Roger Dubuis Hommage Chronograph H40, Blue Dial, Rose Gold

The history of Roger Dubuis is rich and complex, as Dubuis started his career in the 1950s working for Longines, before moving on to Patek Philippe’s complications department. From there he went his own way, starting his workshop in the ‘80s. Later on, in 1995, Dubuis would launch his eponymous brand with the help of businessman Carlos Dias. Roger Dubuis mainly produced Hommage Chronographs in three different sizes: 34, 37 and 40mm.

The first Roger Dubuis pieces were acclaimed by collectors because they channelled the traditional Genevan watchmaking that Patek Philippe embodied paired with the watchmaker's signature stylistic flair. Dubuis' attempt to emulate Patek Philippe was obvious in some of his choices, from seeking the Geneva Seal for his movements to his design of deployant buckles. The Hommage watches, as the name suggests, were designed as a tribute to the great watchmakers of old, according to Dubuis. In 2003, after only eight years, the watchmaker left his eponymous brand. Though his output in the earliest days of the brand was limited, the design and quality of the pieces he produced have stood the test of time.

This Hommage Chronograph H40 combines a range of attractive features. The design is that of a two-register chronograph, with an ultramarine blue lacquer dial and gilt tachymetric scale. The dial features a perlage pattern on its base layer, with gilt printing and subsidiary dials forming an excellent contrast against the deep blue dial. Based on the angle and intensity of the light, it displays a range of different shades of blue; the anti-reflective coating on the sapphire glass further emphasising these details. The feuilles hands are rose-gold, matching the applied Arabic numerals.

The design of this piece with its polished stepped concave bezel and lugs, is distinct. As the name suggests, the case is 40mm in diameter and features a three-part construction. The pushers wear a flared finish, reminiscent of the iconic Patek Philippe ref. 1463 "Tasti Tondi", another subtle homage to the manufacture where Dubuis spent many years. On the dial, each of the faceted indices and applied one minute markers are finely polished, complimenting the case metal and applied numerals.

The watch is powered by the Calibre RD 56, based on the Lemania 2310. The movement, likely regulated by Dubuis himself, bears the Geneva Seal. It's complexity of the movement is revealed through an engraved sapphire caseback, featuring a 21 jewel, straight-line lever escapement, a monometallic balance adjusted to five positions, a self-compensating Breguet spring and a swan-neck micrometer regulator. As indicated by the "Bulletin d'Observatoire" signature on the dial, this movement was tested for accuracy at the Besançon Observatory, that famously set far more exacting standards than the Contrôle Officiel Suisse des Chronomètres (COSC).

If sold within the United Kingdom, this Roger Dubuis Hommage Chronograph will be subject to 20% VAT

Closer look

Condition

This Roger Dubuis Hommage Chronograph H40 is in excellent overall condition. The case and lugs show light superficial marks throughout and are only noticeable upon close inspection. More specifically, on the bezel between the 12 and 1 o'clock positions, there is a very light scuff on the very surface of the material. On the bezel between the bezel and upper right lug, early signs of oxidation are present. The blue lacquered dial, feuilles hands, and movement are free from any signs of imperfections. 

Warranty

The watch comes with a two-year warranty from A Collected Man, alongside a lifetime guarantee of authenticity.