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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Wristwatch · Perpetual calendar chronograph wristwatch

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

Partially verified

This circa 1998 Roger Dubuis Sympathie bi-retrograde perpetual calendar chronograph in 18k pink gold is documented as Lot 8043 in Phillips' Hong Kong Sessions. Featuring the manufacture's distinctive early Sympathie case design measuring 37mm across, it combines curved and pointed profiles paired with a shaped sapphire crystal tracing the perimeter. The dial incorporates retrograde arcs for day and date indications flanking central functions, with subsidiary dials for elapsed chronograph minutes, running seconds, and month indications, plus a moon phase display at 6 o'clock. According to the source, the timepiece is powered by the manually wound caliber RD5637, based on Lemania 2310 architecture with a complication module developed with Jean-Marc Wiederrecht.

Roger Dubuis Sympathie Ref. S37 5637 5 in pink gold resting on archive papers with stylus
Roger Dubuis Sympathie Ref. S37 5637 5 in pink gold resting on archive papers with stylus — Phillips. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.phillips.com
Category
Wristwatch · Perpetual calendar chronograph wristwatch
Maker / attribution
Roger Dubuis
Reference
S37 5637 5
Catalogue / lot identifier
8043
Source-reported date
circa 1998
Country
Switzerland

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 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.

Evidence for this section
  • “Lot 8043: A circa 1998 Roger Dubuis Sympathie Bi-Retrograde Perpetual Calendar Ref. S37 5637 5 in 18k pink gold, included in the Phillips Hong Kong Sessions, Fall 2026 . Estimate: HKD $150,000–300,000”
  • “It combines curves with sharp points, sweeping inward and outward around the dial before extending into elongated lugs.”
  • “Impressively, on these early examples the crystal itself was cut to trace this complicated perimeter rather than adopting the simpler circular form found on some later versions.”
  • “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.

Evidence for this section
  • “The dial follows the contours of the 37mm case, with the railway track snaking around its perimeter.”
  • “Within it, retrograde day and date displays sweep across either side of the dial, while subdials indicate the month, running seconds, and elapsed chronograph minutes, with moon phases at 6 o’clock.”
  • “Dark dial featuring retrograde arcs for day and date displays and moon phase aperture at 6 o'clock”

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.

Evidence for this section
  • “That harmonious arrangement of so many indications is made possible by the manually wound RD5637, based on the Lemania 2310 architecture and fitted with a module developed by Dubuis and movement specialist Jean-Marc Wiederrecht.”
  • “By moving the day and date away from conventional subdials and onto retrograde displays, they freed up space for the remaining indications while giving the dial its striking symmetry.”

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.

Evidence for this section
  • “Fitted to a black alligator or crocodile strap with visible paperwork and adjustment tool beside it”

Open research questions

  • Does the movement bridge or plate bear the individual caliber serial number 53 referenced on the accompanying paperwork?
  • Does the reverse of the pink gold case feature a sapphire display back revealing the caliber RD5637, or a solid engraved case back?
  • What specific case and production numbers are stamped or engraved on the Sympathie case exterior?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Roger Dubuis Sympathie Bi-Retrograde Perpetual Calendar Ref. S37 5637 5
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Lot Number8043“Lot 8043: A circa 1998 Roger Dubuis Sympathie Bi-Retrograde Perpetual Calendar Ref. S37 5637 5 in 18k pink gold”
ReferenceS37 5637 5“Ref. S37 5637 5”
Case Material18k pink gold“18k pink gold”
Case Size37mm“contours of the 37mm case”
CaliberRD5637“manually wound RD5637, based on the Lemania 2310 architecture”
Complication Module CollaboratorJean-Marc Wiederrecht“fitted with a module developed by Dubuis and movement specialist Jean-Marc Wiederrecht”
Base Caliber ArchitectureLemania 2310“based on the Lemania 2310 architecture”
Auction EstimateHKD $150,000–300,000“Estimate: HKD $150,000–300,000”

Visible details

  • 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

Research qualifications

  • Source reports movement architecture and technical details that are not visible through the solid case back or dial exterior
  • Movement number 53 is visible on the accompanying certificate rather than inspected on the movement itself

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

Consulted source

Shaped Watches: When Watchmakers Break from Round Cases | Phillips

Reviewed 2026-10-21 · Record 4243d47b21

Terms in this record

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

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