Minute Repeater | The Art of sound by Roger Dubuis

Time before light

Since 1997, the Maison has been mastering one of the most challenging complications in watchmaking: the minute repeater. First introduced for telling the time at night before the advent of electric lighting, this high horology complication represents the harmony between mechanical precision and musical artistry as the watchmaker needs to act like a musician – setting the sounds as if the timepiece were an instrument.

Watchmaking meets musical harmony

The technicity behind the sound

A minute repeater calibre requires more than horological expertise; the watchmaker needs to possess a musical talent as their hands and ears must act harmoniously. The complexity lies in the interaction between components, each individually adjusted and set up by hand throughout the final steps of the watch assembly.

The image showcases the intricate inner workings of a Roger Dubuis timepiece, highlighting the "savoir-faire" in watchmaking. The focus is on the Calibre RD118, a movement known for its minute repeater complication. The components are meticulously arranged and finished, demonstrating the Maison commitment to craftsmanship.

The Art of Sound

How to read time

A minute repeater timepiece has two meticulously crafted hammers striking against coiled steel gongs encircling the movement, each tuned to emit a specific sound. The complication emits:

This picture provides an explanation of the minute repeater's unique sound. Shot in black and white, the video uses a striking visual technique to highlight the component responsible for producing the low tone, drawing the viewer's attention to its crucial role in the mechanism.

A low tone

For each hour

This image delves into the dual-tone aspect of the minute repeater complication.

A dual tone sequence

For the quarter hour

This image focuses on the high tone produced by the minute repeater complication. It visually highlights the specific components responsible for generating the high-pitched chime.

A high tone

For each minute after the last quarter

Diabolus in Machina

The Maison takes this musicality further where the minute repeater is tuned to a tritone interval like no other. It refers to a dissonant haunting chord once banned in medieval religious music and known as the “devil’s chord” or “diabolus in musica”. This unconventional sound transforms each chime into a distincive auditory experience, setting the Maison apart in both innovation and emotion.

The image presents a close-up view of the back of the Grande complication. The composition is tightly framed, focusing on the movement and case back details.

Precise performance

Several technical safeguards ad visual aids have been integrated to ensure both the accuracy and reliability of the mechanical symphony :

“ALL OR NOTHING”

This innovation allows the complication to be activated if the pusher has been fully and completely pressed, while a second safety feature prevents the mechanism from being triggered or simply providing a partial indication of time.

Tone Playback Display

An integrated disk that visually guides the wearer through the chime sequence. This hidden mechanism emerges only during the acoustic performance, tracking the progression of hours, quarters and minutes in real time.

This image offers a macro view of the RD107 caliber, the heart of a minute repeater watch. The complex arrangement of components is visible and captures the precision and craftsmanship involved in creating this horological masterpiece.

Function Indicators

Located at 4 o’clock, this display confirms whether the crown is winding (W) or Setting (S) position, helping the wearer to adjust the time.

Minute repeater timepieces

Find your own

More than complications, the minute repeater calibres are sensory experiences. Each minute repeater timepiece is entirely developed, assembled and finished in Geneva. True to the Maison’s pursuit of excellence, the movements are all certified with the Poinçon de Genève. Discover the interpretations of minute repeater where fine watchmaking and musical artistry are united.