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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Wristwatch · Perpetual calendar wristwatch

De Witt Academia Perpetual Calendar Bi-Retrograde

Partially verified

This De Witt Academia Perpetual Calendar Bi-Retrograde, numbered 32/50, was produced in 2007 as part of a limited edition of 50 pieces. The 43 mm wristwatch is crafted in 18K pink gold, featuring a three-body case with a polished and frosted finish, a notched and stepped bezel, and a band decorated with imperial columns. It is powered by the self-winding Caliber DW 10, which includes a 22K gold rotor and bears the Seal of Geneva quality mark. The guilloche silver dial displays printed Arabic numerals, bi-retrograde indications for the day at 9 o'clock and the date at 3 o'clock, a month and leap year subsidiary dial at 12 o'clock, and a moon phase aperture at 6 o'clock. The watch is accompanied by its original box and a matching 18K pink gold deployant clasp, with all primary elements signed by the maker.

The De Witt Academia Perpetual Calendar Bi-Retrograde watch displayed next to its presentation box.
The De Witt Academia Perpetual Calendar Bi-Retrograde watch displayed next to its presentation box. — Antiquorum. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
catalog.antiquorum.swiss
Category
Wristwatch · Perpetual calendar wristwatch
Maker / attribution
De Witt
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
77
Source-reported date
2007
Source-reported place
Switzerland
Source-reported serial
32/50

Source-reported attribution and specifications are not independent authentication. A listing does not establish present ownership, current display, availability or permission to reproduce.

Object description

Case and Dial Construction

The watch features a three-body 18K pink gold case, measuring 43 mm in diameter and 14 mm in thickness. The exterior is characterized by a combination of polished and frosted finishes, complemented by a distinctive notched and stepped bezel. The case band incorporates a design detail referred to as imperial columns, and the construction is completed by straight lugs and a transparent case back secured by six nuts.

The guilloche silver dial presents a technical layout with printed Arabic numerals set against a plain reserve. Time and calendar information are arranged through specific displays: retrograde sectors at 9 and 3 o'clock indicate the day of the week and the date, respectively. A subsidiary dial at the 12 o'clock position tracks the months and leap year, while an aperture at the 6 o'clock position shows the phases of the moon.

Evidence for this section
  • “Guilloche silver with printed Arabic numerals on a plain reserve, sectors for the retrograde day of the week at 9 and date at 3”

Movement and Technical Specifications

The timepiece is equipped with the self-winding Caliber DW 10, which functions with 30 jewels. The movement features a 22K gold rotor and is decorated with fausses cotes. Technical components include a straight-line lever escapement, a monometallic balance, a shock absorber, a self-compensating flat balance spring, and a micrometer regulator. The movement is certified with the Seal of Geneva quality mark.

As a perpetual calendar, the movement manages the complexities of the Gregorian calendar automatically, including leap years. The presence of the Seal of Geneva indicates that the movement meets specific regulatory standards for finishing and construction as defined by the Geneva quality control authorities.

Evidence for this section
  • “Cal. DW 10, stamped with the Seal of Geneva quality mark, fausses cotes decoration, 30 jewels, straight-line lever escapement”
  • “monometallic balance, shock absorber, self-compensating flat balance spring, micrometer regulator, 22K gold rotor.”

Condition and Accompaniments

The auction description reports the object's condition using a specific grading scale, assigning an overall grade of AAA. The dial is classified as 'As new' (1-01), while the movement is also classified as 'As new' (1). The case is given a grade of 3, described as 'Good'. The hands are noted as original to the watch.

The wristwatch is presented with a De Witt 18K pink gold deployant clasp and is provided with the original box. The dial, case, and movement are signed by De Witt.

Evidence for this section
  • “Grading System Grade: AAA Excellent Case: 3 Good Movement: 1 As new Dial: 1-01 As new”
  • “Dial, case and movement signed.”
  • “Accompanied by the original box.”

Open research questions

  • What are the specific requirements for the Seal of Geneva that apply to the Caliber DW 10?
  • Are there documented variations in the 'Imperial columns' finish across the limited edition of 50 pieces?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for De Witt Academia Perpetual Calendar Bi-Retrograde
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerDe Witt“De Witt, Genève”
Model NameAcademia Perpetual Calendar Bi-Retrograde“Academia Perpetual Calendar Bi-Retrograde”
Serial Number32/50“No. 32/50”
Production Year2007“Made in a limited edition of 50 pieces in 2007.”
Case Material18K pink gold“18K pink gold wristwatch”
Movement CaliberDW 10“Cal. DW 10”
Movement FeaturesSeal of Geneva quality mark“stamped with the Seal of Geneva quality mark”
Dimensions43 mm diameter“Diam. 43 mm.”

Visible details

  • Notched and stepped bezel design
  • Imperial column motifs on case band
  • Bi-retrograde indicators for day and date
  • Transparent case back secured with six nuts

Research qualifications

  • The source attributes manufacture to Geneva but does not explicitly state the country as Switzerland, though Genève is implied.
  • The condition grading uses a system where 'Case: 3' is noted, which the source identifies as 'Good'.

Photograph identity and source facts were screened before import; rights clearance remains pending.

Consulted source

Academia De Witt, Genève, 'Academia Perpetual Calendar Bi-Retrograde,' No. 32/50. Made in a limited edition of 50 pieces in 2007. Very fine, self-winding, water-resistant, 18K pink gold wristwatch with perpetual calendar, bi-retrograde day and date, phases of the moon and a De Witt 18K pink gold deployant clasp. Accompanied by the original box.

Reviewed 2026-10-26 · Record 0b112abf26

Terms in this record

Glossary explanations for terms named in this object’s record.

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