Roger Dubuis' career started in a typical watchmaker's fashion - learning his craft at large manufactures, including
Patek Philippe. These formative years are clearly reflected in the style of this
Hommage Chronograph watch, inspired by classics such as the
Patek Philippe's Ref. 130. It is also similar to the
Ref. 5070, albeit in a more elegant, smaller size.
It is understood that for each variant in the series, there were no more than 28 examples made. Each was chronometer-graded from the
Besançon Observatory, with the combination of rose-gold case and ‘sector-dial’ especially desirable. One of the earlier pieces created by the legendary watchmaker, after establishing his own brand in 1995, these watches are becoming increasingly collectible.
The design is that of a two-register chronograph, with an off-white sector-dial and outer copper ring. The dial is painted with luminous Arabic numerals and minute markers, which add a nice contrast against the ivory-coloured dial and matching sub-registers. The other hands are rose gold, with luminous, feuilles hour and minute hands. The case is very distinct with its polished, stepped concave bezel and brushed concave lugs. Overall, the case has excellent proportionality, sized at 34mm and wearing noticeably larger on the wrist, due to its three-piece construction.
The watch is powered by the Cal.
RD 56 (based on the
Lemania 2310), bearing the
Seal of Geneva. 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.
