Limited to 28 pieces, this Roger Dubuis Hommage Chronograph H40* integrates a range of attractive features, from its versatile 40mm white gold case to its softly textured black dial, with applied numerals. The watch is fitted with the RD 56, based on the Lemania 2310, representing the watchmaker's earliest brushstrokes.
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, 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 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 will be subject to 20% VAT
Closer look
| Brand: | Roger Dubuis |
| Model: | Hommage ref. H40 56 0 |
| Movement: | manual-winding calibre RD56 |
| Functions: | chronograph, hours, minutes, sub-seconds |
| Features: | limited edition of 28 pieces, applied numerals, feuille hands, display back, Bulletin d'Observatoire, tachymetre scale |
| Case material: | white gold |
| Case diameter: | 40mm |
| Crystal: | sapphire front & back |
| Strap: | bespoke nubuck strap from our own collection, Jean-Claude Perrin strap, Roger Dubuis white gold pin buckle |
| Lug width: | 21 x 16mm |
| Year: | 2000 |
| Accompanying materials: | Roger Dubuis outer cardboard box, inner box, leather document holder, Certificate of Origin & Warranty (stamped, signed and dated), Certificate of Origin booklet (signed and dated), Poinçon de Genève Certificate, instruction booklet |
Condition
This Roger Dubuis Hommage Chronograph H40 is in excellent condition. The watch shows virtually no signs of wear, beyond very light superficial marks on the bezel and lugs only visible under intense light. The anti-reflective coating on the sapphire glass remains well preserved and gives an uninterrupted view of the dial and hands, which show no signs of imperfection. The case is free from any signs of oxidation, commonly seen on these watches. The watch retains its original crown and chronograph pushers.
On the reverse, the hallmarks and engravings are crisp and defined. The RD56 calibre is running well and keeps excellent time, with all functions working as they should. There are no signs of marks, and all of the correct engravings are visible. Included in the set are the inner and outer boxes and various accompanying documents originally provided with these watches, as indicated in the "Specifications" section above. These are all preserved in excellent condition. The watch comes with a Jean-Claude Perrin, Paris strap with alligator-style scales and the original Roger Dubuis white gold buckle.
Warranty
The watch comes with a two-year warranty from A Collected Man, alongside a lifetime guarantee of authenticity.
