Daniel Roth "Le Sentier" Automatic

There are watches that follow tradition, and then there are watches that quietly rewrite it. Daniel Roth falls firmly into the latter category.

Founded in 1989 after a formative tenure at Breguet, Roth brought with him a deep respect for classical watchmaking — and just enough independence to bend it into something entirely his own. His now-iconic double-ellipse case became an instant signature, neither round nor rectangular, but something more architectural, more considered. It’s a shape that doesn’t shout, yet once seen, is impossible to forget.

This “Le Sentier” Reference 177 from the 1990s is a perfect expression of that vision. Housed in a 35mm yellow gold case, it features a beautifully executed silver guilloché dial with 'Roman' numerals and slender blued hands — all the codes of traditional watchmaking, subtly reframed through Roth’s unique lens. Simply displaying the hours, minutes and date, the proportions are elegant, the details deliberate, and the overall effect is one of quiet sophistication.

Inside, a high-grade automatic movement based on the Girard-Perregaux 3100 provides the mechanical backbone. Finely finished with Côtes de Genève, 27 jewels, and a 46-hour power reserve, it’s a caliber that speaks to Roth’s insistence on substance beneath style. Paired with an alligator leather strap, the watch wears as effortlessly as it reads.

And perhaps most compellingly, the timing feels right. With LVMH recently breathing new life into the Daniel Roth name, the manufacture is being rediscovered by a new generation of collectors — many encountering, for the first time, just how forward-thinking these early pieces truly were.

In a world increasingly drawn to the loud and the obvious, this is something else entirely — thoughtful, restrained, and deeply collector-driven.

Daniel Roth is one of the defining figures of modern independent watchmaking. A master watchmaker trained in the Vallée de Joux, Roth built his reputation restoring and developing complicated movements at Audemars Piguet before joining Breguet in the 1970s. There, he played a pivotal role in reviving the historic house and reintroducing many of the classical design codes collectors now associate with Breguet.

In 1989, Roth launched his own manufacture, becoming one of the earliest pioneers of the modern independent watch movement. His watches were instantly recognizable thanks to the signature double-ellipse case, hand-finished guilloché dials, and an uncompromising devotion to traditional Swiss watchmaking. Producing tourbillons, perpetual calendars, and other complications in small numbers, Roth established a design language that balanced classical craftsmanship with unmistakable individuality.

Today, the brand is experiencing a modern resurgence. Under LVMH ownership, Daniel Roth has been relaunched with a renewed focus on the founder’s original philosophy — highly refined finishing, distinctive case design, and small-scale production that honor the spirit of Roth’s pioneering independent work.

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Analog:Shift stands behind the authenticity of our products in perpetuity.

Condition

Since our pieces are vintage or pre-owned, please expect wear & patina from usage and age. Please read each item description and examine all product images.

Warranty

We back each Analog:Shift vintage timepiece with a two-year mechanical warranty from the date of purchase.

International Buyers

Please contact us prior to purchase for additional details on shipping and payment options.

All of our watches include complementary insured shipping within the 50 states.

Most of our products are on hand and will ship directly from our headquarters in New York City. In some cases, watches will be shipped directly from one of our authorized partners.

We generally ship our products via FedEx, fully insured, within 5 business days of purchase. An adult signature is required for receipt of all packages for insurance purposes. Expedited shipping is available at an additional cost. We are also happy to hand deliver your purchase in Manhattan or you may pick it up at our showroom.

Returns must be sent overnight or by priority international delivery, fully insured and paid for by the customer. A restocking fee may apply. Watches must be returned in the same condition as initially shipped.

We welcome international buyers, please contact us prior to purchase for additional details on shipping and payment options.