Pierre DeRoche SA/en
Pierre DeRoche SA
Watchmaking in the genes
For four generations, the family of Pierre Dubois, founder and CEO of Pierre DeRoche, has passionately cultivated the science of calculating time, a savoir-faire initiated in 1901 by his great-grandfather Marcel Dépraz, founder of Dubois-Dépraz. He was succeeded by Reynold his son-in-law, Gérald his grandson, then his great grandchildren Jean-Philippe and Pascal, Pierre Dubois' brothers. A heritage transmitted and developed from generation to generation, and marked by over fifty patents registered in 100 years. Not only a family of dedicated watchmakers, but real trailblazers.
Three brothers, innovative ideas
More than a brand, Pierre DeRoche is all about a family spirit, that of the Dubois and the Dépraz families, living since the 1500's in Le Lieu, a small village in the Joux Valley, in the heart of Switzerland's watchmaking region. Today, it is through the Pierre DeRoche brand that Pierre Dubois and his two brothers Jean-Philippe and Pascal explore the boldest ideas and create technically sophisticated and exclusive timepieces, following in their predecessors' footsteps.
Pierre and Carole, sharing an adventure
With their deep horological roots and knowledge of cutting-edge technology, Pierre and Carole Dubois are committed to the development of Pierre DeRoche. Their business is a perfect synthesis of family origins and a spirit of independence, both of which form an integral part of the Dubois family's DNA.
Marcel Dépraz (1874-1946), known as Big Marcel
Marcel Dépraz, the family's great grandfather, was extremely talented. He had already shown his innate gift for making watch complications by the time he became a shop foreman at the age of 25. With considerable courage and ingenuity, he founded what has become Dubois-Dépraz, a specialist in the manufacture and assembling of all kinds of movements. Teeming with ideas and highly inventive, he kept track of all his ideas in his little notebook. Among his best pieces were repeater watches and chronographs. A pragmatic man, he stopped doing "dummy assemblage" in 1907 and went directly to manufacturing chronographs in series. Very much the unconventional middle-class person, he loved his native village, Le Lieu, its lake, walks and local specialities. More than the place of his birth, it was a way of life for him.
Reynold Dubois (1901-1977), son-in-law of Marcel Dépraz
With a watch diploma in his pocket and several years of experience in Switzerland and abroad behind him, Reynold Dubois returned to Le Lieu in 1937 to assist his father-in-law in manufacturing and assembling watches, a position he held until his retirement in 1975.
A keen musician, he had a gift for making watch complications and excelled at the violoncello as well as a whole host of other instruments. It was under his baton that the factory expanded and was conducted along more productive and rational lines. His sociable character and readiness to listen to others brought him close to his fellow citizens, to whom he happily gave lifts in his car, one of the first in Le Lieu. He was devoted to his work, to music and to people and succeeded in harmonising these three overriding interests in his life.
Gérald Dubois (1928-…) known as Dr. Es Chrono
In 1956, Gérald Dubois, Reynold's son, developed the first automatic chronograph. Thanks to his expertise, he marked out a new path in complicated and sophisticated movements of all sorts. These products, continually re-worked and protected by patents, gave the watch sector a new impetus. Now retired and head of the family, he can devote himself fully to his children and grandchildren, with whom he has a meal every Thursday evening, something they wouldn't miss for the world. Nor has he forgotten his native village of Le Lieu, where he is still very involved in several local clubs. However, with three children working in the watch industry, this world is never far away. Indeed, many of the ideas and projects at PIERRE DEROCHE have had their genesis in lively discussions between father and sons. More than a heritage, watchmaking is a passion for him.
Jean-Philippe & Pascal (Dubois-Dépraz) and Pierre & Carole Dubois (Pierre DeRoche)
PIERRE DEROCHE and Dubois Dépraz: three brothers; one common heritage, two distinct paths; tremendous teamwork. Movements are the domain of Jean-Philippe and Pascal. At the head of Dubois Dépraz and following in their predecessors' footsteps, they produce the original complications designed by their brother. Finished watches are the domain of Carole and Pierre Dubois, who have founded PIERRE DEROCHE, a brand conceived in their image, dynamic, innovative and contemporary, but nourished by the 110 years of watchmaking in their blood. Their vision of time? Watches of rare perfection that are living symbols of the extraordinary passion that has inspired this family from generation to generation.
Further information
- Picture gallery watch models Pierre DeRoche SA
- Picture gallery movements Pierre DeRoche SA
- Picture gallery archive Pierre DeRoche SA
Address
Pierre DeRoche SA
Le Revers 1
CH-1345 Le Lieu
Switzerland
Phone: +41 21 841 11 69
Fax: +41 21 841 20 52
Email: [email protected]