Roger Dubuis

Gentlemen, first and foremost let me just say that this is my first post on the RD forum here at The Purists. I’d have put in more thought on this maiden post  if not for time constraint. Still, I am very much compelled to write this post albeit with some help.

So about a month or two ago, I visited a very good friend of mine who is a big Roger Dubuis fan ;-) As always, the discussions revolved around the philosophy of watch collecting and the like, and I was - and still am - at the receiving end of this friend's gratuitous advice on watch collecting.

Having been quite the sucker for chronographs, I asked my mate "what would be a good chronograph to buy under 20K?" Well the reply was Roger Dubuis, after a short pause.

So that's where it ALL started. However, he did not recommend the Hommage, instead the recommendations were of the Excalibur line. Thereafter, one search led to another on the internet and I discovered much to my delight, the Hommage series of Mr. Roger Dubuis. Since I was inclined towards classical watches, the love for the Hommage series was one of first sight.

I soon found myself pouring through dealer websites in hope of finding one for sale. A few popped up on the internet as 'for sale' but they were all sold to my chagrin. With some help from my good friend, I also managed to bid for one RD H40 in white gold on Christie's but alas, I was not awarded the watch. Finally, my search for treasure led me to Taiwan, and with even more help from a colleague who flew in to Taipei for his honeymoon, the deal was sealed -- I was made an offer I couldn't refuse. I finally became the owner of a Roger Dubuis Hommage ref. H40, the first of many to come (I hope).

Now, I did say I had some help with this post.....and that's with the pictures. My other mate and watch blogger the Raphmeister had kindly offered to shoot my timepiece and allowed me to use them for this post, so here you go, some quick and dirty but beautiful shots of the Roger Dubuis

 

Lying on my pocket square 

A close up of the black guilloche dial that shimmers at various angles -- very mesmerizing!

The classy RD logo on the crown and the etchings on the chrono pushers are both remindful of Mr. Dubuis' attention for detail

The deployant buckle

The movement:

And one last shot, just because

 

I’d simply say,  this classical chronograph is one for the ages – it is an important piece that had been flying under the radar. I love it because it has character and doesn’t pretend to be a PP 5070. To sum up why I love this watch:

1. Heritage and provenance (Mr Dubuis’ link with Patek Philippe)

2. The Poinçon de Genève

3. The Lemania CH27 movement, apt and important

4. The 40mm case is perfect for a classical watch

5. The glorious looking deployant buckle

6. The guilloche dial being a work of art

7. The clever mix of baton/Arabic numeral markers

8. The black guilloche dial/rose gold case is a beautiful combination

9. The price……..is very competitive! Relative to the PP 5070

Last but not least, I just have to say I’m enjoying this watch so much because it reminds of my fellowship and time spent with that good friend of mine. If you have made it this far, thank you for your time.

Best,

Gatsby

These are outstanding images of a spectacular watch. Really, and excellent representative of the formative era of RD, with lots of DNA from RD-the-man, all packed into a package full of vitality and emotion.

This would be a 'dirty' wrist shot off my instagram -- the very first time strapping it on!!

The leather strap is a little too long for my 6.5 inch wrist, so I can't tell for sure, however as of now, it is very comfortable.

it´s nice to see it here as well

Great value for the money, indeed!

Thanks!

Oliver
This message has been edited by small-luxury-world on 2013-12-01 08:51:12

I've been poisoned by that friend of mine, HAHA

The pictures are revealing and appealing.

This is a dangerous place to visit.  Toooooo many temptations.

Thanks for sharing.

Bill

I am happy to share amateur but deep appreciation for the Hommage series. Some of these watches are still priced relatively accessible. I would think any sensible and discerning collector would have picked them up and eventually driving the price up but no. So now is still a good time to buy 

Yes, you are right, there is a delicious life outside the 5070!

Huge congratulations.

Nicolas

Your review of the 5070, datograph and duometre had led me on the hunt. You are an amazing critic on watches which over the years I've learnt to understand your philosophy a bit more but more importantly enjoy your findings and insights.

........and the original Hommage styling is a timeless classic.

Mel

and I like your pocket square as well

Sam

Nt

and a huge congrats! The hommage series are not commonly seen with only 28pcs of each model. I too find them to exhibit the true essence of the RD brand, in an understated sort of way that I find appealing.

Enjoy this beauty with my best wishes.

fernando

...it would be very expensive for you

ok, but seriously: You did everything right and all your arguments are completely comprehensible. Enjoy your piece of art!

stere

Who dares corrupting you with this poisonous yet lovely specimen?     The guilloche dial is to die for!   Now if only this is the beginning of a long and hopefully fruitful journey...    Well done my dear friend! 

Big congratulations on acquiring such a nice piece. I love this one as well as so many of the '90s and early '00s RD hommage pieces. The attention to detail is stunning. It must have excellent wrist presence, and I'm sure the rose gold and black dial really "pops," but thankfully the watch is still a sensible size at 40mm.

Cheers,

John

one of the nicest chronograph on the market today, I have been looking for one, saw few and all went before I could even say: Hi, I am very interested.

I am still looking for a white metal one but I guess I'll be looking for a long, long time

Cheers

Francois from Down Under

Don't know how to find this watch but it really looks fantastic. Hope I'll be able to find one for sale and have the means to buy when the opportunity arises! I could stare at this piece all day.. 

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(Years later), I agree wholeheartedly. Regards, chk

Super well done. Congratulations


Best
Gatsby