Caveman's Watch Forum

[Britney mode] Ooops I did it again! [/Britney mode] -Date >

Posted By: Ricky Lee McBroom
Date: Thursday, 14 August 2008, at 12:24 p.m.

Like a symphony that blends perfectly, comes the Rousseau Cantata. The dual textured dial is a splendid backdrop for the polished Roman Arabic numerals and slim hands that seem to float above. Below resides a 24-hour dial that can be set separately, and above is a visible indicator that keeps you abreast of how much power remains to keep your automatic timepiece going. And then when you turn it over, you can peek through the small window to see the inner mechanisms that create this elegant watch.



- Movement --

• Automatic TY-2856 movement w/ 21 jewels

• Hours, Minutes, Sweep Seconds
• Mineral Crystal
• Magnified date window at 3 o’clock
• Combination 24-hour & day/night dial
• Power reserve indicator

• 43.5mm x 13mm stainless steel case and buckle
• Exhibition back w/ Côtes de Genève bridges and rotor
• Water resistant up to 5 ATM
• 194mm x 20mm stitched crocodile leather
• Stainless steel buckle

For more information: www.rousseauwatches.com



One of the oldest watches bearing a signature from a Geneva Master Watchmaker lies in the Cluny Museum, Paris, France. The signature is that of Jean Rousseau engraved upon the case of a watch taking the form of Death's Head. In engraving his signature upon such a startling creation, perhaps Rousseau cheated mortality somewhat. Less romantic is the notion that years of making timepieces must have agreed with him, for he lived to be an old man of nearly 80, from 1606 to 1684.

Whether or not one cares to read a mystery into Jean Rousseau's legacy, the truth of the matter is he is quite immortal. Mortality, however, was not cheated. Immortality was earned.

Jean Rousseau labored more as a craftsman than an artist. Early in his career were the days, scholars believe, when watchmakers performed every facet of their creation, rather than handing off certain tasks to specialists, as would be the case throughout the industry within fifty years. This would explain the relatively simple designs of Rousseau and his contemporaries compared to their apprenticed workers a mere two generations later.

Rousseau had no trouble changing with the times, was ahead of the game for his overall knowledge of the industry. Not only had his productivity increased in watch manufacturing, he'd been responsible for many more mouths to feed in his family. Having produced twelve children, seven were sons whom he designated toward specialized fields of study in the family business. The Patriarch and master teacher he was, the elder Rousseau took care to assign his sons into fields he saw coming most naturally to each. Five of the sons took to their trade sufficiently that their names brightened the Rousseau legacy.

David inherited his father's gifts. Soon he became a master watchmaker of renown creating stunning watches with alarm movements. He also inherited his father's gift for longevity and outstripped it, nearly seeing 100 years from 1641-1738.

Jacques (Jacob) also was a master watchmaker but had apprenticed in lapidary. So versatile were his skills in working in business and with people that his father sent him to London to represent the Rousseau family business in that huge marketplace.

The combined forces of experiences, craftsmanship and artistry had all come into place. Andre's goldsmith apprenticeship in Hamburg well completed and added upon, Louys' lapidary expertise soon to come, and brother Noel's designation as yet another master watchmaker in the family, the Rousseau name would surely be immortal among watchmakers and among watches.

And so, today the Rousseau family of watches carries on as immortal as time itself, as memorable as the genius-family of watchmakers. These timepieces carry the spirit of their namesake with movements as smooth as the heavens with a polished glacial finish, and as sturdy and firm as the mountains surrounding a Swiss village.

Warranty

ONE YEAR limited manufacturer’s warranty.

* Content of this page taken from the  seller's auction text.

Messages In This Thread

[Britney mode] Ooops I did it again! [/Britney mode] -Date > (views: 1)
Ricky Lee McBroom -- Thursday, 14 August 2008, at 12:24 p.m.

I really like the case on that Rousseau. Mine is not a but...
gigfy -- Thursday, 14 August 2008, at 5:27 p.m.

I still like it anyway. BTW, it's a .

Cheers,
gigfy

I like the case on yours, too, particularly..
Ricky Lee McBroom -- Thursday, 14 August 2008, at 9:30 p.m.

..the shape of the lugs! Reminds me of my Erdi 16-Jewel.

And, yes, the case design is one of the things I like about the Cantata. The itself was the main attraction, of course, since I know and love it from the .

Ironically, I'm not a big fan of Roman numeral dials, which is probably the most striking design cue of the Cantata. However, since I don't own any, it fills a hole in my collection. Well, OK, OK, I do have a couple of Roman numeral dials. But they're so cheesily executed, so obviously disposable, they don't really count.

And, in the end, I just may end up modding this watch. We'll see..

-Ricky

Am I the only one who finds these outlandish Myth Brand "histories" amusing? >>
Ricky Lee McBroom -- Thursday, 14 August 2008, at 4:50 p.m.

AKA Mushroom Brands. I mean, come on! There was a Jean Rousseau (1644 – 1699) who was a composer and viola player. And then philosopher Jean-Jacques Rousseau (1712 - 1778), of course. You've even got a custom watch strap maker Jean Rousseau.

But the Jean Rousseau (1606 - 1684) these guys are talkin' bout? The one that produced 12 kids, 7 of whom went on to become Master Watchmakers? Can't Google up a durned thing on him. What a coincidence!

-Ricky

They are always good for a laugh, like the fable surrounding the Stauer Ritorno.
Allan Zirlin -- Thursday, 14 August 2008, at 8:18 p.m.

Congrats Ricky Lee. That one has been on my radar. >>
Adam in NYC -- Thursday, 14 August 2008, at 2:57 p.m.
BTW, did you get it on ? TIA

Adam! Yes, I got it via an Best Offer.
Ricky Lee McBroom -- Thursday, 14 August 2008, at 4:30 p.m.

They've got it on the dandydealz.com web site for $59.95, so I initially put in a Best Offer of $50. Hey, never hurts to try! They rejected that within minutes, so I made the next offer $62. What's the use of quibbling over a couple of bucks?

The grand total w/ USPS Priority shipping was $69.75, so still not too bad. If it's half as nicely finished as the , I'll be a happy camper!

-Ricky

Very dressy Rick. Enjoy
Hector -- Thursday, 14 August 2008, at 1:42 p.m.

COOL
watchboy -- Thursday, 14 August 2008, at 1:28 p.m.

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