Close-up of a luxury wristwatch with a white dial, multiple sub-dials, and a black leather strap, against a dark background.
Close-up of a luxury wristwatch with a white dial, multiple sub-dials, and a black leather strap, against a dark background.

A Different Kind of Symmetry

Rolex Day-Date 36 “Puzzle Dial”

Roger Dubuis Sympathie Bi-Retro Perpetual

Reference S40.5632 | 18K white gold | Circa 2002

he Sympathie Bi-Retro Perpetual brings together a perpetual calendar and chronograph within one of Roger Dubuis’ most distinctive case shapes. This example dates from circa 2002 and belongs to an edition of 28 pieces.

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  • Edition: Limited to 28 pieces

    Case: 18K white gold

    Case dimensions: Approximately 40 × 40 mm

    Dial: Mother-of-pearl

    Case back: Sapphire crystal display back, secured by 8 screws

    Strap: Black alligator leather

    Buckle: 18K white gold Roger Dubuis pin buckle

    Signature: Dial, case and movement

  • Calibre: Roger Dubuis calibre RD5632 / RD56323

    Winding: Manual

    Functions: Perpetual calendar, chronograph, bi-retrograde day and date, leap-year indication and moon phases

    Chronograph: Oval pushers

    Jewels: 25

    Certification: COSC chronometer

  • Service documentation: Service papers supplied

Time in Returning Arcs

The bi-retrograde day and date displays give the calendar a particular rhythm. Their hands travel across a scale before returning to the beginning, adding movement to the way the information is presented.

Moon phases and a leap-year indication contribute further detail. The dial asks for a little time to understand, and that process is part of the attraction.

Close-up of a luxury Roger Dubuis wristwatch with multiple dials, moon phase display, and a leather strap.

From the Early Years

The case geometry and combination of complications reflect the ambition of Roger Dubuis’ early independent period. There is a willingness here to give complicated watchmaking a strong visual identity.

The mother-of-pearl dial adds another layer. Its surface changes with the light, bringing variation to an already expressive arrangement of scales and indications.

Close-up of a high-end watch strap with a silver buckle engraved with "ROGER DUBUIS," made of textured leather with blue stitching.
Close-up of a luxury wristwatch with a black strap, silver case, and a watch face displaying multiple dials, subdials, and numerical markings.

A sculpted case frames a calendar with an unusual rhythm. Mother-of-pearl adds a changing surface to this mechanically ambitious Sympathie.

A luxury watch with a skeleton dial showing its intricate inner gears and mechanisms, with a light blue strap and a dark background.