Dumoreau DM02: An Architect’s Vision

Dumoreau, a promising new watch microbrand, has been delivering some delicious new designs since its establishment in early 2020. Following the resounding success of its first integrated bracelet piece, the brand has just launched its highly anticipated creation: the Dumoreau DM02. Designed to be a contemporary dress watch, the DM02 embodies exceptional craftsmanship and timeless aesthetics. Notably, despite its Californian roots, this timepiece is exclusively manufactured in Switzerland through a collaboration with the esteemed watchmakers Roventa-Henex.

Carlo Aiello, the visionary behind Dumoreau, boasts a diverse background as an architecture and product designer. His illustrious career includes involvement in large-scale projects such as proposals for the prestigious Guggenheim Museum and renowned skyscrapers by Skidmore, Owings and Merrill. As an ardent watch enthusiast, Aiello sought to establish a watch company that would allow him to explore design on a smaller scale, enabling the rapid materialization of his creative ideas. Unlike the slow-paced field of architecture, where projects can span years or even decades, the world of watches offers a more agile platform for Aiello to showcase his design prowess. Notably, his exceptional talent has earned him prestigious accolades such as the Red Dot Award and the Good Design Award, and his works have found a place in the permanent collections of esteemed institutions like the Chicago Athenaeum Museum of Architecture and Design and the San Francisco Museum of Craft and Design.

At the heart of the DM02 lies Aiello’s fascination with organic design. The exquisitely crafted case showcases a harmonious composition of compound curves, effortlessly flowing from the crystal to the caseback. The intricate twisted lugs seamlessly blend into the overall geometry, forming an articulation that captivates the eye and sits comfortably on the wrist. With a diameter of 39mm, a height of 9.5mm, and a lug-to-lug distance of 46mm, the DM02 strikes a delicate balance between classic design and a contemporary size, making it an ideal choice for wrists of various proportions. Impeccably fashioned from stainless steel with a lustrous high-polished finish, the case exudes a timeless elegance.

Embodying the essence of Swiss watchmaking, the DM02 is powered by the hand wound Sellita SW210-1 movement, exclusively made in Switzerland. The exhibition caseback, securely fastened by six screws, offers a captivating view of the respectable finished movement. With its Geneva stripes adorning the bridges, circular graining on the mainplate, and delicately snailed crown wheel and ratchet, the caliber exemplifies how microbrands are evolving. Adjusted to five positions, the movement achieves an impressive accuracy of +/- 7 seconds per day. Boasting 18 jewels and a power reserve of 42 hours, the movement operates at a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour (4Hz). A notable touch is the inclusion of a large 6.5mm knurled crown, facilitating the pleasurable daily hand-winding of the movement. Despite being a hand wound timepiece, Aiello opted for a pull-out crown instead of a screw-down mechanism, demonstrating his unwavering commitment to design aesthetics. Remarkably, the crown’s engineering, featuring a triple-gasket construction, ensures a water resistance of up to 100 meters, providing both functionality and peace of mind to the wearer.

The DM02 embraces exclusivity with a limited edition of only 300 pieces across four distinct dial variations: royal blue, white/silver, salmon and black. Admittedly, I am biased towards the salmon dial, which is truly captivating.

Dumoreau DM02 Specs and Price

Movement: Manual winding Sellita caliber SW210-1; 42-hour power reserve
Functions: Hours, minutes and seconds
Case: 39mm; polished stainless steel; water resistant to 100m
Dial: Two-piece construction in royal blue, salmon, white/silver and black, with concentric circles at the center and periphery, and circular brushed finish at numerals
Strap: Blue genuine alligator, blue textured calfskin, black Saffiano leather or golden brown suede, all made by the atelier of Matteo Torre
Price: USD 1,250
Availability: Limited edition of 300 pieces across all variants