hours.
The oscillating mass is partially open-worked, adorned with the company’s fir tree logo. It is nickel plated and features a vertical brush pattern. Beneath the rotor, perlage is much in evidence. Whilst this may not be the last word in haute horlogerie, it proffers pleasing finishing which is certainly impressive considering the modest price point of the watch.
Closing remarks
DuBois et fils is an interesting brand because it does not choose to serially produce huge numbers of watches, but recognises that individuals appreciate being one of a few rather than becoming lost in a crowd of many.
The DuBois et Fils DBF003-07 is limited to 99 examples and proves very memorable for its unusual dial colour and big date complication.
In producing a timepiece with a big date display, displayed via two apertures, DuBois et fils has removed any excuse for missing a significant date. Husbands can no longer say they forgot an anniversary whilst wearing the DuBois et Fils DBF003-07 as the reminder is clearly shown on the dial.
Finally, would-be buyers should also consider the distilled creation of the dial, case, strap and buckle. There are few indications of compromise and everything feels honed to a high standard. Indeed, with a Swiss automatic movement beating within, this is one watch you may well wish to make a date with and swear undying love.
Technical Specification
- Model: DuBois et fils DBF003-07
- Reference: DBF003-07
- Case: Stainless steel 316L; diameter 40 mm; water resistant to 5 bar (50 metres); sapphire crystal to front and caseback.
- Functions: Hours; minutes; small seconds; big date.
- Movement: ETA 2892-DD14000, self-winding movement; frequency 28,800 vph (4Hz); 26 jewels; power reserve of 42 hours.
- Strap: Calf leather strap presented on a steel pin buckle.
- Price: CHF 5,950 (RRP as at 17.6.2015)
- Limited Edition: 99 pieces
Acknowledgement
All images bearing the ESCAPEMENT logo by © Euan Davies 2015
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