Roger Dubuis is launching the first of a unique series of timepieces based on antique movement blanks gifted by Mr Roger Dubuis himself, and each will be restored using the most authentic high-watchmaking techniques. This series coincides with the 20th anniversary of the manufacture Roger Dubuis and will include 20 different creations, one for each year the company has been in existence.
All of the restoration piece will bear the Poinçon de Genève seal and include a perpetual, either by itself, or along with one of these three horological complications: minute repeater, tourbillon or chronograph.
The Hommage Millésime is presented in a 60 mm by 22 mm pink gold pocket watch case with Roger Dubuis’ signature hand engraved on the officers-type (hinged cover over top of sapphire) caseback. The bezel is polished, as are the buttons, minute repeater lever and crown. The caseband, however, is satin-brushed. Attached to the top of the case is a polished pink gold chain, with a pink gold buckle and the Geneva seal engraved in between the links.
The dial features pink gold counters decorated with guilloche-work, Lapis lazuli moon phases with pink gold moon. There is a retrograde date at 12 o’clock, small seconds at 3 o’clock, retrograde days of the week at 6 o’clock and months and years at 9 o’clock.
The hand wound movement, caliber RD181, is rhodium-plated with “Côtes de Genève” decoration, “Poinçon de Genève” finishes, and a special engraving for the Poinçon de Genève. The movement beats at 2.5Hz (18,800 vph), and has 558 components (28 jewels).
Functions include retrograde day through aperture at 6 o’clock. Month and year through aperture at 9 o’clock. Retrograde date through aperture at 12 o’clock Astronomical moon at 3 o’clock. Small seconds at 3 o’clock. The minute repeater strikes hours, quarters and minutes on demand using slide at 3 o’clock. Start, stop and reset for the chronograph at 9 o’clock. Moon corrector at 2 o’clock. Day corrector at 4 o’clock. Date corrector at 8 o’clock. Month and year corrector at 10 o’clock.
“My character has been forged through restoration”, explains Mr Roger Dubuis. “What could be more moving and uplifting than to walk in the footsteps of these watchmakers from another era? I have always felt immense admiration and profound respect for their work, their conscien- tious discipline and their superior intelligence. The overriding purpose has always been to en- sure that all of us who are true devotees of fine mechanisms may continue to enjoy these mas- terpieces – whether new or historical creations – and to pass them on in our turn.”
The Hommage Restoration timepieces will be available exclusively from Roger Dubuis boutiques. The Hommage Millésime pocket watch is a unique edition of one, available at the opening of the Geneva Roger Dubuis boutique.
For more, visit Roger Dubuis.
