It is understood that
for each variant in the series, there were
no more than 28 made. Each was chronometer-graded,
with a certificate from the Besançon Observatory. One of the earlier pieces created by the legendary watchmaker, after establishing his own brand in 1995, examples such as this
H34 are becoming increasingly collectible.
This watch is one of only a handful of early
Roger Dubuis pieces which were kept by the former authorised retailer
Presmanes, Santander, as part of the jeweller's first delivery in 1996. They never publicly sold and kept unworn from new. This
H37 566 therefore offers a unique insight, owing to its overall condition, completeness and early production.
The design is that of a two-register chronograph, with a
textured, off-white sector dial, with outer minute track. The polished surfaces, dark sector and subsidiary dials form an excellent contrast against the silvered finish, framed within a slightly domed sapphire glass. The feuilles hands are white-gold, while the chronograph hand is blued.
The case is very distinct with its polished, stepped concave bezel and polished lugs. It’s also made of palladium - a rare white metal which resembles platinum, yet is considerably lighter, harder and more resistant to scratches. The three-piece construction gives the watch a bold presence on the wrist, measuring 34mm in diameter.
Powered by the Cal.
RD 56 (based on the
Lemania 2310 - much like the
Patek Philippe 5070), the watch bears the
Seal of Geneva and was
regulated by Roger Dubuis himself. The complexity of the movement is revealed through an engraved sapphire case-back, featuring a 21 jewel, straight-line lever escapement, a monometallic balance adjusted to 5 positions, a self-compensating Breguet spring and swan-neck micrometer regulator.
Viewings can be arranged in Central London by appointment.
