Time Travel with a Twist: Roger Dubuis Brings His Own Legacy Back to Life
A rare tribute to Roger Dubuis, the Hommage La Placide unites restored calibres and modern craft in a refined limited edition.
To mark its thirtieth anniversary, Roger Dubuis has unveiled an exceptional limited series that captures the essence of its founder’s quiet brilliance.
The Hommage La Placide is presented in just twenty-eight pieces and reflects the spirit of respect and craftsmanship that defined Mr Roger Dubuis throughout his career.
The original Hommage collection, launched in 1996, was conceived as a gesture of gratitude to the watchmakers and mentors who guided the founder. This latest creation turns that sentiment towards the man himself.
It unites restored movements, newly made components and the Maison’s distinctive contemporary style, resulting in a timepiece that feels both intimate and forward-looking.
At its core is the Calibre 1472, formed by pairing the early automatic RD14 calibre with the RD72 perpetual calendar module.
The RD14 movements, first introduced in 2004, have been fully restored and recalibrated, preserving features that collectors value, such as their traditional swan neck regulator and the balance springs produced in-house during the Maison’s formative years.
The RD72 module, created in 1999, brings a smooth and elegantly constructed perpetual calendar that integrates day, date, month, leap year and moonphase indications.
To prepare this edition, Roger Dubuis rebuilt approximately half of the necessary components, from bridges to pinions, using its integrated manufacture.
The result is the RD1472 calibre, composed of more than three hundred parts, each finished according to the strict decorative codes that define the Maison.
Fifteen types of hand finishing appear throughout the movement, all contributing to its Poinçon de Geneve certification, a long-standing hallmark of the brand’s commitment to excellence.
The dial showcases the founder’s favourite biretrograde display, with calendar hands sweeping across semi-circular scales before returning instantly to their starting point.
Its layered construction is striking. Circular brushed rhodium, mother of pearl elements, a deep lacquered blue inspired by Lake Geneva and an aventurine moonphase create a sense of depth and quiet opulence.
The effect is architectural yet refined, perfectly in keeping with the Hommage lineage.
The 38 millimetre case is fashioned in pink gold and paired with a blue leather strap, which features an emblem from the early years of the Maison.
As a thoughtful gesture, owners of original Hommage models are invited to visit any Roger Dubuis boutique to receive a complimentary strap for their timepiece.
With the Hommage La Placide, the Maison celebrates both heritage and modernity. It stands as a heartfelt nod to the founder and an impressive demonstration of what its fully integrated manufacture can achieve today.
This rare release is not simply a commemorative piece but a meaningful chapter in the ongoing story of expressive Geneva watchmaking.
