The Daniel Roth Ellipsocurvex Moon Phases Power Reserve reference 0357BCSL puts me squarely in the dilemma of collector vs. dealer; this watch is an absolutely perfect size and such a curious and unique combination of Breguet 3130 dial, signature Daniel Roth double ellipse case shape (in a perfect and rare size), and an almost Lange Arkade like feel on the movement side via the tonneau shaped DR900 manually wound movement. The intricate and distinct detail is endlessly fascinating, and it flies entirely under the radar.

Made in a limited run of just 50 pieces to commemorate the new millennium and impending sale to Bulgari, this watch is truly special, distinctive, and perfectly emblematic of Daniel Roth’s career.

Reference: Ellipsocurvex Moon Phases Power Reserve Limited 2000 ref. 3057BCSL

Case: The 33 x 40 x 7.9 mm solid white gold case is such a unique size, sitting between the typical “men’s” and “ladies” cases and really making the most of the double ellipse case, perfectly hugging the wrist at just 7.9 mm thick. The white gold case is easy to assume as steel at first glance, making it all the more special just how good the condition is, with crisp defined lines, transitions, and hallmarks throughout. It appears to be unpolished, exhibiting only very minor surface swirls.

Dial: The hand finished guilloche dial pays perfect homage to Roth’s time at Breguet with a Classique 3130 derived layout with the power reserve indicated at 1 o’clock, the moohphase at 6, the radially brushed hour and minutes tracks, head blued hands, and four different guilloche patterns. The arrow tipped hands and “Numero 25” on the dial tie the signature Roth design together.

Movement: The manually wound caliber DR900 is tonneau shaped and nicely finished with Cotes de Geneve, heat blued screws, anglage, and perlage on the base plate. It is winding, setting, and running well at approximately +3 s/d, averaged across 6 positions.

Strap: The watch is presented on its original signed black alligator strap with its original signed white gold buckle.

Includes: Presented as a full set including the original black outer box, wooden inner box, complete Certificate of Guarantee dated September 2001, manual, brochure booklet, cleaning cloth, and original Japanese purchase receipts.