Roger Dubuis Hommage Chronograph, H40, White 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 channeled 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, such as a versatile white gold case, contrasting black dial, and applied numerals. According to Dias, the initial intention was to actually limit each series to 25. Following the suggestion of a collector based in Asia, where the number eight is considered to bring good luck, Dias decided to limit each variant of the Hommage series to 28 pieces instead.
 
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 manufacturer 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 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, which famously set far more exacting standards than the Contrôle Officiel Suisse des Chronomètres (COSC).

Closer look

Condition

This Roger Dubuis Hommage Chronograph H40 is in very good overall condition. Light superficial marks are found throughout the case and lugs, consistent with relative wear over time. More specifically, on the lower right lug, there is a small ding towards the bottom. The dial, hands, and movement show no signs of imperfections and have been well preserved. The hallmarks on the reverse of the lugs and on the buckle are crisp and well defined.

The watch is complete with its individual and corresponding Geneva Seal Certificate (2013) and undated Certificate of Authenticity & Guarantee. As with other H40's from the period has likely been manufactured in the early 2000’s (and sold at a late date), as reflected on the Geneva Seal Certificate.

Warranty

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